Los Padres Forestwatch Was Just a Fledgling Ly Impressive Sespe Wilderness in the Organization When Martin Stevenson Became South

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Post Office Box 831 Santa Barbara, CA 93102 Los Padres Phone: 805.617.4610 Email: [email protected] ForestWatch Web: www.LPFW.org Protecting wildlife and wild places along California's Central Coast

WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN . CHERRY CREEK CLEANUP . UPCOMING EVENTS . PEREGRINE FALCON BACKCOUNTRY JOURNAL . SALMON RUN . SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN BUCKWHEAT . WILDERNESS MAP

FALL 2011

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Patagonia's Salmon Run Carrizo Plain Defencing Day Ojai Wild! Creekside BBQ November 6 November 19 March 31 - Save the Date!

Don’t miss the 18th annual Salmon We are sadly nearing the end to our Mark your calendar for the fifth annual Run! Participants follow a ‘migratory defencing work on the Carrizo! If you Ojai Wild! on Saturday, March 31, 2012. CHERRY CREEK CLEANUP, Los Padres National Forest path’ along the Ventura River, upstream haven't been out with us before, be sure Don't miss this ever-popular creekside Photo courtesy of Mike Summers from Patagonia’s Great Pacific Iron to join in on one of the final trips to open BBQ at The Thacher School's beautiful Works, looping back and finishing at the up space for the pronghorn to roam. Diamond Hitch Camp! starting line where prizes, refreshments, entertainment, raffles, a silent auction, Contact [email protected] to Interested in planning, donating to, and fun booths from local environmen- reserve your spot on this first trip, and or otherwise participating in this fun tal organizations await. Details at stay tuned for more opportunities in the event? Contact [email protected] or www.LPFW.org upcoming months. call 805.617.4610 ext 2 Indian Creek proposed wilderness area

you make it possible 2011 was an impressive year of accomplishments for ForestWatch, but we certainly couldn't do it without you, please consider making a generous base year-end contribution today! camp

Our local back- Jim Logan country has a long history of residents working tirelessly to defend it. Because of these efforts, the Mike Summers Los Padres National stellar Jeff Kuyper, Forest is blessed Executive Director with ten wilderness support Board Thank areas that are for- ever protected from MARTIN & ELIZABETH STEVENSON you! development, from the mighty Ventana 214 volunteers spent 2,255 hours &staff Wilderness in the north, to the equal- removing nine miles of abandoned fencing on the Carrizo Plain, and Los Padres ForestWatch was just a fledgling ly impressive Sespe Wilderness in the organization when Martin Stevenson became south. Closed down the Cherry Creek watershed to picking up over 500 pounds of BRAD MONSMA, President This year, three graduate interns from unauthorized target shooting and organized microtrash from eight different sites one of its first major donors back in 2005. Camarillo UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental a massive cleanup of the area. around the forest. Impressed with how ForestWatch identified Today, right now, our communities have a void in our region’s conservation efforts, PAT VEESART, Vice President Science and Management contributed an opportunity to build upon this rich Carrizo Plain their skills to ForestWatch, gaining first- he decided to jump in and help. “Think of wilderness legacy. There are many plac- all the needless destructive exploitation that hand experience in nonprofit land con- es in the Los Padres National Forest that RUTH LASELL, Secretary servation. Let’s thank them for their would have occurred if ForestWatch wasn’t Ojai are worthy of the protection afforded by around to safeguard the national forest,” said

hard work! Daniel Bianchetta the 1964 Wilderness Act – places like Martin. ALLAN MORTON, Treasurer Condor Ridge on the Gaviota Coast, Santa Barbara Andrea Blue is a California native who White Ledge Peak, and untold other In 2006, he met Elizabeth, they married in spent nine months with ForestWatch. places that don’t even have names but LOUIS ANDALORO She helped us identify key stakeholders 2010, and now, together, they continue to Santa Barbara are worthy of protection in their own support causes that they feel “really make for our wilderness project, while finish- right. We’ve spent countless hours in the PETER CASTELLANOS ing up her Master’s group project to a difference.” Between them they have 4 field ground-truthing these areas, pour- children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grand- Santa Barbara prevent the spread of invasive species on ing over maps, and documenting their Santa Cruz Island. children. They both feel strongly about the DR. CHRISTOPHER COGAN wilderness qualities. We’ve met with importance of preserving open space for Camarillo landowners, farmers, ranchers, local Sarah Clark grew up future generations. Elizabeth summed it businesses, faith organizations, schools, up this way, “today’s generation spends so JERI EDWARDS in Maine and, among and forest users, listening to their ideas Secured increased protections for more than two dozen plant and wildlife species that Westlake Village her many talents, is are threatened with extinction on the Los Padres National Forest, including southern much time inside that they don’t realize the about how to best protect these majestic importance of being outdoors, getting away an amazing singer lands. steelhead, California condor, San Joaquin kit fox, and Smith’s blue butterfly. TERRI LAINE and a crazy-mad GIS from the city and experiencing nature. I want Oak View the Los Padres National Forest to remain technician. Sarah The result – a proposal to add an addi- helped us record protected for future generations so that fami-

