Newsletter of the Sky Island Alliance Vol. 6 Issue 3 Fall 2003

Peck Canyon, Tumacacori Highlands roadless area; powerline proposed to bisect this roadless area INSIDE: Tumacacori Highlands: threats and opportunities plus... After the fire Fall outings Sky Island events Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 1 Many Thanks to Our Contributors! Ellie Kurtz, Marshal Magruder, and Maggie Milinovitch, concerned citizens against the powerlines; Sky Island Bob VanDeven, photographer and writer extraordinaire; Joe Cicero, Alliance Front cover: Peck Canyon, , photo by Matt Scroch. SIA volunteer entomologist; The power pole shown is from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (see Suzanne L. Collins, Center for Protecting page four), one of two types proposed for this line that would either cross North American Herpetology in Our Mountain Islands (western route) or run right down the middle of this canyon (crossover route). Lawrence KS; Sally Gall, assistant manager of Buenos Aires NWR; & Desert Seas Back cover: sunset over Atascosa Peak and Lookout Peak, photo by Bob Sky Jacobs, self-trained naturalist 520/624-7080 • fax 520/791-7709 VanDeven. Powerline (western route) would cut straight across the and artist; Albert Lannon, SIA [email protected] foreground of this image. tracker; Paul Mirocha, naturalist www.skyislandalliance.org and professional artist; Dennis P.O. B ox 41165 Eratum: Yes, we goofed. Last issue’s cover shot was labeled as Appleton- Pepe, owner of the excelent Green Tucson, AZ 85717 Whittell Research Ranch. In fact, it was taken nearby on Fort Huachuca. Fire Bookshop in Tucson, AZ; Office: Both sites have active prescribed fire programs. Mary Scott, local webmaster and Historic YWCA photographer (see more of her 738 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 201 photos at Birdingamerica.com); Lyn Wilson, League of Sky Island Alliance is a non-profit Conservation Voters; and, of membership organization dedicated to TableTable ofof ContentsContents course, the SIA staff. restoring and protecting the unique diversity of the Sky Islands of South- eastern Arizona, Southwestern New Comings and goings , and Northern Mexico. Comings and goings Welcome back on the board to one S T AFF of SIA’s founding members, environ- David Hodges Executive Director mental historian Paul Hirt. Paul [email protected] worked on the 1984 National Matt Skroch Forest Wilderness Act and the first Field Program Director Plans, co- [email protected] founded the Coalition for the Pres- Acasia Berry ervation of Mt. Graham, and has Program Associate [email protected] worked on many other campaigns Trevor Hare on public land, grazing, mining, wa- Conservation Biologist ter, and urban spraw issuesl. He is [email protected] now a professor of History and Cory Jones Rambling Rants from the Director’s Desk...... 3 American Studies at Washington GIS Specialist [email protected] On Wilderness...... 3 State University, and author of a Janice Przybyl number of books and articles includ- Wildlife Monitoring Program A Monumental Threat to Sky Island Wildlands...... 4 ing A Conspiracy Of Optimism: [email protected] Protected Area Profile: Arivaca Cienega...... 6 Management Of The National For- Caroline “Frog” Tinker ests Since World War II. Paul and Events Coordinator Canyon Perspective...... 7 [email protected] wife Linda live in Pullman, WA, but Jennifer Wolfsong After the Fires...... 8 return frequently to their “real Legal Intern home” in the Chiricahuas, where Fabulous Fireflies...... 10 [email protected] Fabulous Fireflies...... 10 SIA had its founding gathering way Lenny Alvarado Arizona Conservation Alliance Summit...... 10 back in 1991. Legal Intern

photo by Bob VanDeven • Roseanne Hanson has bowed out Wild News...... 11 [email protected] of board responsibilities, and we Jennifer Katcher Road Rattlings...... 12 thank her roundly for her years of Webmaster service! [email protected] Poetry...... 13 Lisa Labita • Rachel Kondor has seized the op- Conservation Biology Intern Book Notes: Michael Logan’s The Lessening Stream...... 14 portunity to reform Washington [email protected] D.C., taking a position as congress- Tumacacori Highlands Map and Profile...... 16 Newsletter man Raul Grijalva’s cheif environ- Gita Bodner and mental aid. Go Rachel! Go Rachel! Dug Schoellkopf, editors Thumb Butte, Tumacacori Highlands Board of Directors Seeking SIA newsletter submissions: Rod Mondt, President Randall Gray, Vice President Send us your poetry, your words of wisdom, your art! Nancy Zierenberg, Secretary We want to keep this newsletter filled with inspirational, informative material, and we’d like your help! Do you write Dale Turner, Treasurer poetry? Draw, sketch, paint, or photograph? Like to address regional conservation issues? Review books or websites? Gita Bodner Anything that relates to the Sky Islands region is fair game! You can respond to items in our recent newsletter, comment on Curtis Bradley your experiences as a volunteer or conference-goer, etc. Also, let us know if you’d like to be a regular contributor, e.g. with a Paul Hirt column each issue. The deadline for our next newsletter is November 10, 2003. Material submitted after that date may be Lainie Levick Rurik List saved for subsequent issues. Please email submissions to [email protected], or mail them to Sky Island Alli- Carlos Lopez Gonzalez ance attn: Gita, P.O. Box 41165, Tucson, AZ 85717. Resolution of digital images should be at least 300 dpi if possible, but we Steve Marlatt can work with some lower resolution images. Miss our restaurant