Quarterly Newsletter of the Sky Island Alliance Vol. 6 Issue 1 Spring 2003

SpringView from 2003 Heart of Rocks, Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona Sky Island Alliance 1 Many Thanks to Our Contributors! G. Donald Bain, director of the Geography Computing Fa- cility at U.C. Berkeley Geology Dept.; Randall Herrin, San Di- Sky Island ego Zoo; Neil Mangum, Chiricahua National Monu- Front Cover ment Supervisor; Steve Alliance Marlatt, SIA board member Photo illustration by G. Bodner. and highschool/junior high sci- Protecting View from Heart of Rocks, Chiricahua Mountains, looking over the Sulphur Springs ence teacher in Bowie, AZ; Ben Our Mountain Islands Valley towards Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains. Heart of Rocks lies Onachila, artist and gallery & Desert Seas within the Chiricahua National Monument profiled on page 7. The limestone mine described on page 4 would be visible from here, looking towards the north end of the owner, Bisbee, AZ; Penny Pederson, SIA tracking volun- 520/624-7080 • fax 520/791-7709 Dragoons. If you were to turn around, you’d see Cochise Head, center of this issue’s featured wilderness proposal. Walk south, and a tough hike would take you to visit teer; Kathy Pitts, flora and [email protected] Ben Onachila’s South Fork Cave Creek (page 13) in this same range. A longer walk fauna columnist; Nancy Seever, www.skyislandalliance.org from there across the Sulphur Springs and San Pedro valleys would take you to Ben’s tireless SIA volunteer for all oc- P.O. Box 41165 Carr Canyon in the Huachucas. You’d have to walk North for several days to see the casions; father and son team Tucson, AZ 85717 Taylors’ bighorn sheep in the Mineral Mountains (page 10); you’d be hungry enough Tom and Tomas Taylor, native Office: by then to sample the entire menu at Los Hermanos. Then you could take a siesta and fish enthusiasts with the Middle Historic YWCA read Portal to Paradise, reviewed on page 14. Gila Conservation Partnership, 738 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 201 Tomas now activated to Marine Back Cover Corps duty in Iraq; staff of the KY ISLAND ALLIANCE is a non-profit Photograph of Cochise Head by G. Donald Bain. For Bain’s panoramic views from New Mexico Wilderness Alli- membership organization dedicated S this and other Sky Island sites, visit http://www.virtualguidebooks.com/Arizona/ ance, and, of course, the SIA to restoring and protecting the unique staff listed below. diversity of the Sky Islands of South- CactusCountry.html eastern Arizona, Southwestern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico.

S TAFF David Hodges Executive Director Table of Contents [email protected] Memorial for a Mentor...... page 3 Acasia Berry Memorial for a Mentor...... page 3 Administrative Assistant [email protected] Rambling Rants from the Director’s Desk...... page 4 Trevor Hare Dragoons Mine...... page 4 Conservation Biologist [email protected] Burro Mountains Policy and Planning...... page 5 Cory Jones GIS Specialist Road Rattlings...... page 6 [email protected] Jennifer Katcher Protected Area Profiles...... page 7 Webmaster [email protected] Policy and Law: Sugarloaf Trail...... page 7 Rachel Kondor Ecosystem Defense and Policy Director Otero Mesa...... page 8 [email protected] Lisa Labita WildNews Tracking...... page 9 Conservation Biology Intern [email protected] Bighorn in the Mineral Mountaiins...... page 10 Janice Przybyl Wildlife Monitoring Program Restaurant Review: Los Hermanos...... page 10 [email protected] Matt Skroch Flora and Fauna...... page 11 Field Program Director [email protected] Poetry...... pages 12-13 Jennifer W olfsong Legal Intern Book Notes...... page 14 [email protected] Cochise Head Wilderness...... back cover Newsletter Gita Bodner and photo by G. Bodner Dug Schoellkopf, editors Board of Directors Seeking SIA newsletter submissions: Rod Mondt, President Send us your poetry, your words of wisdom, your art! Randall Gray, Vice President As you’ve likely noticed, the quarterly Sky Island Alliance newsletter has expanded into a larger newspaper format. We Nancy Zierenberg, Secretary want to keep it filled with inspirational, informative material, and we’d like your help! Do you write poetry? Draw, sketch, Dale Turner, Treasurer Gita Bodner paint, or photograph? Like to address regional conservation issues? Review books or websites? Anything that relates to the Curtis Bradley Sky Islands region is fair game! We’d also like to start a Letters to the Editor section. Send us a note! You can respond to Roseann Hanson items in our recent newsletter, comment on your experiences as a volunteer or conference-goer, etc. Also, let us know if you’d Lainie Levick like to be a regular contributor, e.g. with a column each issue. The deadline for our next newsletter is May 8, 2003. Material Rurik List submitted after that date may be saved for subsequent issues. Please email submissions to Gita at [email protected], Carlos Lopez Gonzalez Steve Marlatt or mail them to Sky Island Alliance attn: Gita, P.O. Box 41165, Tucson, AZ 85717. Resolution of digital images should be at Todd Schulke least 300 dpi if possible, but we can work with some lower resolution images. 2 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Reflections Long Time Conservationist and Wildlands Advocate Passes Away

ur beloved friend, mentor, and SIA board member TRIBUTE TO A MENTOR OMike Seidman battled liver cancer late last year, passing to for Rasta Mikee Seidman the lands beyond the rainbow on New Years eve... “What is man but slowed down light.” Mike spent over 30 years of his life ad- —Mahatma Ghandi vocating for the protection of wildlife and the habitat they depend upon in the arid From a lifetime away Southwest and Northern Mexico. He the mental reality of decaying flesh was instrumental in the reintroduction will be replaced of the Mexican wolf and the black-footed with fresh blue soul rising ferret, and he worked tirelessly and ad- from the white sand vocated on behalf of the black-tailed prai- and green of nature. rie dog, beaver, jaguar, desert tortoise and other species of concern. That world of confused reasoning, Mike served as the Conservation stifling boxes and painful reflection Officer for the Arizona Zoological Soci- gives way to another: ety and the Phoenix Zoo. He served on one of sparkling pinpoints the Board of the Directors for the Ari- in remote shadows, zona Wilderness Coalition and the Sky a hallucinogenic garden Island Alliance, and was a member of the of freedom and forever-ness. Grazing Clearing House, Arizona Ripar- ian Council, Middle Gila Conservation When you’re walking one-way Partnership, and the Sonoita Valley Plan- through the canyon don’t forget ning Partnership to name but a few issues to turn around at the last moment and organizations he was involved with. Mike brought knowledge, integrity Just before the last bend of granite and passion to every project, discussion, and debate. Whether one agreed or disagreed with Mike, he was to finally observe all those strangers highly respected for his unwavering efforts to protect places dear to all Arizonans. you once knew, once were, once touched With your desert philosophy & words, “I’m going to miss you guys,” he says lift yr hand up to adjust yr dirty cap with a nod of yr head & manage them body dissolving, spirit a smirk. strong as always O brother perhaps clearer now, without an intellectual the clutter of a life’s to-do-list a blues / reggae purist these days we walk the line together a desert environmentalist between past and present the nature man never more aware of the divide return to sand Where saguaros march defiantly stories of ‘My Canyon,’ I reach from creosote always smells of rain ‘My Trail,’ Wolves run free thru the grasslands and coatis wake you from your sleep. and suddenly “I’m going to miss you guys,” triangulating on —dp randahl dec 2002 the mystery of future

“Sometimes I feel like a motherless child — gb, Oct. 2002 a long way from home Mike’s family has requested that those Sometimes I feel like a motherless child and I’m almost gone wishing to express their appreciation for Sing freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom, Mike and his work may direct memorial con- freedom, freedom .....” Mexican wolf gets her puppy shots tributions to the Sky Island Alliance at P.O. — richie havens Box 41165, Tucson, Arizona 85717-1165. Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 3 Keeping the “Public” in Public Lands

Friends, I trust that this finds you in good spir- land management agencies The Sugarloaf minates the thought pro- its in spite of these trying times. It is cer- trail article (pg. 7) is a good example of pub- cess of much of the upper tainly tough to remain positive in the face lic comment leading to a positive outcome. echelon working in federal of world events, the economy, and an You will also read about a proposed mine in agencies these days. Re- administration in Washington which the Dragoon Mountains and Oil and Gas cently, due to management seems to behave as if we are still living in development on southern New Mexico’s concerns, Sky Island Alli- the 1950s. Previously I’ve talked about Otero Mesa. These articles contain infor- ance filed an appeal of a the Bush Administration’s attempts at mation on how to comment on these projects project on the Coronado gutting environmental law under the as well as talking points to mention in your National Forest. When the guise of reform. I had hoped at some letters. We have been fighting for the last appeal was complete, it was point, due to public outcry and the de- several years to protect your right to par- sent to Regional Forester feat of ill-conceived projects such as drill- ticipate in land use decisions – please take a Harv Forsgren via electronic mail with email submissions prohibited; and re- ing in the Arctic, the administration few minutes today and exercise that right. return receipt requested; receipt was gardless, he and the regional forester had would back off. This has not been the ********* confirmed the following day. Several discretion to utilize a little common case; every day we receive another re- As many of you know, we have developed days later I received a phone call from sense. Trying to reason with Jackson minder of how bad things could be if these a positive working relationship with local Pat Jackson, the Regional Appeals Of- gave me a more enlightened understand- shortsighted people have their way. Why land management agencies. Unfortunately, ficer. He indicated that the Forest Ser- ing of “talking to a wall,” than I had pre- do these people think that citizens have in the case of the Forest Service, poor lead- vice was dismissing SIA’s appeal due viously achieved. I realized then that the less concern about the public’s health and ership in both DC and the regional office in to the fact it had been submitted via mission of the “New” Forest Service is welfare than we did when these laws were Albuquerque, threatens this relationship. electronic mail rather than the US Delay, Deny, and Obfuscate. These at- passed? Much of the problem lies with a menagerie Postal Service! It did not matter that tempts to shut the public out of public If we are going to retain our right to of unqualified managers that the President they had a copy of our Appeal in their land management can only lead to a more clean air and water, protect our public has appointed to oversee the protection of hands; as far as Jackson was con- contentious future and threatens the cur- lands and imperiled species, and retain our public lands. Instead of appointing ex- cerned, I had not sent it. I reminded rent positive direction of management in our ability to participate in land use deci- perienced land managers and biologists to him that this is 2003 and email is an the Sky Islands. Sky Island Alliance re- sions, it will be because of private citi- leadership positions, he has made appoint- accepted form of communication; that mains committed to working with all zens such as you. Those of us that care ments such as Mark Rey, a timber industry we had sent many documents to the land-use agencies to affect positive out- about healthy landscapes must make our lobbyist, as Undersecretary of Agriculture Forest Service via email and his con- comes but these types of petty, arbitrary voices heard. For example, letters from in charge of the Forest Service. cerns had never been raised by anyone decisions make it more difficult. concerned citizens can have an effect on I would like to share a story which illu- else; that nowhere in the regulations are —David Hodges