FORESTWATCH STAFF tional 200,000 acres in the Santa Barbara Dewey Bill lies can continue to enjoy, appreciate, smell, precise locations in the field using a and Ventura backcountry to the National hand-held GPS unit, and then took that touch and experience all that the forest has JEFF KUYPER Wilderness Preservation System. It’s our to offer.” Executive Director data to create some eye-popping maps, region’s largest land conservation effort including the one in the centerfold of in the last two decades. this newsletter. Retired now, Martin - a former engineer - DIANE DEVINE and Elizabeth - a former chief nurse for a Development Coordinator We’ve already made great progress, but large hospital in Los Angeles - enjoy being Cassidee Shinn hails it’s going to take a herculean effort to from Las Vegas together, traveling, hiking, music, and grow- SUZANNE FELDMAN turn this vision into reality. Following ing lots of their own vegetables. Conservation Coordinator and loves hiking in the footsteps of our local wilderness Launched wilderness campaign in unbearably hot to permanently protect more than heroes – and with the support of our Demanded stricter account- The Stevensons continue to be staunch weather. So we sent 200,000 acres of land in the Los MATT SAYLES dedicated members and volunteers – we ability in the Sespe Oil Field ForestWatch supporters. It is because of the her out to the Cuyama Padres National Forest that is vul- Wild Heritage Project Consultant can, and will, add yet another chapter to after yet another oil spill fouled two longstanding support from individuals like badlands this summer nerable to development, and 124 our region’s rich wilderness legacy. miles of pristine mountain stream in the Martin and Elizabeth that ForestWatch is to document illegal off-road vehicle miles of creeks and rivers. MIKE SUMMERS Sespe Creek watershed, and our lawsuit able to continue to be an advocate and voice Wild Heritage Project Coordinator trespass in the Chumash Wilderness. Cass also researched several Los Padres compelled the California Department of for our region’s wild lands. trailheads that have been closed over Fish & Game to protect the Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve from severe PAGE 1 the years. WINTERPAGE 2010 10 overgrazing. the great outdoors giveaway wilderness Roadless Rule Upheld by Court, but Congress Seeks to Unravel Protections campaign ForestWatch launches campaign to formally designate more than 200,000 acres of the Conservation groups from around the Last month, a federal appeals court Los Padres National Forest as wilderness, and to protect 124 miles of backcountry rejected the final legal challenge to the country are rallying to stop this bill, 2001 Roadless Rule – a decade-old reg- arguably the most damaging anti-public streams as “wild and scenic” rivers. ulation that protects nearly 50 million lands bill that Congress has ever consid- acres of “inventoried roadless areas” in ered. In May, ForestWatch joined more national forests across the country. than one hundred other land conserva- Earlier this year, ForestWatch and a overlooking the Ojai Valley. The pro- together to preserve the Dick Smith tion organizations in formally opposing coalition of wilderness advocates posal also creates a new area called Wilderness. Eight years later, the 1992 With the court’s unanimous ruling in the Great Outdoors Giveaway. launched an exciting campaign to for- Condor Ridge which includes the moun- Condor Range and River Protection place, the Roadless Rule is firmly estab- mally designate more than 200,000 tains along the Gaviota Coast between Act added the Chumash, Sespe, and critter lished as the law of the land. The rule While public attention focuses on the acres of the Los Padres National Forest Refugio and Eagle canyons. Finally, Matilija Wildernesses while also grant- prohibits most roadbuilding and was economy, legislators have quietly initi- as wilderness, and to protect 124 miles six backcountry creeks are proposed ing wild and scenic river status to the corner designed to protect the last remaining ated a broad attack on other environ- of backcountry streams as “wild and for wild and scenic river status – Indian Sisquoc River, the Big Sur River, and unroaded areas in the country, recog- mental protection laws, too. H.R. 1505 scenic” rivers. When complete, the cam- and Mono Creeks, two forks of Matilija lower Sespe Creek. These efforts also The American peregrine falcon can be seen nizing that these areas are valuable for would give control over all public lands, paign will ensure the permanent protec- Creek, upper Sespe Creek and Piru created wilderness areas within the Big soaring high in the sky throughout the Los their outdoor recreation opportunities, including national forests and monu- tion of these lands Sur and San Luis Padres National Forest. These magnificent clean water supplies, and intact wildlife ments, within 100 miles of the Mexican, and waterways Obispo portions of birds have wingspans up to 44in (almost 4 habitat. Roads, on the other hand, send Canadian, and maritime U.S. borders to from development, the forest as well feet!) and fly at speeds up to 60 mph. When sediment into streams, fragment wildlife the Department of Homeland Security. and represents our – Ventana, Silver diving down (a.k.a, “stooping”) for their habitat, facilitate the spread of invasive H.R. 2834 would allow motorized vehi- region’s largest land Peak, Santa Lucia, prey, they can top speeds of over 200 mph, weeds, and scar the landscape – and cles in designated Wilderness Areas, and conservation effort Mike Summers and others. making them the fastest animal that inhabits open up areas for more intensive devel- would unravel the protections in the 1964 in more than twenty the Los Padres. opment activi- Wilderness Act. years. Over the past ties like mining H.R. 2852 would several months, There are 18 subspecies of peregrine falcon, and oil drilling. force the federal Congress passed the we have met which together have a global distribution, government to Wilderness Act of with stakehold- occurring on all continents except Antarctica. The Los Padres give away 30 mil- 1964, and the Wild ers around the