reviews? Thank’s because no one sent us any! C’mon, folks, Todd Schulke you know there are some great eats out there. Give your favorite small town restaurant a boost by letting us promote it! 2 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 What were they thinking? You ever get that feeling? You know protective designation and the long-term We need your help in stopping this the one I’m talking about, the one that health of this special area. powerline. If we are going to retain our makes you scratch your head in puzzle- Recently, in the Arizona Daily Star, a rights to clean air and water, protect our ment and tear out your hair. Well, I’ve been spokesperson from TEP stated this public lands, defend imperiled species, and struck by that feeling a lot lately–so much powerline would have no negative impact retain our ability to participate in land use so that I’m becoming a sorehead. What on the environment and the issue is simply decisions, it will be because of private citi- with gutting environmental laws and regu- one of aesthetics. Several things bother me zens such as you. Those of us that care lations in order to save the environment about this nonsensical statement. One, they about healthy landscapes must make our and cutting down all the trees to save the fail to recognize the disruption to wildlife, voices heard. We are asking you to take forest, I’m afraid if Bush gets re-elected, as well as habitat fragmentation caused by the time today to write two letters, one to I’ll be bald by 2008! road construction. Federally listed species the Department of Energy and the other to One of the dumbest ideas that I’ve that would be impacted by this powerline the Forest Service. Many people underes- heard in a long time is this roadless area include the jaguar, Chiricahua leopard frog, timate the effectiveness of this, but when powerline proposal being advanced by lesser long-nosed bat, Mexican gray wolf, land management agencies and/or politicians Tucson Electric Power (TEP). If approved Mexican spotted owl, cactus ferruginous receive letters (and lots of them), it does it would run for 30 miles through the heart pygmy-owl, Gila topminnow, Pima pine- initiate change. On page 4, you will find of the Tumacacori Highlands, which, at apple cactus, chub, and the south- “Monumental Threat to Sky Island Wild- dues paying members of Sky Island Alliance, almost 85,000 acres, is the largest unpro- western willow flycatcher, as well as an- lands.” This article contains information on THANK YOU. Your support allows us to tected roadless area in Arizona. The High- other 74 special status species. how to comment as well as talking points to do the important work needed to save spe- lands consist of the Tumacacori, Atascosa, My other problem with TEP’s state- mention in your letters; please feel free to cial places. You can stop reading now, go to and Pajarito Mountains, as well as Sy- ment is their failure to recognize the im- plagiarize. We continue to successfully fight page 4, and begin writing your letters. camore Canyon (a proposed and eligible portance of aesthetics. People such as you Bush’s plans to eliminate your right to partici- If you do not financially support SIA, Wild and Scenic River). Prior to the rein- and I, visit our public lands for many rea- pate in land use decisions–please take a few please start today. Unfortunately, we can troduction of the Mexican gray wolf, the sons and one of the most important of these minutes today and exercise that right. no longer continue to underwrite the cost Arizona Game and Fish Department con- is the opportunity to get away from the of this newsletter. If you enjoy our news- ducted a study of four potential release craziness of everyday life in the city. I am letter, believe in the work we do, and be- areas, one of which contained the reminded of the writer Greta Ehrlich’s, “The lieve that healthy landscapes in the Sky Tumacacori Highlands region. This area was Solace of Open Spaces,” and the importance We hope you enjoyed this and previ- Islands are important for our future, please found to have the best prey base for the of having places to “get away” to. We have ous editions of Restoring Connections. Not become a member. If you believe in these wolf, and overall the area was rated a close a preponderance of areas in the Sky Islands only does it celebrate this region through things and cannot afford a subscription at second for reintroduction, behind the Blue where we can look at powerlines, roads, art, photography, poetry, food and book re- this time, write or call us (520/624/7080) Range Primitive area. This is also the area cars, houses and all the trappings of “civili- views, recipes, etc., but also contains timely to let us know, and we will leave you on where a jaguar was photographed recently. zation,” but we have very few places that news on issues affecting those who care about our mailing list. Otherwise, this may be Sky Island Alliance and others have long serve as a refuge when we just need to get our Sky Islands. We assume a considerable your last issue. Subscription info is on page proposed the Tumacacori Highlands for for- away. The Tumacacori Highlands is one of expense producing this newsletter and need 15. You can also pay by credit card on our mal, legislative protection under the Wil- these rapidly disappearing places and must your help to defray the costs. website, www.skyislandalliance.org. derness Act. TEP’s proposal threatens this be preserved as such. If you are currently one of the many –David Hodges