Local Residents Join Sky Island Alliance in Opposing Openpit Mining in Dragoon Mountains by Rachel Kondor, SIA Ecosystem Defense and Policy Director

he US Forest Service has proposed to approve an openpit mine in eration were revealed. Local residents Tthe Dragoon Mountains above the small town of Dragoon. Alpha were not impressed with the plans for “If approved, this mine Calcit, Inc. plans to reopen and expand an old quarry on the Coronado clean up. Wray Kephart said, “The ex- amples of reclamation they showed us will destroy the quality National Forest adjacent to the town in order to remove limestone for took place in completely different envi- sale in the United States and abroad. ronments, such as in forested areas in of life of my town” The mine would be authorized under minutes, eight hours a day, five days a week. Germany and other countries. I am not ~ Dragoon resident Wray Kephart the General Mining Law of 1872, an The company currently plans to operate the convinced that they can adequately re- archaic statute that allows anyone to es- mine for approximately 20 years. claim the mine in this arid desert envi- was initiated in the Dragoons in 1872. In ad- tablish mining claims for the removal As part of mine expansion plans, the road ronment based on their current plans.” dition, the range provides habitat for many of certain materials from public lands. to the existing mine location would be wid- The Dragoon Mountains, much of species of birds and other wildlife. Globally “If approved, this mine will destroy the ened and new road construction would take which are managed by the Coronado Na- rare Arizona cypress forests are found there, quality of life of my town,” said Dragoon place. Alpha Calcit intends to blaze a new tional Forest, are located approximately as are fifteen species of threatened, endan- resident Wray Kephart. On April 2, Sky road into an inventoried roadless area. In- sixty miles southeast of Tucson and thirty- gered, and “special concern” animals and Island Alliance staff met with concerned ventoried roadless areas are afforded spe- five miles northeast of Sierra Vista. Their plants residents in the town of Dragoon to dis- cial protection under current regulations. mountain peaks tower 3,000 feet above Because of their proximity to Tucson and cuss strategies for opposing the mine. These regulations prohibit new road con- the surrounding plains to an elevation of other smaller towns, the Dragoons are a Local residents are concerned that the struction in identified roadless areas on the 7,519 feet. The range is strikingly beauti- popular place for many types of recreation mining operation will harm their way of National Forests. However, if the mining ful, with mysterious rock formations, such as hiking, rock climbing, life by degrading air and water quality, claim holders can show that they hold valid deep canyons, and outstanding vistas out horsebackriding, birdwatching, hunting, harming wildlife, and impacting public mining claims, then they possess what is across the valleys to other Sky Island historical sites tourism, and camping. Dra- safety. called an “outstanding” or “existing” right, ranges. goon resident Shirley Harris said, “Cochise Alpha Calcit plans to conduct blasting and may construct roads in roadless areas. The Dragoons are steeped in history County depends on tourism for a large part in order to remove materials. The mate- Representatives of Alpha Calcit and the and rich in biological diversity. Cochise of its income. If this mine is approved, wild- rial would then be hauled to a crushing Coronado National Forest recently held an Stronghold was used by Cochise and his life will be frightened away, and the birders facility on private land several miles open house in Benson to explain the pro- band of Apaches to evade capture from and hunters who come to enjoy the scenery away. Loads of approximately 20-25 tons posal to residents and business owners. At the US Government in the 1860s. The and recreate in the area will also stay away.” per truck would be hauled between the the open house, plans for reclamation of the signing of a peace treaty between mine and the crushing facility every 12 area after the completion of the mining op- Cochise’s people and the government ...continued on next page 4 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Policy, Planning, and Fieldwork; the Big Burro Mountains by Matt Skroch, SIA Field Programs Director

n the Big Burro Mountains of southwestern New Mexico, a col- planning process. Not only will the ecology the goal of determining which roads to lection of conservation-minded groups are rallying for the protec- of the Burros benefit, so will also the users close and which to retain, users will gain tion of critical resources that are now imminently threatened. In of this spectacular area. With recent regu- “ownership” of the planning process and I lations requiring transportation analysis, be more likely to respect the outcome. response to a lack of enforcement and management of the transporta- community interest and involvement, and the Non-motorized enthusiasts may highlight tion system there, the Sky Island Alliance, Upper Gila Watershed Alli- critical state of the ecology of the Burros, the areas that are important for their enjoy- ance, New Mexico Wilderness Coalition, and Republicans for Envi- stars have aligned to make this process hap- ment, while motorized users may delineate ronmental Protection are calling for an economically and ecologically pen soon. A concrete transportation plan will popular roads or trails they would like to sound transportation system that incorporates the needs of wildlife, have numerous benefits, including: see remain. * A map that specifically shows roads The days of free-for-all cross-country off- recreationists, and ecological processes. and trails open to the public and what uses road driving in the Burros are soon to be The Burro Mountains, situated at the as to construct, illegally, their own trail are appropriate on each road. This will over. With an exponential increase in off- northeast fringe of the Sky Island region, systems in the Burros – all without en- lessen confusion among forest users, allow road vehicles and user-created routes, the are stepping-stones linking the Colorado vironmental review or planning. The for effective enforcement, and add to the Burros can no longer withstand lax enforce- Plateau with the sub-tropically orientated Gila National Forest has shown signs general appeal of visiting the Burros. ment of transportation regulations and Sky Islands and Sierra Madre Mountains of concern but is not taking initiative * An environmental review of roads and willy-nilly off-road use. Illegal, unneeded, to the south. From a vantage point in the or responsibility in closing these routes. trails within a context of impacts, benefits, unsafe, or damaging roads must be closed. Burros, one can gaze south towards the While we commend the agency for al- and disadvantages of each route. This re- It only takes a few passes from a vehicle to spine of the Sierra Madres represented by lowing closures of several routes (Re- view will allow for a priority listing for clo- create a wildcat road—closing wildcat roads the Peloncillo Mountains. In the north- storing Connections Winter edition, pg. sure and rehabilitation of roads as well as must become just as simple. west corner of the Burros, the Middle Box 5), the continued lack of enforcement elucidating which roads should maintained Poor planning pits users against one an- of the Gila River cuts through the moun- against illegal activities in the Burros to higher standards. other. Scars from destructive free-wheel- tains, where perennial water provides is alarming. *A review of the transportation system ing and lack of refuge from motor impacts habitat for longfin dace, sonora and desert We must now call on the Forest Service in the context of maintenance and recon- wears out the good will of non-motorized sucker, southwestern willow flycatchers, to begin a comprehensive transportation struction dollars available. As of now, the users, who then push for complete exclu- zone-tail hawks, and many other riparian Gila National Forest has a sion of motorized uses from entire regions. dependant species. $343 million backlog of Lax enforcement also hurts responsible In years past, a lack of transportation needed maintenance and capi- riders because it allows the relatively few management has resulted in a profusion tal improvements–the highest irrisponsible riders to undermine the of user-created roads that criss-cross the backlog in the Southwest Re- reputations of all motorized users. And in mountains seemingly to no end. Valu- gion. These economic dire the current situation, even riders who in- able resources like springs and riparian straits underline the need for tend to ride responsibly have trouble tell- areas are being increasingly trampled by removing considerable low- ing which routes are legal roads and off-road vehicles. There are numerous benefit mileage from the which are not. incursions into the relatively small transportation system. Now is the time for the Forest Service, roadless area that remains in the Bur- * Community involvement together with the conscientious users of the ros – the only area now protected un- and buy-in from interested par- Burro Mountains, to hash out a plan that der the Roadless Area Conservation ties. By involving the public in will ensure an economically and ecologi- Rule. Off-road groups have gone so far Eroded and compacted soil of a wildcat road in the Big Burros transportation planning, with cally responsible transportation system.