The subspecies of American peregrine fal- contains more Joe Christianson lion acres of feder- and Scenic Rivers forest to identify con found in the Los Padres inhabits North than 600,000 al public land, and Act of 1968, to pro- and resolve con- America, from Mexico to Canada. acres of inven- H.R. 1126 would tect federal lands flicts and concerns toried roadless force the U.S. and waterways in before any legisla- Because of steep population declines attrib- areas. Forest Service and their natural state. tion is introduced. uted to ingesting synthetic organochlorine other federal agen- Today, these desig- ForestWatch pesticides (especially the commonly known This ruling may cies to dispose of nations remain our strives to create, in one, DDT), the American peregrine fal- go down as “excess” public nation’s highest the spirit of wil- con was one of the first species classified one of the larg- lands in ten west- level of protection derness efforts of as endangered under federal law in 1970. est conserva- ern states for “def- for public lands, the past, a bipar- Looking into the Piru Creek watershed, a proposed Wild and Scenic River area The banning of DDT, coupled with captive- tion victories in icit reduction.” and require an act tisan proposal for release programs, has allowed the peregrine history, unless Similar proposals of Congress to take the Los Padres falcon to repopulate its historic range and Congress gets its are on the books effect. Wilderness Creek. These areas form our upper National Forest now it is no longer listed as endangered way. Dubbed the to eviscerate the allows for recreation activities such as watersheds that supply our farms and that we all can support. These meet- because of its successful population recov- “Great Outdoors Environmental hiking, paddling, fishing and hunting, homes with clean water. These areas ings helped us fine-tune our proposal ery. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will Giveaway,” Protection Agency horseback riding, and camping. It pro- also provide us with beautiful scenery and incorporate new ideas about how conduct population surveys every three years H.R. 1581 was and landmark hibits motorized or mechanized travel, and healthy places for families to recre- best to protect these magnificent lands and will consider placing the species back introduced ear- environmental development, road and dam building, ate near our communities. All of these and streams. Landowners, local busi- on the endangered list if population declines lier this year protection laws and extractive industries, with limited areas are vulnerable to development, nesses, farmers, ranchers, wine growers, are detected. Their population is expanding and would explicitly revoke all of the like the National Environmental Policy exceptions. While many wilderness road building, and resource extraction if elected officials, land conservation orga- though, with hopes of the historical range protections offered by the Roadless Act, and the Clean Water Act. areas seem vast and expansive, less than they are not protected. nizations, chambers of commerce, faith being fully restored. Rule. It would also undo protections 3% of all land in the lower 48 states is organizations, schools, forest users, and for Wilderness Study Areas on lands ForestWatch will continue to work with protected as wilderness, and less than Wilderness protection is firmly rooted in others share our vision for adding to our Currently the conservation measure of high- managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land our coalition partners at the state and 1% of our nation’s rivers are protected the history of our region. The Los Padres region’s rich wilderness heritage. est concern on National Forest System lands Management. Former Interior Secretary national levels to ensure that none of as “wild and scenic.” National Forest has been the focus of is protecting cliff-nesting sites from human Bruce Babbitt summed it all up during these bad bills become law. But in this protection efforts going all the way For more information about the wilder- disturbance, particularly during the nesting a recent Congressional hearing, calling Congress – with its partisan rancor and The current proposal for the Los Padres back to the creation of the Wilderness ness project, visit www.LosPadresWild. season. Additionally, the protection of ripar- H.R. 1581 “the most radical, overreach- polarization – anything is possible, and National Forest includes 14 additions Act. In 1968, the San Rafael Wilderness org or contact one of our wild places ian areas to maintain prey abundance is of ing attempt to dismantle the architecture we cannot let down our guard. to existing wilderness areas such as – in the Santa Barbara backcountry – campaign coordinators: in Santa Barbara importance to the falcon too. of our public land laws that has been the north slope of the Sierra Madre became one of the first areas added to County, call Michael Summers at (805) proposed in my lifetime.” Mountains, the lower half of the Mono the National Wilderness Preservation 617-4610; in Ventura County, call Matt PAGE 9 Creek watershed, and White Ledge Peak System. In 1984, the community came Sayles at (805) 861-8170. PAGE 2 Photo Thomas Stoughton wilderness 18th annual 101 MOUNTAIN BIKES salmon run What is wilderness and what does it While mountain bikes are prohibited in Patagonia's popular 5K to benefit wilderness areas, our coalition took great mean to me? Los Padres ForestWatch effort to initially exclude more than 100 miles of trails from the wilderness pro- Wilderness is an indispensable part of posal so that mountain bikers could con- Don’t miss the 18th annual Salmon Run! The Salmon Run is also an official run American history. In 1964 our nation's tinue to use them. After gathering input Join Patagonia, Real Cheap Sports and a of the SOAR Trail Run Series. S.O.A.R. leaders formally acknowledged the ben- from mountain bike groups, we modi- long list of co-sponsors for a 5K run ben- (Save Open-space and Agricultural efits of wild places to the human spirit fied our proposal even further. Popular efiting Los Padres ForestWatch in our Resources) is a local nonprofit orga- and fabric of our nation. That year, in a mountain bike trails like Chorro Grande, efforts to protect the Los Padres National nization dedicated to making Ventura nearly unanimous and bipartisan vote, Tequepis Canyon, and the Buckhorn Forest and other public lands. County a better place to live by limiting Congress enacted the Wilderness Act Trail will remain open to mountain bike urban sprawl, protecting open space and to