On Wilderness Protection One of the most frustrating aspects of tified on the Coronado National Forest. came to enjoy. A single ATV rider who stays tors —with a lot more impacts— if they did conservation work is the sense that we’re Seven received formal wilderness protec- on roads might cause the same damage to not have wilderness protections. always putting out brush fires, always tion; the rest were left hanging. Sky Is- soils, plants, and animals as 20 people on foot; fighting defensive battles, always hustling land Alliance began re-inventorying these a single ATV rider off roads causes more dam- to make sure this awful scheme or that remaining unprotected roadless areas in age than hundreds of people on foot; destructive plan does not come to pass. 1998, starting with the Tumacacori High- •Makes it possible for more people to Wouldn’t it be nice if we could work for lands, to promote and plan for wilderness enjoy an area without disturbing each other. Appreciation of wilderness is not a parti- something big instead of against an endless designation for these neglected places. Hikers, birdwatchers, and horseback rid- san political position. Wilderness designa- line of smaller bad things? After winning There are many misconceptions about ers can use the same area without disturb- tions are supported by a large, diverse ma- a battle, wouldn’t it be nice if we could rest what wilderness designation actually does ing one another; enter one ATV or other jority of Americans regardless of their po- assured that we wouln’t have to turn and does not do. motorized user, and the experience is litical affiliations. The original Wilderness around and fight the same battle again one, changed for everyone else. Act was passed by Richard Nixon’s admin- ten, or fifty years down the road? Wilderness protection from Congress: istration, passed the House of Representa- Congress passed the Wilderness Act in •Prohibits entry of motorized vehicles; Wilderness designation DOES NOT: tives by a vote of 370 to 0, and has been 1964 precisely for this reason, to perma- ensures that backcountry users have a place •Affect cattle grazing leases on public land. championed by Republicans and Democrats nently protect wild areas through the ups to go where they will not be bombarded It does not kick cattle off the land, nor does it alike since then. and downs of political cycles. Formal with the motors and wheels and generators; lock in current grazing levels; grazing leases Friends of the Tumacacori Highlands--a wilderness protection remains one of the •Does allow motorized rescues in emer- are negotiated in an entirely separate process. coalition of landowners, conservation or- most powerful tools in the conservation gency situations; •Lock people out of the land; in fact, most ganizations, and other concerned individu- toolbox. Wilderness areas must be desig- •Prohibits building of permanent structures wilderness boundaries are designed to leave als--is spearheading the citizen-driven effort nated by an act of Congress. Once congress (e.g., dams, powerlines, mines, buildings); in place current access points, “cherry-stem- to designate wilderness here. Working to- has spoken on behalf of such places, their •Enables hunters who are willing to hike ming” around existing roads and camp- gether, we can suceed in giving this amaz- protection remains solid. or horse-pack to find game that is not killed grounds. Anyone who wants to walk or ing place the proactive, permanent protec- Back in the 1970s, public land managers or scared off by hunters on ATV’s and trucks; pack in from these access point is welcome; tion it deserves. were directed by Congress to inventory all •Provides refuges for many animals and •Bring throngs of people flocking to see For more information on this campaign the National Forest roadless areas in an plants that need large wild areas to survive, a place just because now it’s labeled on the and how you can help, check out analysis called “RARE II” (roadless area or are easily harmed by human activities; map as Wilderness Area. Remote areas tend www.tumacacoriwild.org or email review and evaluation). The Tumacacori •Makes it possible for more people to to stay remote. Wilderness areas with heavy [email protected]. Highlands were one of 20 such areas iden- enjoy an area without damaging what they visitation would likely have even more visi- –Gita Bodner, editor Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 3 Monumental Threat to Sky Island Wildlands: by Matt Skroch, SIA Field Program Director n August 27, 2003, the Department of Energy released Tucson munity, Salt River Indian Community, and Readers have two immediate opportuni- Electric Power’s (TEP) proposal to build a 140-foot tall Pasqua Yaqui Tribe have all registered ties to influence key decision makers. The powerline through one of Arizona’s most spectacular landscapes. objections to this large powerline, with Department of Energy (DOE) is soliciting O especially strong cultural objections to comments on this proposal. The Forest TEP’s preferred route would run 30 miles through the heart of the Western and Crossover routes. Where’s the Service would have to amend their Land and Tumacacori, Atascosa, and Pajarito Mountains. Referred to as the real benefit? We still haven’t found it. The Resource Management Plan to allow this Tumacacori Highlands, this assemblage of mountains contains the largest only folks who now support this current project, and is simultaneously accepting unprotected roadless area in southern Arizona. proposal are the politicians of Sahuarita, comments on aspects