Mine, continued... The Dragoons are a special place wor- The Coronado National Forest is Call for comment letters thy of protection from the ravages of now in the process of analyzing this hardrock mining. Unfortunately, under project under the National Environmen- Your input matters. Please write to Jennifer Ruyle at the Coronado current law, most of the range is still open tal Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires for mineral exploration. The General Min- the agency to consider public input and National Forest by April 30 and urge her to deny approval for the ing Law of 1872 allows the discovery and address public concerns when choosing mining operation in the Dragoons. You may wish to emphasize one extraction of certain minerals from public whether or not to approve a particular or more of the following points: lands in the United States. Anyone can project. Public input can be especially ef- stake a claim to mine for personal profit fective in guiding decisions at this time. * The mining company has yet to prove that its claim is valid. If they on federal public lands unless the U.S. The legal staff at the Sky Island Alli- cannot show that the material to be removed is both locatable and Congress has expressly withdrawn the ance will continue to vigilantly monitor marketable, their claim is not valid under the 1872 Mining Act. area from mining (such as in National plans for mining in the area and work Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, etc.). with local residents to organize opposi- * The mine will diminish recreational opportunities in the area which In order to begin mining under the Min- tion to the proposal. will impact tourism revenue and lower property values of residents. ing Law, an individual or company must * The mine will adversely impact wildlife by disrupting lifecycles and prove that the material to be removed from destroying habitat. the land is both “locatable” and “marketable.” Send comment letters to: * The air and water quality of the area will suffer. Noise, air and To qualify as locatable, the limestone that Jennifer Ruyle Alpha Calcit intends to remove must be at water pollution from the mine will be difficult if not impossible least 95% calcium or magnesium carbonate, Team Leader, Alpha Calcit to remediate. and must be of sufficient quality to justify Environmental Analysis * It is inappropriate to allow the mining company to blaze new roads the costs of removing it from the ground. To in an inventoried roadless area. Roadless areas are important for show the material is marketable, a claimant Coronado National Forest wildlife and non-motorized recreation. must prove that the material would fetch a Federal Building, FB-42 * The expense of NEPA analysis should be borne by the mining competitive price on an existing market. Thus 300 W. Congress far, Alpha Calcit has not shown that the ma- claimant, not by the American public, especially in these difficult terial it plans to remove is a locatable min- Tucson, Arizona 85701 economic times. eral or that the material is marketable. Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 5 Road Rattlings by Trevor Hare ooking back at the last Road Rattling’s I see that I complained about almost everything a self-respecting conservationist L should complain about. So digging deep into my tiny black soul I have found that this time I’d rather tell you all about the glorious sights and sounds we see and feel every time we go out. The sound of water! of native bees buzzing! of plopping frogs and flying bats! and the sight of that bat biting into my finger! of snow falling on saguaros! of a small green riparian area in a desert sea. The sounds of the big- horns trying to escape our approach in bat canyon, and the sight of them as we rounded the corner. The sight of a blacktail rattlesnake crawling through the fresh track of the mountain lion we were follow- ing. So many different, exciting, and amazing things to tease the senses, and to think this is all just from the first three months of the year! These sights and sounds will stay with the Sky Island Alliance volun- teers and myself forever and when I am 100 years old sitting on my patio somewhere in Northern Sonora, beer in hand, with my great grandchildren at my feet, I can embellish even more my stories to them and dream. And hopefully the kids won’t have to dream about these places as they will still be there waiting to be discovered again. Saguaros in the Mescal Mountains We began 2003 inventorying several fewer people. Access from the north to places worthy of attention and protec- the Wilderness is through private property Creek and awoke to three a.m. rain. As great, and the hiking was fantastic. tion. In January we had a great trip into at the northwestern edge of the Wilderness, dawn neared, the rain turned to snow. We Markham Creek was beautiful with the the Mescal Mountains, a sliver of BLM so is well protected. Access to had a cold and wet morning, but saw cottonwoods and sycamores budding out lands jutting into the San Carlos Apache theWilderness from the south is still avail- some great spots that I hope to revisit this and lots of water in what must be a mostly Reservation just west of San Carlos able from the Drippings Springs Valley, and summer, when the weather is decent for dry stream. The road that used to run all Reservoir and north of the Gila River. we will be revisiting the area to inventory snakes and desert rats! By the afternoon the way up the left fork of Markham The existing Needles Eye Wilderness the roads southwest of the Wilderness. it was gorgeous, of course, and we all had Creek was closed last time we surveyed takes up the eastern third of the ap- In February we finished the road in- great hikes. On Sunday we walked down in the area, and remains closed. Lots of proximately 40 square miles of BLM ventories in the Gila Mountains and on Eagle Creek, which makes up the east- recent road grading work has been done lands bounded on the west by the Drip- Turtle Mountain. The threats to these ar- ern boundary of the former Turtle Moun- on the north and west ends, from the top ping Springs Valley. A group of almost eas (and hence the need to have full in- tain Wilderness Study Area (when the of the creek all the way out to Fort Tho- 20 people showed up and we got the formation about them) are palpable. 1990 BLM wilderness bill gave perma- mas on the Daymine and Burton Wash weekend’s work done in one day and so Phelps-Dodge is planning an open-pit nent protection for some parcels, many Roads. The ranchers in the area told me we spent Sunday exploring Mescal copper mine smack-dab in between them, like Turtle Mountain that were not in- that they could support the Daymine Wil- Creek, a perennial stream flowing but BLM lands for tailings piles would need cluded were “released,” and no longer derness if they can get the road up through the wilderness. There were to be acquired. We and other groups are have formal protection). Virtually all of Markham Creek open and connected to frogs and fish, giant cottonwood and fighting this; we’ll keep you posted. On the 20-plus miles of Eagle Creek are the Daymine and Burton Wash Roads to sycamore trees, very few cattle and even Turtle Mountain we camped above Eagle owned by Phelps-Dodge. Public access form a loop for their cattle operation. is downstream from At the end of February, long-time vol- the Morenci pumping unteer Robbie Hannawacker and I station. Luckily the hosted an ecology class from St. road is in pretty bad Gregory’s High School in the northern shape and has been Tumacacori Mountains. We looked at the washed out recently road system in the Red Springs Pass so we saw very little area, hiked a lot, got rained on a lot, and evidence of human had a great time. abuses—except a As the BLM and Forest Service road plate of cookies inventories wind down (yes we are almost wrapped in foil. done!) Sky Island Alliance will start to give Maybe Santa Claus our volunteer corps different opportuni- dropped them? ties. We still have a BLM road inventory Two weeks later in weekend in the Aravaipa Canyon area on the Gila Mountains May 16-18, a Burro Mountains road in- we found a beautiful ventory Memorial Day weekend in New place to camp on the Mexico, a week in the Campbell Blue June east side of what was 27 – July 2 re-inventorying roads, and two the Daymine Wilder- riparian inventory weekends in the Canelo ness Study Area in a Hills/San Rafael Valley June 20-23 and rugged canyon with July 11-13. We will continue to inventory saguaros all around roads, especially re-inventories in areas we and wildflowers start- did more than five years ago, we will also ing to pop. Some be having more riparian inventory trips, phantom beasts some wilderness boundary survey trips, (weird birds? pigs? more road closures and other types of res- chupacabras?) were toration trips, plus some fun exploration singing in the night. trips. So stay tuned, stay involved, and High school students rest after a hike in the Tumacacoris. The weather was make a difference. 6 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Chiricahua National Monument by Neil Mangum, Chiricahua National Monument Supervisor hiricahua National Monument may well be Arizona’s best kept se- cret. Nestled in southeastern Arizona, the Monument is located in long tour road, which takes visitors to the summit of Massai Point and connects with Cthe northern portion of the lofty Chiricahua Mountains, which domi- the park’s intricate trail system. The CCC nate the landscape for 50 miles. The Chiricahuas form the divide between also constructed a campground, which is the San Simon valley to the east and the Sulphur Springs valley on the still in use. western flank. Most of the Chiricahua Mountains lie within the Coronado Today, more than 75,000 visitors a year National Forest. The exception is the nearly 13,000 acre Chiricahua Na- visit Chiricahua National Monument. Nearby Fort Bowie National Historic Site tional Monument administered by the National Park Service. is also administered by Chiricahua Na- tional Monument. The Monument’s signature icons are the The Chiricahua Mountains are unique and Watch future issues of Restoring rock pinnacles, spires, and mammoth col- stand in stark contrast to the surrounding umns–literally a rock wonderland. The for- Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Within the Connections for profiles of Fort Bowie and mations are a result of violent volcanic cool forests of the Sky Islands, as the resided in the mountains ably led by lead- their excellent grassland restoration work! eruptions that occurred more than 27 mil- ers like Cochise and Geronimo. Driven Chiricahuas are known, reside many animals ~ editors lion years ago. After cooling, the ash fused and plants. Because of the proximity of out and forced to submit to reservation into an almost 2,000-foot layer of rock Mexico, many Mexican species are found in confinement, the Apaches were replaced called rhyolite. Then nature did its handy the Chiricahuas. Most conspicuous are the by pioneer ranchers and miners. In the Sugarloaf Trail was reopened in Sep- work. Water, wind, and ice sculpted the birds including the hepatic tanager, red-faced heart of the Chiricahua Mountains, along tember 2002. Sugarloaf had been closed rhyolite into strange and bizarre shapes of warbler, and elegant trogon, which make the Bonita Creek, a Swedish immigrant for nearly two years following a towering rock columns, massive spires, and Chiricahuas a haven for birders. The monu- couple settled and prospered turning the rockslide that had clogged the trail with balanced rocks perched on tiny pedestals. ment is home to a variety of animals such as area into a guest ranch. Influenced by the rocks and debris. Because most of the More than 11,000 Chiricahua natural beauty and geological oddities of trail resides in the Wilderness Area, the acres of the national fox squirrels, the region, the area was made part of the park went through a series of environ- monument has been mountain li- US Forest Service. In 1924, the National mental assessments and solicited infor- federally designated ons, coa- Monument was transferred to the Na- mation on ideas on how the trail could as wilderness area. timundis, and tional Park Service. Development of the be reopened. We are happy to report Wilderness designa- peccaries. Park took off during the Great Depres- that we avoided the use of any motor- tion, together with Human sion. A CCC camp was established in the ized tools or blasting that might be con- the best air quality history is park. The handiwork of the CCC is still sidered detrimental to wilderness man- standards in the re- also a pri- visible today. Visitors to Chiricahua Na- agement. As it turned out, the park’s trail gion, provides mary ele- tional Monument enjoy more than 20 crew, using only hand tools, were able added significance ment of the miles of trails carved out of the wilder- to reopen the trail in less than three days. to Chiricahua Na- Chiricahuas. ness by the CCC. Capping off the CCCs ~ Neil Mangum, CNM Supervisor tional Monument. The Apaches efforts was the opening of an eight-mile