permanently protect lands “where use. There are approximately 22 miles of The Salmon agricultural the earth and its community of life are trails in our proposed wilderness areas, Run is a certi- lands, and pro- fied 5K course moting livable untrammeled by man.” but they receive little or no mountain los padres critter bike traffic. We are also working to along the James Bonner and sustain- Shortly after passage of the Wilderness identify new areas for multiuse trail Ventura River. able communi- outfitters corner Act, Congress passed the Wild & construction. Participants ties in Ventura follow a County. The Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to protect Since 1969 Los Padres Outfitters has been Southern mountain buckwheat is a threat- ‘migratory SOAR Trail our nation’s “outstandingly remarkable” TRAIL STEWARDSHIP bringing the wonders of nature to young and ened plant solely found in the San Bernardino path’ along Run Series rivers, and to preserve them “in free- Power tools are generally prohibited in old alike on horseback. and Los Padres national forests. Specifically flowing condition.” wilderness, so trails must be maintained the river, is a collec- in the Los Padres National Forest, it has upstream from tion of five using hand tools. ForestWatch and other Graham Goodfield, Los Padres Outfitters’ been found around Lockwood Valley and Patagonia’s great trail runs ALLOWED USES IN WILDERNESS coalition members are seeking ways to Owner and Principal Operator, landed his the Thorn Meadows-Mutau Flat-Piano Box Great Pacific around Ventura Wilderness areas are devoted to rec- implement a new trail stewardship pro- first job with Outfitters at age 13 and since Loop area. Identification can prove difficult, Iron Works, County; visit reation, scenic, scientific, educa- gram that focuses on wilderness trails then has been hands-on in all aspects of its but this subspecies is distinguished from sim- looping back RunSoar.org tional, conservation, and historic use. while also partnering with existing trail operations. Graham says, “outfitting is very ilar buckwheats by its longer lance-shaped and finishing at to learn more Wilderness areas provide opportunities groups. Wilderness and trail stewardship rewarding – being able to show people the leaves and light rose colored flower clusters. the starting line where prizes, refresh- and join in for the last couple runs of for solitude and primitive recreation, go hand in hand, and we’re proud to do back country and let them discover what It typically occurs in “pebble plains”- char- ments, entertainment, raffles, a silent the year. including hiking, paddling, climbing, our part to help keep our backcountry they’re missing. With horses, mules and acteristically treeless openings at elevations auction, and fun booths from local envi- horseback riding, camping, fishing, and trails open. good food, my clients get a taste of what it above 5,000 feet. ronmental organizations await. To register for Patagonia's Salmon Run, hunting. Other permissible activities used to be like here in California.” include grazing, access to private lands, The Forest Service can approve the use and thus support all the great work that Major threats to the species include develop- ForestWatch is proud to have been cho- Los Padres ForestWatch does in your fish and wildlife management, protec- of power tools and activities in wilder- Each trip with Los Padres Outfitters is cus- ment, off-highway vehicle trespass, mining sen by Patagonia as the 2011 event ben- local backcountry, visit the event's web- tion of (and access to) Native American ness areas, in certain circumstances. An tomized to suit the group. Outfitters’ partici- or other activities affecting surface hydrol- eficiary, and will be receiving the funds page at Patagonia.com/SalmonRun cultural sites, and the control of fire, example would be the use of chains saws pants ride down tranquil and unspoiled trails, ogy, and the invasion of competitive nonna- generated through race registration. insects, and disease. Once an area is to clear a trail of many large downed cross rivers and creeks, enjoy a comfortable tive plant species, like Cheatgrass. Livestock designated as wilderness, it must still be trees after a storm, or to blast away a version of "roughing it" while having excel- grazing and wildland fires also have potential actively managed so that its wilderness landslide or a boulder. Normally, the lent food prepared for them in the solitude of to negatively impact the Southern moun- qualities are preserved. Wilderness Act would only allow a trail wilderness campsites. tain buckwheat and its limited pebble plain crew to use hand tools for trail mainte- habitat. Lane Terri PROHIBITED IN WILDERNESS nance, but if it can be shown that using Outfitters also provides pack support work No developments, roads, or extractive power tools is necessary to accomplish for trail maintenance being done in the Los Southern mountain buckwheat was federally industries are allowed in wilderness, the task, and can be done in a way Padres. They use their mules to pack in all listed as threatened under the Endangered making wilderness the strongest protec- that minimizes disturbance, then those building material, tools and provisions for Species Act on September 14, 1998. In 2004 tion available for federal public lands. exceptions can and have been granted. remote projects in the Los Padres. conservation organizations were forced to However, reasonable exceptions are file a joint lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish made for existing activities, such as live- WILDFIRES AND OTHER Los Padres Outfitters has also supported Los and Wildlife Service's failure to designate stock grazing and mineral or other prop- EMERGENCIES Padres ForestWatch over the years. Since critical habitat for the Southern mountain erty rights. The other defining feature of In an emergency situation such as fire, Ojai Wild! began, they have generously buckwheat, and because of that case, essen- wilderness is that no motorized vehicles search and rescue, and law enforcement donated a special group horse pack trip each tial pebble plain habitat for Southern moun- or mechanized equipment is allowed – emergencies, the Wilderness Act allows year and will be extending this generosity tain buckwheat protection and conservation this extends to off-road vehicles (like for the use of power tools and motor- once again at the 2012 Ojai Wild! auction. was eventually designated in 2006. dirtbikes and ATVs) as well as mountain ized travel. All forest supervisors are We value their commitment to our work and