that affect National where the powerline would originate, and Forest land. This double-headed process may The powerline–a towering series of 12 trans- 30 miles through the mountains and cuts the Arizona Corporation Commission, seem redundant, but DOE and Forest mission wires and over 400 support struc- through the center of the largest remaining which approved the Western Route before Service decisions work independently. tures–would continue into Mexico to a pro- unprotected roadless area in southern Arizona reviewing any biological or cultural analyses. DOE’s task is to determine whether a Presi- posed power plant at Santa Ana, Sonora. (and one of the largest in the Southwest). Their Alternatives and What You Can dential Permit is appropriate–which would Energy would then be bought and sold be- proposed “Crossover Route” is equally bad. Do: There are better ways to solve Santa give TEP permission to build this specific line tween the and Mexico, with a Impacts include: Cruz County’s power needs. The most through the US into Mexico. The Forest small amount of power reserved as back-up ·The powerline would slice though the obvious option is to run a smaller powerline Service’s task is to determine whether electricity for Santa Cruz County. middle of a proposed Wilderness Area identi- down existing utility corridors. This would putting the powerline in the Tumacacori The Trojan Horse: In 1999, Santa Cruz fied by volunteers and citizens since 1998. better suit local needs and have less impact Mountains is appropriate, and whether the County experienced several hours of black- ·20 miles of new roads would be bulldozed on visual, economic, environmental, and powerlines impacts would be too great to outs. The Arizona Corporation Commission through rolling hills of oak savanna; though property concerns in the county. A smaller justify granting a special use permit and (ACC) responded by issuing a mandate that TEP proposes to close many of these road powerline is cheaper, easier to build, shorter, forest plan amendment. If DOE and Forest a secondary source of power be delivered to miles, such closures are often unsuccessful. less noticeable, and less dangerous. Exist- Service decisions are at odds with each other, the county, to provide a back-up source of ·191 towers on the Coronado National ing utility corridors are already impacted, TEP’s proposal would not be able to pro- power to minimize future blackouts or brown- Forest (each 140 ft. high) would reduce more offer much easier access for maintenance ceed. Please take the time to write both outs, and to provide long-term primary than 18,000 acres of wildlands from a Forest needs, and would reduce construction costs. the DOE and the Forest Service by Oc- power to supply increasing needs. The local Service scenic rating of ‘High or Very High” Plans have also been floated to build a small, tober 14th. Talking points for each are power company began plans to construct a to “Moderate or Low.” clean burning natural gas power plant in shown below. The citizen-produced website 115 Kilovolt (kV) powerline down Santa ·The route would cross habitat for 10 fed- Nogales. Locally generated power provides www.stopthewesternroute.blogspot.com Cruz Valley to comply with this mandate. erally listed Endangered or Threatened spe- more reliability, more jobs, and more effi- also provides more information about parts This line would ensure sufficient power for cies and 74 special status species including ciency than long powerlines–plus less de- of the proposal, and more arguments against decades to come. jaguar, Mexican spotted owls, Southwestern pendence on energy production elsewhere. the western and crossover routes. TEP saw opportunity. With deregulation willow flycatchers, lesser long-nosed bats, and trends providing power companies with more Chiricahua Leopard frog. Make Your Voice Heard: write by October 14th flexibility and leniency on power transfer, rates, ·200 acres on the Coronado National For- and production, Mexico was seen as the est would be disturbed permanently. Write to the Department of Energygy: Address letters to: Dr. Jerry Pell, Office of Fossil mother lode for both power markets and pro- ·The route comes within ½ mile of the exist- Energy, US Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585. State that your com- duction. TEP and its parent company ing Pajarita Wilderness Area and Gooding ments refer to the “Tucson Electric Power Sahuarita-Nogales Transmission line DEIS.” Unisource saw dollar signs, and the ACC man- Research Natural Area, and a stretch of Sy- ·The preferred Western Route is the longest, most expensive, and most environmen- date provided the perfect excuse to go there. camore Canyon eligible for Wild and Scenic tally damaging of all alternatives considered. The Crossover route is almost as damaging. ·The western and crossover routes slice through a citizen’s proposed Wilderness Area By 2000, TEP had formalized plans to build a River status. and would forever scar the outstanding natural characteristics of the area. powerline to Santa Cruz County to meet the ·Powerline corridors are notorious for chan- ·There is no “need” stated for a 345 kV line by either the applicant (TEP) or agencies; neling spread of invasive weeds, disrupting ACC mandate of providing additional elec- because most of the energy transmitted on the line would not benefit Santa Cruz County, tricity. But they didn’t stop there. Instead of wildlife movement, and providing access to why is the 345 kV, and not a smaller line, needed? proposing a reasonably sized line through