Epilogue - Sugarloaf Trail Repair, Chiricahua National Monument National Park Service Modifies its Preferred Alternative in Response to Public Comment by Jennifer Wolfsong, SIA legal intern

wo issues ago, Restoring Connections reported on Protectedour participa- ferred Area alternative providingProfiles for the use of ness area. Additionally, the repair was re- tion in the decision-making process regarding how to repaire a both mechanized drilling and blasting scheduled for a time after the Mexican spot- damaged trail in a designated wilderness area. We are please to equipment and our preferred alternative ted owl breeding season. Although a rela- T allowing the use of hand tools only; we sug- tively small project, thanks to Superinten- report on a solution that has satisfied all parties involved. gested that blasting equipment be used only dent Neil C. Mangum and the NPS, this is In 2001, the National Park Service equipment in a wilderness areas except in where necessary to remove dangerous over- an important illustration of how the Na- (NPS) closed the Sugarloaf Trail in the extraordinary circumstances such as an hangs while drilling and other work be done tional Environmental Policy Act of 1970 Chiricahua National Monument after a emergency rescue). solely by hand. We re-emphasized that what- (NEPA) is supposed to work. Rather than rockslide buried 30 feet of the trail with Additionally, because the work was ever method was employed, the repairs providing lip service to public concerns, the boulders and produced dangerous condi- scheduled to take place near a “protected should take place outside of the Mexican NPS genuinely appreciated the public’s tions for hikers such as cliff overhangs. activity center” of the endangered Mexican spotted owl’s nesting season. This would thoughts and ideas and even changed its The NPS drafted an environmental assess- spotted owl during its nesting season, SIA minimize the amount of noise and disrup- preferred alternative to reflect this input. ment (EA) including several alternatives was concerned that the noise from mecha- tion in a designated wilderness area while This project and outcome shows the fal- to trail reparation. Its preferred alterna- nized equipment and blasting would cause allowing Park Service employees to effi- lacy of the Bush administration’s recent at- tive proposed the use of some mechanized stress to the owl during a crucial time in its ciently complete its task and ensure the tacks on the NEPA process as causing “un- drilling and blasting equipment. After the yearly cycle. Therefore, our letter also asked safety of trail users. reasonable delays.” This decision explic- National Park Service issued a request for the NPS to reschedule the reparations for a In mid September 2002, the NPS issued itly illustrates how NEPA is intended to public comments to its EA last July, SIA time other than the owl’s nesting season. a Finding of No Significant Impact work. NEPA provides an opportunity for responded with several suggestions (see Finally, we attempted to balance the needs (FONSI) for its EA on the “Sugarloaf Trail collaboration between agencies and the Fall 2002 issue). Because the reparations of an endangered species and the mandates Emergency Repair.” The NPS responded public that ultimately leads to sounder de- would take place within a designated wil- of the Wilderness Act with the needs of the to SIA’s and other’s comments by modify- cisions, better management of our public derness area, SIA suggested using a hand- NPS to efficiently accomplish their task by ing its preferred alternative. The NPS de- lands, and to a more positive relationship tool only approach (the Wilderness Act suggesting a completely different alterna- cided not to scale cliff overhang areas, nor between land management agencies and prohibits the operation of mechanized tive as a compromise between the NPS’ pre- to use mechanized equipment in the wilder- the public. Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 7 In the Region In the region Otero Mesa, New Mexico “The problem soils, by Nathan Newcomer, Otero Mesa Campaign Organizer for New Mexico Wilderness Alliance commercial sources of ocated in southern New Mexico, the Greater Otero Mesa Area stop the drilling. Newspaper reports at the seeds, and the potential is considered to be the nation’s wildest and largest Chihuahuan time show two people strongly speaking up in defense of the Yates operation. One was genetic problems with L Desert grassland remaining on public land. This rare network of then Interior Secretary James Watt, and the grasslands, mountains, serpentine canyons, and rolling hills represents other was a Congressman from Wyoming, reseeded rangelands the only intact corridor between the Guadalupe and Sacramento Moun- Dick Cheney. Industry argues that there is combine to make the tains for many species of concern, including the state’s healthiest herd of no correlation between Otero Mesa and the pronghorn antelope. Unlike other herds throughout New Mexico, this fundraiser with Dick Cheney; we believe the risk of inability to re- connection speaks for itself. herd is native to the area and has never needed reintroduction. More Nevertheless, political winds do shift. Pro- store Chihuahuan Desert than 1,000 native wildlife species, including black-tailed prairie dogs, mule tection of Otero Mesa continues to be an up- deer, coyotes, bald eagles, ferruginous hawks, mountain lions, and 250 hill fight, but the election of Governor Bill grasslands on Otero species of migratory songbirds depend on Otero Mesa as the nation’s last Richardson just made the playing field a little Mesa extremely high.” intact large-scale Chihuahuan Desert grassland. more level. As we go to press, the Bureau of Land Management is in the Despite the fact that Chihuahuan Desert process of compiling the Final component. Several national groups have grasslands have received relatively little Environmental Impact State- recently joined the coalition, including The protection (Guadalupe National Park and ment (EIS) for Otero Mesa. National Wildlife Federation. Recently, the the surface area of Carlsbad Caverns Na- There have been many Otero Mesa issue was part of an interna- tional Park, totaling less than 110,000 positive developments in the tional conference held near the Janos acres, represent the only protected past few months that give us grassland in Chihuahua, Mexico. Chihuahuan desert grasslands in the US), serious hope for success on In late March, Eco-Stewards, a faith- the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) this controversial issue. First based conservation group, came from Cali- is moving aggressively forward to expe- is the involvement of the gov- fornia to Otero Mesa for a three-day event dite oil and gas development in Otero ernor. On February 18, he to write a paper based on faith and preser- Mesa, by the beginning of 2004. wrote Secretary of Interior vation. Members of the New Mexico Coun- In many ways, the plans to develop Gail Norton and asked that cil of Churches and members from parishes Otero Mesa replicate those proposed for the “designation of a signifi- of all denominations also took part. photo by Stephen Capra Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. cant wilderness area” be cre- Now our campaign’s focus is on New They are designed to fool the general pub- none qualified. Would an assessor come to ated in the Greater Otero Mesa Area. He Mexico’s Senators to gain their crucial sup- lic into believing that oil and gas drilling your home and judge its value by only in- went on to ask for a “new wilderness in- port in our efforts to protect Otero Mesa. would only leave a small “footprint” on the specting your bathroom? This model does ventory” and to be part of any future ne- Senator Bingaman remains uncommitted. landscape and can be done in an “environ- not work for your home and is inherently gotiations involving the Greater Otero Both Senator Domenici and Bingaman are mentally sound manner.” In reality, the im- unfair for determining the wilderness po- Mesa Area. the ranking members in their respected pacts of full-scale drilling would cause an tential of this great grassland. Recent scientific studies cast doubt on parties on the Senate Energy and Natural unprecedented damage to wildlife and By contrast, in the summer of 2001, The assumptions made by the BLM that this Resources Committee, thus have tremen- habitat, and would forever extinguish the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance con- grassland can be restored if development dous power when it comes to protecting potential for wilderness designation. ducted a citizen’s survey to document the occurs. Dr. Walter Whitford, a world-re- Otero Mesa. It is important that they hear Industry argues that reclamation of the wilderness potential of the area. Several nowned grassland expert and former pro- from you! Ask them to delay implementa- land would enable plants and animals to months of comprehensive, “on-the- fessor at New Mexico State University, tion of the BLM’s Final Environmental thrive after development ended. In such ground” fieldwork, that strictly followed wrote a paper on the grasslands of Otero Impact Statement until the BLM conducts an arid region (compounded by our ongo- the BLM Wilderness Handbook guide- Mesa, with the following conclusions: a new wilderness inventory of the Greater ing five-year drought), the term “reclama- lines, led to the realization that more than “Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands are the Otero Mesa Area, and sound science is fac- tion” is simply industry jargon designed to 520,000 acres of the Greater Otero Mesa most endangered ecosystem or plant com- tored into the final decision-making pro- placate the general public. Perhaps a bet- Area qualify for wilderness designation. munity type in North America.” cess. Ask them to join with New Mexico’s ter vision would be “restoration,” a model Nevertheless, the BLM is attempting to “Oil and gas development will require governor in helping to protect this impor- that if fully implemented, would ensure accelerate development, without construction of many additional miles of tant part of New Mexico’s conservation that these grasslands would in time recover. reinventorying the area. roads that will increase both wind and heritage. Finally, write the governor and Sadly, no real science has been able to show The lead company that wants to exploit water erosion and potentially affect the thank him for taking a leadership role in that reclamation or restoration can succeed Otero Mesa for short-term gain is Harvey survival of local vegetation.” protecting Otero Mesa. To learn more in this harsh environment. In reality, in- E. Yates Company (HEYCO), based out “Cleared well pads should be considered about this issue and what you can do to dustry is simply anxious to begin drilling. of Roswell, New Mexico. Recently, as irreparable clearings within the grass- help, visit www.oteromesa.org and In supporting these plans, the BLM is ca- George Yates, the President of HEYCO, lands.” www.nmwild.org. pitulating to industry desires, under great sponsored two $1000-a-plate fund-raisers “The problem soils, commercial sources pressure from the Bush Administration, in southern New Mexico for Vice Presi- of seeds, and the potential genetic prob- CONTACT: while ignoring restoration science, the area’s dent Dick Cheney. George Yates has long lems with reseeded rangelands combine to Governor Bill Richardson wilderness qualities, and the will of many been an enemy of conservation. He is a make the risk of inability to restore State Capitol, Room 400 citizens living in New Mexico. current board member and former chair- Chihuahuan Desert grasslands on Otero Twenty-five years ago the BLM under- man of the board of the Mountain States Mesa extremely high.” Santa Fe, NM 87501 took a wilderness inventory of the Greater Legal Foundation (a group devoted to This report strongly supports our con- Senator Jeff Bingaman, Otero Mesa Area. From records we have fighting environmental regulation and sup- tention that industry, not science, is guid- obtained, much of this inventory was done porting unregulated off-road vehicle use) ing the Final EIS on Otero Mesa. The 703 Hart Senate Office Bldg with aerial photos, supplemented with lim- and is a former Chairman of the Board of science strongly suggests that this area can- Washington,DC 20510 ited on-site reviews and inventories. In Mountain States Legal. Yates is also the not be restored if damaged in this way. But (202) 224-5521 addition, these studies covered only about cousin of the President of Yates Petroleum, political pressure continues to push devel- 15,000 acres of the area’s more than one the first company to obtain a drilling lease opment forward. More expert reports are Senator Pete Domenici million acres. When the BLM completed in New Mexico. In 1982, it was Yates Pe- in the works that speak to hydrology, bird 328 Hart Senate Office Bldg this cursory review it recommended a mere troleum that plowed a road into the Salt species, prairie dogs and pronghorn. Washington, DC. 20510 11,000 acres for intensive wilderness evalu- Creek Wilderness near Roswell. It took The Otero Mesa campaign is beginning (202) 224-6621 ation. In the end, the agency decided that several weeks and a court injunction to to take on both a national and international 8 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Tracking the Trackers by Janice Przybyl, SIA Wildlife Monitoring Program Coordinator