bikes and power tools. given the power to allow firefighters to to the protection of our region’s wild lands Through proper forest conservation and use chainsaws and fire retardant to fight and wildlife. resource management techniques, the Forest We carefully crafted our wilderness fires, and prescribed fire. Even the use Service, in cooperation with local conserva- boundaries to avoid existing legal roads of heavy machinery such as bulldozers We encourage you to experience our local tion groups like Los Padres ForestWatch, can in the forest, including parking areas, is allowed if necessary. One rule guides forest with Los Padres Outfitters. To learn help ensure this species’ survival. turnouts, and established ORV routes the fighting of fires on public lands, more about their outings, call them at (805) and areas. This ensures that the public whether in wilderness or not – preserva- 331-5252 or visit their website at is still able to easily access these areas. tion of life and property comes first. www.LosPadresOutfitters.com. PAGE 3 PAGE 8 backcountry volunteer journal wrapup Stories from the backcountry that inspire the preservation of these unique wild lands ForestWatch supporters improve habitat and have fun! Personal stories instill a sense of place and help capture that wonder and excitement that we have all experienced when We’d love to have you on our next volunteer mission to create on-the-ground change in an amazing natural setting. Share your personal accounts of time spent in the wild with us at [email protected] along California’s Central Coast. Stay in the loop by emailing [email protected] hunting With The foothills were rolling green and the tumbleweeds enhanced my approach OCTOBER 2011 fish and other wildlife. a camera plain below was carpeted in tidy tips, concealing my presence as I moved What: Micro (and big) Trash Cleanup owl’s clover and other vibrant spring across the plain. The healthy looking Where: Cherry Creek With the area closed, volunteers felt Photographer Chuck Graham shares wildflowers. I dropped my binoculars herd was mostly made up of cows, Who: 80 volunteers good about cleaning up all that they an amazing image and the story in my truck, affixed my 300mm lens to several calves with a few young males could before winter rains washed helping behind it my oldest tenured Canon camera and mixed in. None of the ungulates raised For years, Cherry Creek canyon in the the trash downstream. "The Forest took off running, heading south between their heads and peered my way as they Ventura County backcountry has been Service did the right thing by closing hands the morning sun and a still unconfirmed browsed the lush grasses of the Carrizo littered with a colorful array of shotgun this dumping ground," said Suzanne Tule elk herd. Plain. shells, bullet casings, shot-up televi- Feldman, Conservation Coordinator for LUANN FARLEY sions, furniture, and other trash. It's ForestWatch. "Now we can bring the The sun was my ally keeping those Now within about 100 yards of the elk, the result of unman- Cherry Creek water- Growing up in the foothills of Colorado I warm morning rays at my back and in my first encounter had been a memo- aged, unauthorized shed back to its was surrounded by the beauty and grandeur the eyes of my potential subjects. I then rable one. I fired off a few frames, when target shooting that natural splendor and of nature. Camping and hiking gave me had the luxury of locating a very shal- several of the lead cows raised their has turned the area we need all the help many opportunities to observe wildlife in low gully. I covered about 1.5 miles heads, looking my way while munching into one of the most we can get." its natural habitat and to view animals that before turning west toward what I now those moist blades of grass. That was trashed sites in the many people only read about. One thing knew as a Tule elk herd. After count- the end of the road for me. Once they Los Padres National Thank you to our my parents taught me was that you left the less trips to the Carrizo Plain, there have were aware of me that was my cue to Forest. partners the U.S. wilderness the same way you found it. As if They were too far away to determine been many moments when the historic back away and let the herd of elk con- Forest Service and you had not been there at all. what they were, but I had a hunch. Eyes grasslands lived up to its moniker as tinue with their feeding. On October 29, Keep the Sespe straining through my crusty binoculars, “California’s Serengeti,” but spotting a over 80 volunteers Wild, all the volun- When I moved to California, I found a they looked too big to be pronghorn solid herd of elk was a highlight. I slowly backpedaled continuing to use spent the morning teers who participat- whole new world of beauty in the beaches antelope. I was hoping they were Tule the gully to conceal my presence. I removing thousands ed, and the sponsors and deserts around Ventura. My daughters elk, but I couldn’t be sure. About 40 of After two miles of running and maneu- waited until the entire herd was feeding of pounds of trash who made this epic became active in local beach cleanups, and them were grazing at a steady pace mov- vering in for a possible shot, that gully again before spinning around and trotted in the area's larg- event possible. I began looking for a way to give back to ing west along the base of the Caliente served me well taking a serpentine path back to my truck to continue exploring est clean-up effort my community. Awhile back, I read about a condor that had died after becoming entan- Mountains in the Carrizo Plain National toward the elk herd. Several dried up the Carrizo Plain. to date. The entire Heading up Cherry Creek Monument. Cherry Creek water- gled in a rope left behind by rock climbers. shed has been closed to target shooting EVENT SPONSORS: Reading further, I learned about Los Padres since July, when a federal judge ordered Patagonia ForestWatch, and knew I had found a way the Forest Service to close the area. The E.J. Harrison and Sons to help. Participating in the condor micro- closure is the result of a lawsuit brought Matilija Pure Water trash clean-ups has given me a great sense by ForestWatch and other conservation Lowe's of satisfaction—knowing that I am helping Chuck Graham organizations concerned about the trash ACE Hardware, Meiners Oaks to reduce the amount of “junk” that gets left and toxic heavy metals finding their behind by careless visitors and winds up way into the nearby creekbed, poisoning in the nests and babies of the endangered California condor. A full dumpster's worth of trash was hauled away at the end of the day The ForestWatch folks are great to work with. Their strong determination to preserve the beauty and protect the wildlife of Los Mike Summers Padres and other animal habitats is remarkable, and it rubs off on anyone who has a chance to participate in one of their clean-up activities. It is refreshing in this day and age to know that there are still those who care deeply about the world around them and want to preserve that beauty for upcoming generations. I am proud to be part of that group, and will continue to participate when- ever possible.