illegal off-road drivers and smugglers ·A smaller, less obtrusive 115 kV powerline was not considered for any route. Why existing right of ways, TEP proposed run- Subjective changes wrought by this project not? A 115 kV line is cheaper, can more easily be run along existing utility corridors and ning a much larger powerline through the are perhaps just as relevant. No longer would buried near homes, and would serve the long-term needs of Santa Cruz County. Coronado National Forest with the capacity visitors appreciate the unfettered views from ·I do not support the proposed routes because they do not serve Santa Cruz County’s to power over 1,000,000 homes. Today only Ruby Road or the quiet haven of upper Peck interests, as originally intended under ACC order 62011. They are an unnecessary eco- 40,000 people live in the whole county. Canyon. Apache Pass–a high point between nomic, environmental, and cultural burden on Southern Arizona. Please consider with- Now, instead of the original plan to provide Bartolo Mountain and the larger Tumacacori drawing this Draft Environmental Impact Statement and issuing a new assesment that County residents with back-up and long-term spine - would forever be marred by roads and properly analyzes real solutions to power needs in Santa Cruz County and includes a power, TEP’s main goal is to integrate the towers. Birders would look at hawks atop smaller powerline and/or locally run power plant. Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa into monopoles instead of oak trees, and hunters the US energy grid. Only a small fraction of would scan for deer between buzzing trans- Write to the Coronado National Forestest: Address letters to: Sue Kozacek, Acting this line’s power would ever be used in Santa mission lines. A sacred, respected, beautiful Forest Supervisor, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress, Tucson, AZ 85701. State Cruz County. Who pays for the powerline? landscape would be severely degraded. that your comments refer to the “Tucson Electric Power Sahuarita-Nogales Transmission Santa Cruz County residents. Rates increased Who supports this proposal? Citi- line DEIS and needed Forest Plan Amendments.” over 20percent in 2003. TEP gets rich trans- zens and politicians are rallying against the ·The Tumacacori and are an exceptional area for primitive recreation. ferring power to and from Mexico while proposed route today. Residents of Santa This powerline is incompatible with the natural characteristics there. ratepayers of one of AZ’s poorest counties Cruz County and southern Pima County rec- ·I enjoy bird watching, hiking, biking, canyoneering, hunting, picnicking, etc. in the area foot the bill. Santa Cruz County is only an ognize the lack of purpose and need for such affected by the powerline and would be negatively affected by the construction of the powerline in the Western or Crossover Routes. excuse, a justification for TEP’s profit scheme, a huge powerline. The Santa Cruz County ·TEP proposes to build over 20 new miles of road for the Preferred Route. Road density and Santa Cruz County’s interests get thrown Board of Supervisors asked only for a 115 in the Tumacacori EMA is already above acceptable limits as set forth in the current Forest out the window. kV line; the Nogales City Council and Mayor Plan. More road building, even with associated closures (often unsuccessful) would violate The Environmental Impacts: TEP are actively fighting the proposal, Congres- the Forest Plan. could not have picked a worse route to put sional Representative Raul Grijalva won’t ·I urge you to deny any special use permits for the Western and Crossover Routes their new powerline. The Tumacacori High- support it, and land managers see it as a huge because these plans are not compatible with the current uses of the affected area. lands are an amazing landscape loved by burden. County citizen’s electrical rates are ·A Forest Plan Amendment would only decrease the already dwindling supply of remote birders, hikers, botanists, hunters, families, and going through the roof. The Tohono recreational experiences in the region and would impact many sensitive wildlife and plant others. TEP’s preferred “Western Route” runs O’odham Nation, Indian Com- species that are an important aspect of our southern Arizona natural heritage. 4 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 TEP plans massive powerline through cherished roadless area

A profound loss by Ellen Kurtz, Arivaca Junction, AZ y husband and I feel so lucky to have had the good fortune to the area. More and more studies are docu- The entire area from Sahuarita south to live here at the base of the Tumacacoris for nearly 30 years. menting the negative effects of electro-mag- the Mexican border is regarded as cultur- MWe feel a deep kinship to the land and feel that it now more netic fields (EMF’s) on the whole environ- ally sensitive by the Tohono O’Odham Na- than ever needs a protector. Land is not just a commodity, something to ment. tion, because it contains many significant be leveled and built upon or crossed by wires. The land has a very real The “self-weathering” poles that are pro- cultural sites including traditional cultural life quality to it, and to simply rush in with development of any kind posed for this route are ugly. There is an places, archaeological sites, sacred sites, re- example of one (a small one) along I-19at ligious sites, plant collection areas for bas- without thought for the ramifications is foolhardy and irresponsible. the El Tiro Road overpass. It looks like ket materials and medicine and burial The quiet remoteness where we hike or these 345kV transmission lines there will be nothing so much as a massive old recycled sites.