elcome to the 15 new wildlife monitoring volunteers who We created a new transect along this At the end of January, I submitted a completed their training at the beginning of December 2002. drainage starting about a quarter mile comment letter to the environmental W Joining our ever-expanding crew of citizen scientists are: from the river. The sandy substrate along planner for an Arizona Department of Joan Calcagno, Marybeth and Roy Dawson, Mike Headrick, Susan the bottom of this wash produces nice Transportation project. The Marsh Sta- Hess, Ron Hummel, Renee Janaway, Jane Kroesen, Bill and Ellie Kurtz, crisp tracks. Last June, while on horse- tion overpass and the railroad bridge are Judith Musick, Carol Powell, Renell and Ron Stewart, and Christina back, volunteer Birdie Stabel saw a long being altered to increase clearance. In set of black bear tracks headed toward fact, a new bridge is being constructed Tonelli. Welcome! We now boast a total of 50 active volunteers survey- the river. Now that we have an official 50 feet west of the existing bridge. Our ing 16 transects in three different project areas. transect I hope she finds some more! concerns include possible disturbance to As of the last survey period in March, nity to start investigating wildlife move- Two volunteers from Tubac are adopt- wildlife activity in Cienega Creek and its volunteers completed a year of survey- ment from the Dragoon Mountains, ing their second transect on a dirt road associated drainages. I was able to cite ing on the Dragoon/Whetstone project across (or under) I-10, to the Little Dra- that runs perpendicular to Cottonwood the work Sky Island Alliance volunteers and now with the enthusiasm of the new Canyon and a number of are doing in the area and our documen- volunteers we fortified the project by other drainages that tation of black bears and mountain li- adding two new transects for a total of empty into the Santa ons in these drainages. seven transects. We established a new Cruz River. This survey Also, Santa Cruz County is in the pro- transect in Clifford Wash about a mile line creates a net effect cess of revising their comprehensive west of where Smith Wash drains into and hopefully we’ll plan. Matt Skroch, SIA field program Clifford. Late last year, volunteers on “catch” any wildlife ac- director, submitted comments on the the Smith Wash transect documented tivity traveling up and land use and character area maps and, four occurrences of mountain lions. On down these drainages. A with the help of UofA landscape archi- the new transect, during the very first third transect was cre- tecture student Michelle Rudy, compiled survey in January, volunteers found a ated in Toros Wash. On a list of talking points for Sky Island Al- set of mountain lion tracks moving up our exploratory trip, liance members attending the public the wash. We created this new transect even though we found meetings. Our main concern with the with the idea of discovering how far evidence of cattle, the process is the lack of identified wildlife west and how close to the road–SR-80– substrate looked good. corridors between the Tumacacori and mountain lion activity occusr. Now we We found old sign of Santa Rita Mountains. know a little bit more. With the Dragoons as a backdrop, new volunteers Jane Kroesen and Joan coyote and many other I am now Sky Island Alliance’s repre- Calcagno search for tracks in Stronghold Wash. Our second new transect in this critters, but no focal spe- sentative on the Cienega Corridor Conser- project area is located on Amerind prop- goons. Thanks to the director of the Am- cies… yet. Toros Wash is a possible wild- vation Council-you know the area formerly erty. For those of you unfamiliar with erind Foundation, John Ware, and vol- life conduit as it flows northeast from the known as the Missing Link. Our first meet- Amerind, the Foundation is a private, unteer coordinator Barbara Hanson, for Tumacacoris toward Sopori Wash. ing was in January, which Roseann nonprofit archaeological research facil- inviting us onto the Amerind site to con- We did not add any transects to the Hanson (Sonoran Institute) spearheaded. ity and museum devoted to the study duct our surveys. Cienega Corridor Project (what used to We are continuing to work out the details and interpretation of Native American We’ve put a lot of effort into beefing be called the Missing Link), though we of the Charter, defining our mission and cultures and is located north of the Dra- up the project area along the I-19 corri- formed a new track count in Saguaro goals to protect and conserve the natural goon Mountains in Texas Canyon. dor. Volunteers are now surveying three Park East as part of the training work- resources of the area. In March, Arlan There’s a very interesting museum and new transects in the Santa Cruz project shop. On the last day of the workshop Colton, formerly with the State Land De- gallery open to the public that I encour- hoping to document wildlife presence be- new volunteers got the chance to put partment, gave a brief overview of state age you to visit. Anyway, Amerind prop- tween the Tumacacori and Santa Rita their skills to good use. Working with trust lands prompting discussion and ex- erty extends beyond Interstate-10 about Mountain ranges. Cottonwood Wash NPS biologist Don Swann we located plorations into what we can do to protect a quarter mile north of the Texas Can- flows southwest out of the Santa Rita three transects along the Hope Camp state lands in Cienega Corridor. yon rest area. This is a great opportu- Mountains and into the Santa Cruz River. Trail at the end of Camino Loma Alta. All this would not be possible without This new track survey may provide ad- our hard-working, fun loving volunteers. ditional supportive data that the Cienega I can never say enough about the impor- SIA in the News Creek area is a critical wildlife corridor. tance of the work they do nor voice In addition, the three park transects are loudly enough my appreciation for their On March 14, the Associated Press been involed in the negotiations on what located on heavily used hiking trails and dedication. By the end of May 2003, we published American Indian and Environ- lands would be exchanged and is work- data collected over the long term may re- will have more than 60 wildlife monitor- mental Groups Put Telescope Project on ing to ensure an honest process. flect the effects of increased usage as pri- ing volunteers, and I-who have never Hold, a story on the appeal of the On April 5, the Arizona Daily Star pub- vate lands south of the National Park are been good at names-know each one of Veritas Telescope Project. Sky Island lished List Two More Desert Fish as Endan- further developed. them personally, and yes, I know their Alliance, the Tohono O’odham Nation, gered, Feds Asked. This reports on a petition We are now in the midst of our names. They sure have made an indel- the Center for Biological Diversity and submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife fourth training workshop. We re- ible impression on me. To All My Relations appealed this Service asking that they consider listing cruited another great batch of volun- project in the Santa Rita Mountains. both the roundtail and headwater chub, teers to help us achieve the overall mis- We will have details of the Veritas under previsions of the Endangered Spe- sion of Sky Island Alliance, part of Project and appeal in the next issue. cies Act. Formerly occurring throughout which is to use our data to “guide local On March 19, the Arizona Daily Star the lower Colorado River basin, the and international management decisions re- published Owl-habitat Land Swap is roundtail chub is now limited to 19 small Blocked. This story concerned a land tributaries of the upper Gila, San Pedro, lated to the preservation and restoration of exchange (BLM for private) that is Salt, and Verde rivers in Arizona and bio-regional connectivity.” That’s a mouth- being facilitated by former Interior New Mexico. The headwater chub is ful and now, thanks to our volunteers’ Secretary and Arizona Governor presently limited to 13 small streams in hard work gathering that data, we re- Bruce Babbitt. Sky Island Aliance has the Gila, Salt and Verde watersheds. cently had a few opportunities to do precisely that. Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 9 Bighorn Sheep in the Mineral Mountains, Pinal County, AZ