It's not only hard work taking down barbed wire fence, it's pretty fun too! eauty inspired the famous sculptor John Cody to PAGE 7 PAGE 4 FOX MOUNTAIN & CUYAMA PEAK salinas The northern face of the Sierra Madre Range serves as a unique ecological transition zone, providing unique habitat for rare animals like the San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard. It’s also a primary flyway of the California Condor, and contains Lion Canyon, where unique rock Salinas River monterey formations served as a release site for endangered California condors. Carmel River carmel valley CHUMASH BADLANDS Evoking the desert terrain often depicted in old westerns, this arid landscape is dominated by pinion-juniper woodlands, dry sandy washes and innumerable narrow, deep and eroded canyons with freshwater springs.

MONO & AGUA CALIENTE Thebig area includes sur the headwaters of Mono and Agua Caliente creeks, and protects a seriesBig of Sur unique River grassy meadows called porteros. Mono and In- dian Creeks – proposed for “wild and scenic” protection – also flow through FISHBOWLS & THORN MEADOWS king city and around this remote area ofArroyo our local Seco backcountry. River These lands along upper Piru Creek are characterized by unique sandstone outcroppings, scattered pine forests, and high-elevation meadows. The upper reaches of Piru Creek – proposed for “wild and scenic status” – flows through this striking landscape. Carrizo Plain

San Antonio River Santa Maria River

new cuyama Cuyama River BUCKHORN This addition to the Dick Smith Wilderness fills in a gap between the existing San Rafael Nacimientoand Dick Smith River wilderness Sisquoc River areas, protecting the headwaters of Gibraltar Reservoir in the Upper Santa Ynez River Valley.

Piru Creek cambria

Santa Ynez River Sespe Creek

santa barbara ojai Ventura River

ventura CONDOR RIDGE WHITE LEDGE & DRY LAKES CHORRO GRANDE BEAR CREEK & BOULDER CANYON The proposed Condor Ridge Natural Area extends along the crest of the These additions to the Matilija Wilderness provide excellent views of the This area forms the majestic southern slopes of Pine Mountain and Reyes Forming either side of Pine Mountain summit, these lands contain some Gaviota Coast, between Refugio Canyon and Eagle Canyon, providing surrounding mountains, the Channel Islands and the Pacific Ocean. The Peak. Steep sandstone cliffs and canyons interspersed by dense stands of of the best old growth pine and fir forests in the Los Padres, and herald the majestic views of the Santa Barbara Channel, Channel Islands, and Santa area also contains the Matilija Escarpment, a 1,500-acre exposed sandstone pine and fir give way to chaparral and the unique white rock formations in long descent down into the Cuyama Valley. Ynez Valley. It’s home to rare plants that are found nowhere else on Earth, formation and the Dry Lakes Ridge Botanical Area, where seasonal ponds the adjacent Sespe Wilderness. Upper Sespe Creek – proposed for “wild and serves as the headwaters for many coastal drainages – representing an provide habitat for a diverse array of unique plant life. and scenic” status – flows through this area. opportunity to preserve one of California's most beautiful coastal stretches.