(From a letter sent by the Tohono ride our horses, where we can enjoy the huge impacts. Those unfortunate enough piece of rusting iron. Depending upon the O’Odham Nation to the Arizona Corpora- truly awesome beauty of the mountains, to live on the route will see their homes de- route selected, there will be from 373 to tion Commission dated 12/12/2001.) Other coming upon a hidden waterhole, decipher- valued or condemned. Even if the owners 431 of these 140 foot high poles marching Native American groups including the Ak- ing the tracks around it—all of this is a bless- were to receive “fair market value” they south across the land compromising the Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian ing to us. But that all could change. would be uprooted from their chosen homes beauty of wide open space that lies between Community, Salt River Pima-Maricopa In- Now that the draft EIS for Tucson Elec- where they have not only invested their the Sierritas to the north, crossing the dian Community, the Hopi Tribe, the tric Power’s proposed transmission line has money and hard work but also their hearts. Arivaca Road and then continuing south Mescalero Apache Tribe and the Pascua been published and distributed by DOE we Those people living west of Green Valley with a backdrop of the beautiful cliffs of the Yaqui tribe concur. can see in black and white the environmen- and east of the near the Tumacacoris and Atascosas in the Coronado This beautiful land would be forever in- tal impact risks that all of us who know and community of McGee Ranch would be the National Forest. truded upon by the gigantic poles and lines love this area were aware of even before most affected and vulnerable because all The new information (draft EIS) shows with their crackling transmission noises the formal documentation was done. Many proposed routes go across their property. four miles of these poles placed right on the which increase as the lines age. The feelings environmental questions are still not an- There are already a number of powerlines scenic Ruby Road in the forest, crossing of remoteness and tranquility of the untram- swered and there are many other equally occupying the utility corridor in this area. Sycamore Canyon. Sycamore is not only meled out of doors would be gone. For- important questions about the effect upon Though the existing lines are not of as high one of the unique biological areas of the ever. the historic, cultural, aesthetic and personal voltage the cumulative effect could have a world but a place where one can recharge To me, it would be a profound loss of one life which require serious consideration. definite impact on health, physical and men- mentally and spiritually and have fun—all of the most beautiful, soul recharging areas Regardless of which route is taken by tal, as well as on the general aesthetics of at the same time! in Arizona—if not the world. Our bottom line by Marshall Magruder, Amado, AZ

ur own Tumacacori Mountains, west of the Santa Cruz Valley, 345 kV line are so large and have remained remote and relatively peaceful for eons. Tucson ugly, keeping them away from public view is a major “public OElectric Power’s proposed 345 kV double-circuited line along relations” ploy. These utilities and through these mountains could change this tranquility. It would be, seem to think out-of-sight is the perhaps, a good time to review events leading up to this juncture. solution to everything. The last jaguar siting in the US was in In 1999, the Arizona Corporation Com- tion at most meetings. the affected area less than two mission (ACC) Arizona’s branch of govern- Tucson Electric Power then decided they years ago. Many other endan- ment responsible for siting transmission too would like to be in on this possible, fi- gered species live in this area. lines, determined that Nogales, Arizona and nancial opportunity. They likely considered Most certainly, people prefer to parts of the Santa Cruz Valley served by as a “local” utility with political conections, visit their National Forests and Citizens Utilities needed a second source of there would be little or no opposition. TEP not see power lines. electric power to improve reliability. Either applied for a Presidential Permit in August Why are the electric utility

a smaller line—a redundant, 115KV 60-foot of 2001 and, later, applied for the required companies so persistent? Both photo by Maggie Milinovitch on telephone poles (H-frame)—or a small, state permit. TEP’s “preferred route” enters TEP and PNM see the “rent- back-up power station, would suffice. the Tumacacori section of the Coronado ing” of space on their electric- Beginning in December of 1998, the Pub- National Forest to the north heading south ity highways as a way to make lic Service Company (PNM) of New to Bear Canyon, skirting Sycamore Can- huge profits. Mexico presented a series of proposals for yon, past Peña Blanca Lake to the natural The Santa Cruz County high-voltage, transmission lines to run be- gas line easement and south to the border. Board of Supervisors approved tween the Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Several of the routes proposed, involve and recommended the smaller Station and Santa Ana, Mexico, sixty miles penetration of isolated and wild areas. New 115 kV line. Another group is south of the border. Trading electric power roads would be required to carry the, on- seeking to build