by Tom and Tomas Taylor, father and son team of native fish enthusiasts with the we found numerous tinajas of varied sizes for different projects to the land manage- Middle Gila Conservation Partnership holding water! This fact, as well as rug- ment agencies, municipalities, and county ged peaks, escape routes and plentiful veg- governments. Our native fish effort for esert bighorn sheep! We couldn’t believe what we heard. etation give the Mineral Mountains its Martinez Canyon went through the pro- Later we could hardly believe what we saw. We heard big reputation for good bighorn sheep habi- cess of the group review. The big issue “just horn sheep were sighted near Superior, Arizona, on the side tat. One of the members we guided com- around the corner” will be recommenda- D mented that “the sheep will think they died tions we will make from a “route” inven- of Picketpost Mountain. Later we saw a photograph of the sheep. and went to heaven, there is so much veg- tory in progress. This could include per- Staff from Boyce-Thompson Arboretum had sighted the bighorns and etation to browse!” manent or seasonal closures of roads. were able to capture a clear photo of them. The Mineral Mountains include a series Please join us to get these critical decisions The photo was included in a discussion son, Arizona Game and Fish (G&F) re- of rugged canyons that run from Highway made for wildlife and wildlife habitat. at a Middle Gila Conservation Partnership gion. (personal communication with John 60 in the north, south to the Gila River. For meeting dates or any other informa- meeting in Florence, Arizona. John Windes, unit 37-b game manager). Coin- The canyons and bajadas have plenty of tion concerning the Middle Gila Conser- Windes, the Arizona Game and Fish Wild- cidentally, a reintroduction was “in the native wildlife for its biodiversity. There vation Partnership, please contact the au- life Manager for Unit 37-b, had brought a works” for this species. Now for Arizona are mountain lions and bobcats, coyotes thors at (480) 964- 6482 in Mesa. Also you slide show and information regarding this G&F, they have merely retitled it as an and foxes, Gila monsters and rattlesnakes, can contact us via email at flagship Sonoran Desert species. “augmentation” effort for the Mineral Sonoran mud turtles and native fish spe- [email protected], The significance of discovering bighorn Mountains! We had completed a field sur- cies. The surrounding area, the bajadas that [email protected], and sheep in the Mineral Mountains is mul- vey in February, 2000, and sent a proposal leave the Sky Island, are prime desert tor- [email protected]. tiple. First, although this Sky Island range to Arizona G&F to reintroduce bighorn toise habitat. is a historical habitat, the last time they sheep into the Martinez Canyon Area. We The Mineral were viewed there was during World War are involved with a native fish effort and Mountains are II, by an old hardrock miner (personal became well aware of the attributes that within an area of communication with Pete Villaverde, resi- the Mineral Mountains offer. We received interest of a dent of Martinez Canyon, 1975). Secondly, a personal letter from Raymond Lee, big group called the of obvious significance, is their need for game supervisor, in appreciation of this Middle Gila landscape connections! Just like the title proposal. Conservation to the SIA newsletter, Restoring Connections, The augmentation of the desert bighorn Partnership. these individuals have restored connec- sheep could occur as early as the Fall of This is a group tions to historical habitat! Speculation is 2003. The herd population will be trans- of interested in- they travelled from the Supersition Range, located from the Eagle Tail Mountains and dividuals and crossing Highway 60 to end up on the released into the Mineral Mountains. Ear- agency people, south side of the busy road to be sighted lier this year we guided some members of who through a near Picketpost. Third, the Mineral Moun- the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Soci- collaborative ef- tains just happen to be the most significant ety into Martinez Canyon to scout for fort, make rec- range for desert bighorn sheep in the Tuc- tinajas of water. At the peak of the drought ommendations Painting on bone by Tom and Tomas Taylor Eating Out and About Vamos a Los Hermanos: Your turn, not U-turn by Tom and Tomas Taylor he waitresses are named Fran and Flo. Now if those names aren’t even finish a conversation with the cook (hominy) is perfectly blandito (soft). Squeeze or a customer, or a cigarette before they classic Arizona waitress names, wait til you visit the establish- in some of Los Hermanos salsa “que muerde” take your order. (that bites) and you got some “stick to your T ment they adorn. We’re talking good substantial Mexican food, This is a restaurant where the chips ribs” food that can carry you to the top of with depressed prices to match the depressed mining town economy. must be ordered. And are these chips! any Sky Island peak! Next time you are in Superior, or passing through to your favorite Sky They are so thick and sturdy that if ice This establishment is a true mom and pop, Island, be sure to stop at Los Hermanos, right on Highway 60. This forms on your windshield while dining in family-owned restaurant. Two Tameron “slow mo” rhythm, take one to scrape the family owned restaurant is east of milepost 226, or west of the junction brothers have been in business for more ice! The food selection is classic South- than 29 years. Fran has seven years and Flo of Highways 60 and 177, close to the base of Picketpost Mountain. western Mexican food including red or 12-plus years waitressing. Their classic Ari- Los Hermanos (the brothers) is a trinity ends when we are in the Mineral Moun- green chili beef ($5.50), chili relleno plate zona waitress demeanor is included in the of pleasure. The trinity being cantina, res- tains south of Superior monitoring our na- ($6.00), machaca dinner ($6.00), price of your meal! taurant, and dance floor. The dance floor on tive fish effort, we frequently leave the wild- albondigas soup ($5.00), tacos and tamale Superior for the most part is a time warp, the second level is used for special celebra- life of these mountain canyons in exchange combo ($5.75 - $6.00). There are also an Arizona town of old mining soul. Oliver tions such as weddings or quincineras. The for some “wildlife” in the cantina. Now we’re “American” food items such as chicken stone filmed his entire movie “U-turn” in cantina, separated from the restaurant with not talking rowdy wildlife, rather you may fried steak ($5.50), roast beef dinner and around Superior. From the scenes in a wall, is a stronghold of bilingual beer and see a couple, check to cheek, holding each ($5.00) and pork chop dinner ($5.75), the movie it looks like he didn’t have to bilingual music. The Mexican beers sell for other up, dancing to some juke box bilin- should your taste buds require. The salsa “produce” any of the setting, he used the $2.00 each, the domestic beers $1.25 each. gual song! is picosa (some bite) and is served the old town authenticity entirely. And recently On weekends add 25 cents to these prices. But it’s the Mexican restaurant that classic way, in a squeeze bottle. Tony Hillerman’s book Skinwalkers was The Mexican beers include Corona, Dos brings this mom and pop establishment Does a death row inmate still get a final made into a movie, featuring Superior Equis, Pacifico and Tecate for us “old into the center of your satisfaction. This meal choice? If so, we would likely opt for scenes. Seems it was less expensive to do schoolers”. The domestics include Bud or isn’t waitressing of “get em in, get em out” Los Hermanos menudo. This is menudo some filming in Superior, rather than the Coors. The music ranges from the Steve like the hustle culture of Phoenix or Tuc- like it should be, blanco (white) with all the Colorado Plateau. However when was the Miller Band to Vicente Fernandez, from the son restaurants. This is small town older fat trimmed off the panza (tripe). It is sim- last time you saw a Saguaro cactus on the Dixie Chicks to Dr. Hook. On some week- Arizona rhythm. Heck Fran or Flo may mered to the point that the nixtamal Navajo res? Oh oh! 10 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Evaluation of a Rattlesnake Relocation Problem by Trevor Hare, SIA Conservation Biologist or many years government agencies and contractors have par- comes a in- ticipated in the relocation of “desert pests” including venomous creased chance reptiles at the request of homeowners and businesses. The relo- that the animal F will be caught on cation of these animals is perceived by home and business owners and the surface by a the general public as a humanitarian way of dealing with the problems predator. Disease associated with natural habitat loss. transmission has Over the past decade, a private fire de- animal or species in the absence of any sci- been documented partment in Pima County, Arizona, has entific evidence to support this. in many other responded to tens of thousands of nuisance Two aspects of the translocation of rattle- translocated ani- wildlife calls. In 1995, one station alone snakes (Crotalus atrox, C. scutulatus, C. tigris, mals, including responded to more than 600 calls for snake C. molossus ) from human habitations and rattlesnake spe- removal, and 1996 over 6,000 snakes were businesses at the urban-desert interface cies and has picked up in the Tucson Area. The ven- were studied. Movement levels and the risk caused consider- omous snakes captured were being relo- of disease transmission were studied in a able damage to cated in groups of tens and hundreds to group of one hundred rattlesnakes moved some wild popu- less populated areas on the outskirts of the by a private fire department as a service to lations of different vertebrate species. This Recommendations have been made to all metro area. their subscribers in unincorporated areas should be considered in any future trans- agencies involved, that translocated animals The humanitarian motive ideally in- near Tucson. Activity ranges were docu- locations. be moved the smallest distance possible, volves moving the animals away from an mented in nine snakes implanted with te- The following problems were addressed hopefully right over the back fence of the area where they are threatened (or pose lemetry transmitters. When compared to only briefly and are deserving of more home, that educational materials like Liv- some threat), to an area where they would previously reported activity ranges for study: ing with Rattlesnakes and Living with Gila be less prone to habitat loss or behavioral non-translocated rattlesnakes, six snakes • Conservation education (adults and Monsters by the Tucson herpetological So- disruption. The success of this relocation showed increased size in their activity children). ciety (available at http:// practice had yet to be evaluated on a local range. These increased levels of activity • Venomous animal-human tucsonherpsociety.org) be handed out to level. Nor is there a consensus on guide- corresponded with the few published re- interactions. homeowners, that snakes who must be lines evident in the world wide literature ports of translocated rattlesnake species. • Habitat loss and fragmentation. moved should be held and moved in as hu- that would insure the success of such relo- Twenty snakes were tested for the pres- Other problems identified, but not ad- mane and scientifically sound way as pos- cation programs. ence of the vipirid paromyxovirus, and no dressed in the study include: sible and that further study on these prob- There are obviously many unanswered positive results were documented. All one • Edge and habitat fragmentation lems should be undertaken. questions regarding relocation of these hundred snakes were injected with PIT effects. To date only the public fire departments snakes into intact habitats and into some- tags (Passive Integrated Transponders) • Genetic inbreeding in populations in the Tucson Basin have codified our rec- times disturbed habitats. Snake survival or before release for ease of identification in losing individuals. ommendations in their Standard Operat- reappearance in populated areas is just one. case of recapture. • Genetic outbreeding in popula- ing Procedures. Although the individual Left unmonitored, the then current prac- Increases in activity ranges were some- tions with individuals translocated fire captains and firefighters from the large tices may have the potential to act as a vec- times quite large and could be attributable into them. for-profit private fire departments have tor for disease transmission, increased ge- to many things, the search for prey and • Altered demographic and behav- embraced our recommendations. Many netic stochasticity, increased individual shelter in unfamiliar habitat, the search for ioral parameters. thanks go to the men and women of the snake mortality and increased incidence of a familiar area and increased inter- and • Loss of locally adapted gene com- fire departments and other agencies who snake-human encounters. Most dangerous intra-specific competition for space and re- plexes or demes. deal with wildlife as an urban issue and is the false sense of having benefited the sources. With the increased activity also • Loss of Biodiversity. do the right thing! Elegant Trogons, Glorious Visitors by Kathy Pitts, Special to the Sky Island Alliance Newsletter ho among us hasn’t heard of “Arizona’s own bird of para the pine-oak zone between 5,000 and 7,000 Never abundant this far north, elegant dise,” the elegant trogon? Considered something of a Holy feet elevation. Then look for Arizona sy- trogons have been subjected to loss of Grail for American birdwatchers, this vividly colored, robin- camores, the trogon’s favored nest tree. habitat through grazing and logging, and W Dead sycamores invite woodpeckers, of- harassment through recreation and sized bird draws hundreds of visitors to southeastern Arizona every year. ten credited with excavating the initial birdwatching. Yep. Camping, hiking, The thrill of actually spotting one will become a treasured memory for a hole, which is enlarged by flickers. Ah, close-up photography and use of bird-call lifetime. now it is ready for a trogon family. recordings to attract birds during nesting The excitement is partly the beauty of to their rarity. With the Carolina parakeet They begin arriving from Mexico in season are now considered some of the the bird. And no wonder—the trogon is a extinct and the thick-billed parrot consid- April. About June they will lay two to greatest potential threats to the species. cousin to Central America’s resplendent ered extirpated in this country, the elegant four whitish or bluish eggs in their un- Must we give up the quest for the elu- quetzal, the bird of ancient gods with its trogon is the last exotically hued native to lined tree cavity. Both male and female sive trogon, because to love it is to kill it? shimmering green-gold feathers and fan- be seen reliably on American ground. will tend the young. Interestingly, the Or can we honor the beautiful mystery of tastic tail plumes. Trogon expert Richard Cachor Taylor brood is said to split after fledging, with this bird by respecting its right to a peace- But our elegant is more elegant than has estimated that fewer than 50 breeding mom tending the girl chicks and dad ful livelihood when we are fortunate showy. In profile, dapper, with a hooked pairs summer in the U.S.1 Even fewer over- tending the boys. enough to catch sight of one? Responsible yellow beak and long tail held down in a winter. The borderlands of Arizona, New Mexico They eat a wide variety of flying insects birders and hikers will keep their distance, tuxedo-ish manner. The male wears a and Texas are at the northernmost reach of these and fruit, and are named after the Greek refrain from the use of bird-calls, and help hooded mantle of brilliant green that be- Neotropical birds, which can be found south to word for “gnawer” for the toothed bill by to educate others on the need for privacy comes copper-colored in the squared off Costa Rica. which they grasp food. From that bill during nesting. tail. A white necklace separates the em- On the other hand, their habitat require- they utter a loud and often hard to lo- Because to lose the trogon entirely would erald cowl from a scarlet waistcoat, and ments are so specific that adepts are able cate, “kof! kof! kof!” or “kum! kum! be heart-breaking. his wings are gray. His mate is more mod- to predict to within an acre where they are kum!” One observer described it as “un- est, with a brownish cloak, light breast likely to nest. Sightings have been re- dignified” and more akin to a hen turkey’s 1. Taylor, Richard Cachor. Trogons of the Ari- and rosy coloring confined to the ported in the Chiricahua, Huachuca, gobble combined with a pig’s grunt and zona Borderlands, 1994. undertail coverts. Atascosa and Santa Rita mountains. a dog’s bark.2 Think small, yappy dog 2. Guterson, Ben. The Natural Year: Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, 1994 The excitement of seeing them is also due Look for deep, well-watered canyons in and you get the idea. Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 11 To Activists Everywhere: A Love Letter You make signs, buy stamps You hike the Sheltowee I am crouched on the floor over two thick You inspire schoolchildren, leave me notes documents, deciphering the logic You feed me affixed to the latest Forest Service project: You host meetings This is my position of resistance, You come to meetings where I first confront You are the person who works on other issues that matter betrayals of confidence, of logic, You volunteer and of the land. You play music I am lonely with sadness You say the difficult things first at what can happen and inspire when the magic of the last You challenge the world view wild places is trespassed. You raise children I want a forest of ferns and fast-moving streams You are young, old, poor, rich, alone or in community and trees that have a history, where moss You despair, grieve, hope, celebrate, rage and endure. thickens on rock and each drop of water is registered, You are my heroes, every one where the smell of earth and the presence of silence My heart is huge with love for you conspire and sudden wildflowers and bird calls and this beautiful, wacky, stressed-out, courageous, catch my breath, where life can thrive visionary movement/ inspired by you and driven by you. wild and inscrutable You are perfect. But there are holes bulldozed into these places We should celebrate. and plans for more on these endless pages. —Chris Schimmoeller, Kentucky Heartwood, Feruary. 25, 2003. Resistance might seem hollow except for you.