EXISTING WILDERNESS POTENTIAL WILDERNESS POTENTIAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER

SPRING 2011 backcountry volunteer journal wrapup Stories from the backcountry that inspire the preservation of these unique wild lands ForestWatch supporters improve habitat and have fun! Personal stories instill a sense of place and help capture that wonder and excitement that we have all experienced when We’d love to have you on our next volunteer mission to create on-the-ground change in an amazing natural setting. Share your personal accounts of time spent in the wild with us at [email protected] along California’s Central Coast. Stay in the loop by emailing [email protected] hunting With The foothills were rolling green and the tumbleweeds enhanced my approach OCTOBER 2011 fish and other wildlife. a camera plain below was carpeted in tidy tips, concealing my presence as I moved What: Micro (and big) Trash Cleanup owl’s clover and other vibrant spring across the plain. The healthy looking Where: Cherry Creek With the area closed, volunteers felt Photographer Chuck Graham shares wildflowers. I dropped my binoculars herd was mostly made up of cows, Who: 80 volunteers good about cleaning up all that they an amazing image and the story in my truck, affixed my 300mm lens to several calves with a few young males could before winter rains washed helping behind it my oldest tenured Canon camera and mixed in. None of the ungulates raised For years, Cherry Creek canyon in the the trash downstream. "The Forest took off running, heading south between their heads and peered my way as they Ventura County backcountry has been Service did the right thing by closing hands the morning sun and a still unconfirmed browsed the lush grasses of the Carrizo littered with a colorful array of shotgun this dumping ground," said Suzanne Tule elk herd. Plain. shells, bullet casings, shot-up televi- Feldman, Conservation Coordinator for LUANN FARLEY sions, furniture, and other trash. It's ForestWatch. "Now we can bring the The sun was my ally keeping those Now within about 100 yards of the elk, the result of unman- Cherry Creek water- Growing up in the foothills of Colorado I warm morning rays at my back and in my first encounter had been a memo- aged, unauthorized shed back to its was surrounded by the beauty and grandeur the eyes of my potential subjects. I then rable one. I fired off a few frames, when target shooting that natural splendor and of nature. Camping and hiking gave me had the luxury of locating a very shal- several of the lead cows raised their has turned the area we need all the help many opportunities to observe wildlife in low gully. I covered about 1.5 miles heads, looking my way while munching into one of the most we can get." its natural habitat and to view animals that before turning west toward what I now those moist blades of grass. That was trashed sites in the many people only read about. One thing knew as a Tule elk herd. After count- the end of the road for me. Once they Los Padres National Thank you to our my parents taught me was that you left the less trips to the Carrizo Plain, there have were aware of me that was my cue to Forest. partners the U.S. wilderness the same way you found it. As if They were too far away to determine been many moments when the historic back away and let the herd of elk con- Forest Service and you had not been there at all. what they were, but I had a hunch. Eyes grasslands lived up to its moniker as tinue with their feeding. On October 29, Keep the Sespe straining through my crusty binoculars, “California’s Serengeti,” but spotting a over 80 volunteers Wild, all the volun- When I moved to California, I found a they looked too big to be pronghorn solid herd of elk was a highlight. I slowly backpedaled continuing to use spent the morning teers who participat- whole new world of beauty in the beaches antelope. I was hoping they were Tule the gully to conceal my presence. I removing thousands ed, and the sponsors and deserts around Ventura. My daughters elk, but I couldn’t be sure. About 40 of After two miles of running and maneu- waited until the entire herd was feeding of pounds of trash who made this epic became active in local beach cleanups, and them were grazing at a steady pace mov- vering in for a possible shot, that gully again before spinning around and trotted in the area's larg- event possible. I began looking for a way to give back to ing west along the base of the Caliente served me well taking a serpentine path back to my truck to continue exploring est clean-up effort my community. Awhile back, I read about a condor that had died after becoming entan- Mountains in the Carrizo Plain National toward the elk herd. Several dried up the Carrizo Plain. to date. The entire Heading up Cherry Creek Monument. Cherry Creek water- gled in a rope left behind by rock climbers. shed has been closed to target shooting EVENT SPONSORS: Reading further, I learned about Los Padres since July, when a federal judge ordered Patagonia ForestWatch, and knew I had found a way the Forest Service to close the area. The E.J. Harrison and Sons to help. Participating in the condor micro- closure is the result of a lawsuit brought Matilija Pure Water trash clean-ups has given me a great sense by ForestWatch and other conservation Lowe's of satisfaction—knowing that I am helping Chuck Graham organizations concerned about the trash ACE Hardware, Meiners Oaks to reduce the amount of “junk” that gets left and toxic heavy metals finding their behind by careless visitors and winds up way into the nearby creekbed, poisoning in the nests and babies of the endangered California condor. A full dumpster's worth of trash was hauled away at the end of the day The ForestWatch folks are great to work with. Their strong determination to preserve the beauty and protect the wildlife of Los Mike Summers Padres and other animal habitats is remarkable, and it rubs off on anyone who has a chance to participate in one of their clean-up activities. It is refreshing in this day and age to know that there are still those who care deeply about the world around them and want to preserve that beauty for upcoming generations. I am proud to be part of that group, and will continue to participate when- ever possible.