a new genera- across a US border, requires a “Presidential average, 145-foot tall towers and to install tion plant fired by natural gas Permit” from the Department of Energy the twelve conducting wires for the double which avoids new power lines in the Why should Santa Cruz County (DOE). An Environmental Impact State- circuit, 345 kV (500 Watts of energy) lines. Coronado National Forest. Finally, there are ratepayers pay $85 million for a backup 345 ment (EIS) is required by the DOE if sig- The smaller 115kV line would probably no known customers in Mexico, nor will kV TEP powerline when a $50 million local nificant damage to the environment, may cost ratepayers (those who pay for these there be until a very-unlikely amendment power station or $18-21 million for a sec- result from a project. Public hearings, con- “improvements”) between $20 and $25 mil- to the Mexican Constitution is passed by the ond 115 kV (backup) line are far cheaper sidering the twelve proposed routes, were lion, while the huge 345 kV line would cost Mexican Congress. According to the Mexi- with less environmental impacts? This is our held by PNM in locations that would be ratepayers over $85 million. Since the lat- can Constitution as it is, purchasing power real “bottom line.” affected. PNM met with extreme opposi- tice and monopole towers required for the from a foreign and private utility is illegal. Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 5 Arivaca Cienega: a True Desert Oasis by Sally Gall, assistant manager, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge pendent on this area he Arivaca Cienega became part of the Buenos Aires National for water and cover. Wildlife Refuge in 1989, providing protection for this very unique, The riparian corri- highly threatened wetland habitat in southern Arizona. The protec- dors provide cover T and access to other tion of this land is an effort to preserve the existing surface water stream to upland habitat for enhance the habitat for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and recreational use. many mammal spe- The Arivaca Cienega is neotropical birds, migrat- cies such as deer, jav- found near the small com- ing dove species, water- elinas, mountain li- munity of Arivaca, AZ, in fowl, shorebirds, raptors, ons, coatimundi and the semi-desert grasslands and resident birds such as rabbits. Other ani- about 11 miles north of the quail. More than 300 bird mals such as bats, ro- Mexican border. The name species have been docu- dents and amphibians

Arivaca comes from the photo by Mary Scott mented on the Refuge. often reside in these Pima words ari bac, or Yearly bird surveys con- habitats. Nearly 75 “small springs,” referring ducted by Refuge per- percent of the wildlife to the seven springs that sonnel document trends in Arizona depend on feed the Cienega and in the avian population either wetland or ri- Arivaca Creek. Cienegas and indicate that the ri- parian habitat during provide key hydrologic parian and cienega habi- their lives. functions such as water tats provide needed Arivaca Cienega is storage, ground water re- Arivaca Cienega is one of the cover, water and food for open to the public year- charge, sediment deposi- few places in AZ to view the almost all avian species round for hiking and photo by Mary Scott tion, stream meandering black-bellied whistling duck. found in the area. The bird watching. Refuge and organic nutrient up- ponded water found in personnel maintain the take. The Arivaca Cienega (“a hundred wa- the cienega provides year-round open trails by mowing and ters”) contains a perennial stream and is a water necessary for waterfowl. Loss of branch trimming to delightful mix of seasonally wet marshland such habitat would result keep the one-and-a-half and meadow, large cottonwoods, and hack- in declines in mile trail/boardwalk ac- berry and mesquite groves. populations cessible. Tables and The overflow from the Cienega forms for those restrooms, due to arrive Lush, thriving wetlands attract more than 300 bird species. Arivaca Creek and flows down into the avian spe- in November 2003, will make the trailhead a vaded the area and have choked out the . The Refuge has also acquired nice place to picnic before or after a hike. pond so viewing the water is difficult. Ref- land along Arivaca Creek and now pro- Arivaca Cienega Bird Walks are led by uge fire personnel conduct prescribed tects a large part of the stream, which is Audubon Society members every Satur- burns every few years to reduce the cat- lined with magnificent 100-foot-tall cot- day morning, November through April. tails and minimize the threat of fire to tonwood trees. The addition of Arivaca Meet at the trailhead at 8 a.m., one quarter nearby homes. Controlling the cattails Creek and the Cienega to the Refuge helps Photographed at mile east of Arivaca. No reservations are has become a difficult task, however, as save our precious riparian, or wetland, Arivaca Cienega (left to right): blue-throated needed, and the event is free fire seems to stimulate growth. Refuge photos by Mary Scott habitats for the benefit of plants, animals, hummingbird, ash- of charge. managers are currently working on ways and people. throated flycatcher, A viewing deck with to reduce the cattail invasion to allow for Surface water flow is one of the key ele- and gray hawk spotting scopes is found more open water for bird watching and ments sustaining Arivaca riparian and along the trail for view- wildlife. cienega habitats. These habitats are criti- cies that occupy the high ers to watch the vari- For more information on the Cienega cal to many wildlife and fish species in foliage density of these vegetation ous water birds in the or the Buenos Aires National Wildlife southern Arizona. types. nearby pond. Cur- Refuge, please call (520) 823-4251 x116,