This is a love letter to you: You are the man, the woman, the child who acts on behalf of the forest. You are the people I know and those I’ve never met You are the letter writer, the hiker, the birdwatcher. You stand in front of bulldozers and live in trees. You are on the frontlines, enduring You cook food, hold signs, organize. You speak out You learn the law better than them and spend countless hours calculating their crimes. You read. You take the job with no money because you care You donate equipment You type the newsletter You come to protests when you are needed You make time to send a check, write a good word, write a letter. You are the only other person who comes on the hike You are the old growth guru who stays in touch after all these years You hold me when I cry You write appeals Arizona cypress bark 12 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 South Fork Cave Creek Among the party of Pine and Oak, Madrone and Cedar the Sycamores shed their peeling bark shyly exposing flesh colored limb and trunk like a woman too long wrapped in white Green eyelashes flutter in the breeze while the men whisper among themselves No one tipsy yet but the reminders of overindulgence can be seen The children present are spotless with big top knots straight from Dr. Seuss and out of proportion to their small limbed bodies We walk through the foyer a warm and inviting atmosphere offering itself to sit and enjoy But out there the call of a distant quiet beckons Footpath miles to the Land of Chinese Poets appears Inch by inch we move across the sun warmed slope to a promontory, pausing to stand in a tree top, then down to cool water and my feet, refreshed as any other roots

Sycamores, Cave Creek, photo by Jack Dykinga ~ Ben Onachila

Carr Canyon

Beneath the reef of the Huachucas Carr Canyon Painted with rich textures Of a Maxfield Parrish landscape God light brush strokes of sky and tree Down to the smallest detail Buzzards, like winged electrons, Circling the moon as it sets in the morn- ing Nucleus of wonderment

~ Ben Onachila

Carr Canyon waterfall, photo by Mark Thaler Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 13 Chiricahua Book Provides Fascinating History of a Unique Area

By Steve Marlatt, SIA board member and highschool/juniorhigh science teacher in Bowie, Arizona lden Hayes’ book A Portal to Paradise is an historical account the Apache Kid are also featured in the of one of our favorite mountain ranges. Starting with the early book, as well as many tales from the out- law holdout Galeyville. ANative Americans and progressing through the early pioneers, The life of Neil Erickson, one of the Hayes has done his homework in thoroughly researching his subject. early pioneers and the first rangers in Although factual in nature, he tells the story in a narrative story telling the newly created Chiricahua Forest Re- format that makes it hard to put down. Hayes is no slouch at natural serve, is covered in detail. With only a history either and includes many descriptions of the flora and fauna of horse to patrol the entire range, and with few established trails, Erickson had his the area. work cut out for him dealing with tres- The Chiricahuas have a wild and velopment schemes, never materialized. passing cattle, illegal woodcutters, and wooly history. From the shop keeper who One of the things that I enjoyed most preparing surveys of the range. When killed his wife to keep her from leaving about the book was learning the back- he left his ranch in Bonito Canyon, his him to teach in a neighboring community ground of many of the place names wife might not expect to see him again to the story of a miner who was killed in a found in and around the Chiricahuas. for a month or more. gunfight because he didn’t have the right Hands Pass, Jhus Canyon, Leslie Can- If you’ve spent any time at all in this unique ammo in his gun, Hayes weaves an inter- yon, Rucker Canyon, and Fly’s Peak all and beautiful area, I think you’ll find this book esting tale. Many of the early settlers’ mean a little more to me now that I know very interesting. It informed me of much of saw the Chiricahuas as the Promised some of their colorful history. Such fa- its diverse past, inspired me to investigate Land, although most of their dreams, mous outlaws as Ike Clanton, Johnny many new places, and motivated me to work from failed mining operations to land de- Ringo, “Blackjack” Tom Ketchum, and towards its long term protection.