It's not only hard work taking down barbed wire fence, it's pretty fun too! eauty inspired the famous sculptor John Cody to PAGE 7 PAGE 4 Photo Thomas Stoughton wilderness 18th annual 101 MOUNTAIN BIKES salmon run What is wilderness and what does it While mountain bikes are prohibited in Patagonia's popular 5K to benefit wilderness areas, our coalition took great mean to me? Los Padres ForestWatch effort to initially exclude more than 100 miles of trails from the wilderness pro- Wilderness is an indispensable part of posal so that mountain bikers could con- Don’t miss the 18th annual Salmon Run! The Salmon Run is also an official run American history. In 1964 our nation's tinue to use them. After gathering input Join Patagonia, Real Cheap Sports and a of the SOAR Trail Run Series. S.O.A.R. leaders formally acknowledged the ben- from mountain bike groups, we modi- long list of co-sponsors for a 5K run ben- (Save Open-space and Agricultural efits of wild places to the human spirit fied our proposal even further. Popular efiting Los Padres ForestWatch in our Resources) is a local nonprofit orga- and fabric of our nation. That year, in a mountain bike trails like Chorro Grande, efforts to protect the Los Padres National nization dedicated to making Ventura nearly unanimous and bipartisan vote, Tequepis Canyon, and the Buckhorn Forest and other public lands. County a better place to live by limiting Congress enacted the Wilderness Act Trail will remain open to mountain bike urban sprawl, protecting open space and to permanently protect lands “where use. There are approximately 22 miles of The Salmon agricultural the earth and its community of life are trails in our proposed wilderness areas, Run is a certi- lands, and pro- fied 5K course moting livable untrammeled by man.” but they receive little or no mountain los padres critter bike traffic. We are also working to along the James Bonner and sustain- Shortly after passage of the Wilderness identify new areas for multiuse trail Ventura River. able communi- outfitters corner Act, Congress passed the Wild & construction. Participants ties in Ventura follow a County. The Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 to protect Since 1969 Los Padres Outfitters has been Southern mountain buckwheat is a threat- ‘migratory SOAR Trail our nation’s “outstandingly remarkable” TRAIL STEWARDSHIP bringing the wonders of nature to young and ened plant solely found in the San Bernardino path’ along Run Series rivers, and to preserve them “in free- Power tools are generally prohibited in old alike on horseback. and Los Padres national forests. Specifically flowing condition.” wilderness, so trails must be maintained the river, is a collec- in the Los Padres National Forest, it has upstream from tion of five using hand tools. ForestWatch and other Graham Goodfield, Los Padres Outfitters’ been found around Lockwood Valley and Patagonia’s great trail runs ALLOWED USES IN WILDERNESS coalition members are seeking ways to Owner and Principal Operator, landed his the Thorn Meadows-Mutau Flat-Piano Box Great Pacific around Ventura Wilderness areas are devoted to rec- implement a new trail stewardship pro- first job with Outfitters at age 13 and since Loop area. Identification can prove difficult, Iron Works, County; visit reation, scenic, scientific, educa- gram that focuses on wilderness trails then has been hands-on in all aspects of its but this subspecies is distinguished from sim- looping back RunSoar.org tional, conservation, and historic use. while also partnering with existing trail operations. Graham says, “outfitting is very ilar buckwheats by its longer lance-shaped and finishing at to learn more Wilderness areas provide opportunities groups. Wilderness and trail stewardship rewarding – being able to show people the leaves and light rose colored flower clusters. the starting line where prizes, refresh- and join in for the last couple runs of for solitude and primitive recreation, go hand in hand, and we’re proud to do back country and let them discover what It typically occurs in “pebble plains”- char- ments, entertainment, raffles, a silent the year. including hiking, paddling, climbing, our part to help keep our backcountry they’re missing. With horses, mules and acteristically treeless openings at elevations auction, and fun booths from local envi- horseback riding, camping, fishing, and trails open. good food, my clients get a taste of what it above 5,000 feet. ronmental organizations await. To register for Patagonia's Salmon Run, hunting. Other permissible activities used to be like here in California.” include grazing, access to private lands, The Forest Service can approve the use and thus support all the great work that Major threats to the species include develop- ForestWatch is proud to have been cho- Los Padres ForestWatch does in your fish and wildlife management, protec- of power tools and activities in wilder- Each trip with Los Padres Outfitters is cus- ment, off-highway vehicle trespass, mining sen by Patagonia as the 2011 event ben- local backcountry, visit the event's web- tion of (and access to) Native American ness areas, in certain circumstances. An tomized to suit the group. Outfitters’ partici- or other activities affecting surface hydrol- eficiary, and will be receiving the funds page at Patagonia.com/SalmonRun cultural sites, and the control of fire, example would be the use of chains saws pants ride down tranquil and unspoiled trails, ogy, and the invasion of competitive nonna- generated through race registration. insects, and disease. Once an area is to clear a trail of many large downed cross rivers and creeks, enjoy a comfortable tive plant species, like Cheatgrass. Livestock designated as wilderness, it must still be trees after a storm, or to blast away a version of "roughing it" while having excel- grazing and wildland fires also have potential actively managed so that its wilderness landslide or a boulder. Normally, the lent food prepared for them in the solitude of to negatively impact the Southern moun- qualities are preserved. Wilderness Act would only allow a trail wilderness campsites. tain buckwheat and its limited pebble plain crew to use hand tools for trail mainte- habitat. Lane Terri PROHIBITED IN WILDERNESS nance, but if it can be shown that using Outfitters also provides pack support work No developments, roads, or extractive power tools is necessary to accomplish for trail maintenance being done in the Los Southern mountain buckwheat was federally industries are allowed in wilderness, the task, and can be done in a way Padres. They use their mules to pack in all listed as threatened under the Endangered making wilderness the strongest protec- that minimizes disturbance, then those building material, tools and provisions for Species Act on September 14, 1998. In 2004 tion available for federal public lands. exceptions can and have been granted. remote projects in the Los Padres. conservation organizations were forced to However, reasonable exceptions are file a joint lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish made for existing activities, such as live- WILDFIRES AND OTHER Los Padres Outfitters has also supported Los and Wildlife Service's failure to designate stock grazing and mineral or other prop- EMERGENCIES Padres ForestWatch over the years. Since critical habitat for the Southern mountain erty rights. The other defining feature of In an emergency situation such as fire, Ojai Wild! began, they have generously buckwheat, and because of that case, essen- wilderness is that no motorized vehicles search and rescue, and law enforcement donated a special group horse pack trip each tial pebble plain habitat for Southern moun- or mechanized equipment is allowed – emergencies, the Wilderness Act allows year and will be extending this generosity tain buckwheat protection and conservation this extends to off-road vehicles (like for the use of power tools and motor- once again at the 2012 Ojai Wild! auction. was eventually designated in 2006. dirtbikes and ATVs) as well as mountain ized travel. All forest supervisors are We value their commitment to our work and

WILDERNESS CAMPAIGN . CHERRY CREEK CLEANUP . UPCOMING EVENTS . PEREGRINE FALCON BACKCOUNTRY JOURNAL . SALMON RUN . SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN BUCKWHEAT . WILDERNESS MAP

FALL 2011

Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper join us! upcoming events

Patagonia's Salmon Run Carrizo Plain Defencing Day Ojai Wild! Creekside BBQ November 6 November 19 March 31 - Save the Date!