Cochise Head, continued from back cover Inventory and Monitoring Volunteers Needed

The Sky Island Alliance is continuing its program to inventory, monitor, and restore populations of important species of animals in the Sky Islands of southeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, northeastern Sonora, and northwestern Chihuahua. We are piloting this program with riparian inventories for native Ranid frogs and native fish. Amphibians have experienced population de- clines worldwide due to habitat loss, pollution, and disease. The native Ranid frogs of the Sky Islands include the lowland leopard frog, the Chiricahua leopard frog, and the Tarahumara leopard frog. All of these species have experienced declines, from moderate to severe, throughout the photo by Fran Dostilo Sky Island region. The Sky Island Alliance rec- Cochise Head unit. Although highly considered for wil- points. ognizes the importance of the dwindling riparian derness designation in the past, this area still awaits per- Bird watching, scenic viewing, and photographic resources of southern Arizona and has decided to manent protection against degradations brought by opportunities also abound within this unit. The ri- concentrate its Sky Island Vertebrate Inventory mechanized uses. parian areas mentioned above attract many raptors and Monitoring Program on these riparian-obli- Within the 31,133 acre unit, only three trails access the and rare subtropical birds that can’t be seen elsewhere gate species along with our native fish. interior–Wood, Emigrant, and Indian Creek trails. in the country. We are looking for volunteers who have expe- Cochise Head, while a prominent peak and fascinating While the Cochise Head unit is still wild, remote, rience or would like to gain experience in survey- formation, attracts few visitors compared to other peaks and relatively undeveloped, now is time to designate ing for native fish, frogs, and other riparian-de- within the Chiricahuas to the south and has historically its remaining roadless area as wilderness. Southern pendent species and can dedicate themselves to been the least-visited major peak in Arizona. Thus, op- Arizona’s human population continually ranks among approximately 10 to 12 surveys in 2003. Volun- portunities for solitude and primitive recreation abound. the fastest growing in the country. The recreational teers should be in excellent physical condition, Visitors on horseback or foot can explore the many inter- demands on the Coronado National Forest grow with have experience in backcountry hiking, and be esting side canyons, use their skills in orienteering among every year. Today, the public more than ever seeks ready to get wet. We will be hiking and bush- the twists and turns of the landscape, or test their hunt- undisturbed, wild landscapes. With more than 4,000 whacking in remote areas throughout the Sum- ing skills against the challenging terrain. There are mul- miles of roads on the Forest, undisturbed areas are mer, so ability to deal with extreme conditions tiple access points to the unit. Most visitors use the Emi- quickly becoming more scarce. Wilderness designa- and temperatures is of paramount importance. grant Canyon road or enter at Wood Canyon, which has tion in Cochise Head will help preserve in perpetu- For more information, please contact Trevor space for car-camping at the end of the road. West White- ity, the history, beauty, and wildness of our natural Hare at (520) 624-7080; trevor@skyisland tail, Fox, and Triangle canyons provide additional access and cultural heritage. alliance.org. 14 Sky Island Alliance Spring 2003 Upcoming Field schedule More Volunteer Opportunities Come hike, find frogs, track mountain lions, survey roadless areas, and rip In addition to our exciting and fulfilling field work opportunities, we roads! For trip details, contact Trevor (520/624-7080 ext. 204; have lots of volunteer jobs in the office. If you can help, contact Trevor [email protected]) or Matt(ext. 202, [email protected]). (520/624-7080; [email protected]). May 3 - 4. Frog Training Weekend. We are looking for volunteers that have experi- • Newsletter Contributors—Contributors—Do you ext. 208. ence or would like to gain experience in surveying for native fish, frogs, and other enjoy writing and sharing with • Data entry—y—We need new volunteers riparian dependent species and can commit themselves to the program. We will be others? Poetry, stories, art, commen- to help us input field inventory data hiking and bushwhacking in remote areas throughout the summer months, so partici- tary all desired for coming issues. sheets into our database as well as new pants in this program must be abile to deal with extreme conditions and temperatures. Work can be done from home. See membership information at the SIA Location is yet to be determined. [Trevor] page 2 for guidelines. office. Time is variable, moderate May 10. Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, joint work day with The Nature Con- • Host a house party—Help support computer skills necessary. This step is servancy. See article in our last issue. We’ll see birds galore while fostering collabora- Sky Island conservation work by host- critical for turning all our fieldwork into tion between the organizations. 1.5 hours from Tucson. [Trevor] ing fundraising events at your home. on-the-ground conservation action. May 16 - 18. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Inventory. Join SIA in one of the most Call Acasia for details, (520) 624-7080 gorgeous areas of central Arizona. Fish! Frogs! More birds! Flowing Water! Non-use grazing allotments! Need we say more? 2.5 hours from Tucson. [Trevor] May 23 - 26. Joint New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and Sky Island Alliance road inventory trip in the Burro Mountains (see article on page 5). Get your hands dirty and play a direct role in improving the ecological health of your public lands! [Matt] The Sky Island Trophy May 30 - June 1. Annual Fort Huachuca Lion Track Count. This national, one of a bike race, originally kind event attracts some of the premier wildlife biologists from around the country. We will be tracking mountain lion and black bear on the Fort Huachuca Military Reserva- scheduled for April 13, tion in the Huachuca Mtns. No experience necessary. This is a great chance to learn has been canceled due more about tracking techniques, lion and bear natural histories, and using track counts on your own to monitor wildlife movement. [Matt] to logistical and June 20 - 23. Riparian Inventory and Monitoring Weekend. San Rafael Valley. Join bureaucratic problems the Sky Island Alliance’s Riparian Inventory/Monitoring Program in a project to assess the San Rafael Valley as a site for the conservation and management of our sensitive with the Forest Service. riparian fauna. 2.0 hours from Tucson. [Trevor] SIA regrets any June 27 - July 2. Campbell Blue Roads Re-Inventory. Beat the heat and head north into cool conifer forests with us to monitor and inventory areas that had a high prolif- inconvenience this may eration of roads when inventoried in years past. If you can’t make the whole trip, come cause anyone. For more when you can. 4.0 hours from Tucson. [Trevor] July 11 - 13. Riparian Inventory and Monitoring Weekend. San Rafael Valley. Join Mystery Photo: details, visit the Sky Island Alliance’s Riparian Inventory/Monitoring Program in a project to assess Do you know who this is? Visit us at www.skyislandtrophy.com. the San Rafael Valley as a site for the conservation and management of our sensitive www.skyislandalliance.org to see a whole photo. riparian fauna. 2.0 hours from Tucson. [Trevor]

Wish List Join Us • Donated vehicles, in good working condition • GPS units for mapping roads and wildlife sign Sky Island Alliance • Comfortable office chairs in good condition f you received this newsletter and it’s time to renew your member- • Table-top paper cutter, in good condition ship, please send in your check! If you are reading a friend’s news- • Office supplies: copier paper, postage stamps, etc. Iletter, consider joining us! We rely on members for our basic opera- tions. Contributions are tax-deductible; we are a 501(c)3 organization. Basic membership is only $25, but if you add a little to that, here’s a sampling of what your dollars can do: Become an SIA Program •$50 will help us survey 30 miles of roads. •$75 will sponsor volunteer training workshops. Fund Donor •$100 will close one mile of road. tories in this issue and others have featured pro- Your Name ______jects in our Rewilding Program: road inventory and restoration, Address______S wilderness work, wildlife monitoring and the Missing Link, our Dragoons Restoration Demonstration Area. City ______State _____ Zip ______All the necessary road closures, track- • Mexico—the Chihuahua Research Phone ______E-Mail ______ing workshops, and wilderness advocacy Station in Janos, and the Jaguar Pro- relies on your financial support, so please gram in Sonora. consider a special donation to one of the Please make your check out to Sky Thank you! following funds: Island Alliance, with a note in the memo Sky Island Alliance • Roads & Restoration, line about which fund you’d like to sup- • Wildlife Monitoring (Tracking), port. We’ll make sure your money goes to P.O. 41165 • Missing Link the programs that mean the most to you, Tucson, AZ 85717 • Wilderness and we’ll send you reports! Spring 2003 Sky Island Alliance 15 Sky Island Alliance Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 41165 U.S. Postage Tucson, AZ 85717 PAID Permit #1156 Tucson, AZ

Cochise Head, Chiricahua Mountains

s part of an upcoming wilder- owering a mile above adjacent valleys, the 8,113 foot Cochise Head rock formation is ness proposal for the Coronado one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Sky Island region. This steep terrain rises ANational Forest, the Cochise T from semi-desert grasslands to Ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forests at the higher Head region is the third major roadless elevations, crossing a ring of encinal pine-oak woodland on the way and climbing though area to be featured. Watch each issue lush, shady creeks. The entire unit is extremely rugged, broken with deep grottos, natural for another gem in the Sky Island arches, and towering cliffs. For many years, the famous Chiricahua Apache leader Cochise region’s crown jewels proposed for wil- held one of his main rancherias just outside the proposed wilderness boundary. This unit derness designation. To learn more overlooks Apache Pass (Puerto del Dado), the low-lying pass between the Chiricahua Moun- about our wilderness work, contact us tains and the Dos Cabezas Mountains that channeled decades of both friendly and brutal at (520) 624-7080. encounters between Apaches, white soldiers and settlers, and Mexican troops. The area surrounding Cochise ledges and outcroppings, this area hosts one of Head is one of the most rugged the highest raptor densities in the country. The landscapes in the 17 million acre endangered peregrine falcon, prairie falcon, Sky Island region, but towering sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and north- views for hundreds of miles in ern goshawk can all be seen here. The rare and all directions reward those who beautiful golden eagle also resides in Cochise find their way to the top. The Head, where up to three nesting pairs at once rock formations alone astound have been observed. those new to the area; hoodoos, Rare and important riparian habitats are also towers, spikes, ravines, and slot present within the unit. Wood Canyon, Indian canyons are common. Never Creek, and Emigrant Canyon support lush heavily visited due to its inacces- populations of bigtooth maple, sycamore, cot- sibility, this area appears in many tonwood, and other riparian obligates. One of ways as it did two hundred years the biggest juniper trees in the US occurs in ago. In lush canyons, maple and Wood Canyon. More than 23 feet in diameter aspen trees turn the landscape and 75 feet tall, this tree is a testament to the into a shimmering array of bril- ancient history of this area. liant colors in the Fall. Com- The Cochise Head unit lies north of the ex- bined with ever-changing hues isting 10,290-acre wilderness in the Chiricahua of sunlight on the many rock National Monument and a short distance from faces, this unit is a vibrant op- the larger Chiricahua Wilderness. As a link to portunity for remote recreation the Dos Cabeza Mountains and farther north and adventure. Indeed, the pro- the Pinaleno Mountains, this area acts as an posed Cochise Head Unit con- important wildlife corridor for species travel- tains all the requirements for wil- ing north-south along the string of mountains derness and more. in southeastern Arizona. The ecological values Because of the premium habi- protected under the existing wilderness areas tat offered by the many rock to the south are currently unprotected in the 16 Sky Island Alliance... Spr continueding on page2003 14 ...