The Cienega is often used by migrating Other wildife species are highly de- rently, cattails have in- or visit www.fws.gov. photo by Suzanne Pajarito Mountains as the two best prospec- Tarahumara Frogs Return tive reintroduction sites. Reintroductions are authorized by the Ari- by Trevor Hare, SIA Conservation Biologist zona Game and Fish Department in their 1987 In 1992 he Tarahumara frog (Rana tarahumarae) once ranged from the Procedures for Nongame Wildlife and En- the in Mexico into the Santa Rita and Atascosa- dangered Species Reestablishment Projects. Tarahumara The Conservation Team and the Department Pajarito Mountains of southernmost Arizona. Frog T are currently working their way through this The last Tarahumara frog in Arizona was and dark crossbars on its legs. Because it lives Conser- process and will be seeking approval from the spotted in 1983 in the . in the water, its hind feet are extensively vation Game and Fish Commission to reintroduce The populations in the Atascosa-Pajarito webbed. Both males and females call—a low Team was formed to promote the recovery of the frog in 2003. To facilitate the reintroduc- Mountains disappeared in the mid 1970s. Dis- grunt that lasts about half a second. The frogs’ the frog. Members include representatives tion Tarahumara frog, eggs were collected at ease (chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium habitat is composed of high-gradient streams from research institutions, state and federal the closest known population to historic lo- dendrobatidis), climate change (flooding, se- and deep plunge pools in pine-oak woodland, wildlife management and land management calities in Arizona in the Sierra la Madera, vere drought, colder winter), introduced thorn scrub, and tropical deciduous forest. agencies, and interested members of the pub- Sonora, in May 2000, and were transferred predators (bullfrogs, non-native fish), and Tarahumara frogs eat a wide variety of prey, lic. A conservation program for the to the Fish and Wildlife Service for rearing. pollution (acid rain, heavy metal poisoning) including fish, juvenile mud turtles, snakes, Tarahumara frog has been developed by the Additional collections and reintroductions will are all potential causes of the extirpation in the and beetles and other insects. In turn, Conservation Team that calls for the reintro- be needed to establish viable populations. US and continuing impacts in Mexico. Tarahumara frogs are probably eaten by ring- duction of the frog back into at least two of its The Tarahumara frog is a medium sized drab tails, birds, snakes (especially garter snakes), historic localities in Arizona. The team has iden- Compiled from AZ Game and Fish De- green-brown frog (2.5 to 4.5 inches from nose other frogs, rosy salamanders, fish, water bugs tified Big Casa Blanca Canyon in the Santa partment and US Fish and Wildlife Service to rear) with small, dark spots on its body and other invertebrates. Rita Mountains and Sycamore Canyon in the reports, with special thanks to Stephen Hale. 6 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 Canyon Perspective Echoes of past visits and the By Maggie Milinovitch, Arivaca AZ his is the place of my heart where I come to heal, to celebrate, to promise of its enduring appreciate. Sycamore Canyon is more than the sum of its rocks, beauty greet me as I round Twater, wildlife and flora. It fills the empty places in my soul: a by- product of “civilized” living. A day of listening to the cascading call of the Canyon Wren reverberating off the red rock canyon walls, lazing each bend under a willow tree chomping on carrot sticks while considering a deli- and clear pools for swimming. The refresh- nor could I reach for my camera; I didn’t want cate wildflower is about all I need to get me back in tune with the rest of ingly cool water can, even in the summer heat, to disturb the band. Instead, concentrating all the planet, for a while. feel chilly in the lower levels of these undis- my powers on observation and conservation turbed, temperature-stratified pools. of movement, I sat and rejoiced in the mo- I have come to this quiet garden in the nearby. With each visit a little less is left of Passing by one of the larger side canyons, I ment. desert for the past 30 years. Echoes of past the melting adobe walls from a time when recall a hot summer day with my sons. We This time my visit is with a heavier heart. visits and the promise of its enduring beauty the West was young and Apaches were had been scrambling over the water-strewn Sycamore Canyon, a large part of my life and greet me as I round each bend in the mean- fierce. The rains that wash the canyon clean boulders of this side canyon and I let the kids my history, with my hopes for its future un- dering stream. Reassuringly the canyon also wash out a bit of history. go on ahead. (My children were noisy and I troubled by the advances of “civilization,” are never changes yet is never the same. Also, Today insects rule the canyon. Butterflies wanted some peace.) I sat quietly by a small now threatened. no matter how often I return, I have a in a bright parade wobble on the light breeze. pool in the shade of a twisted, stunted oak Tucson Electric Power wants to put a mon- different perspective with which to appreciate Bright orange dragonflies with transparent tree. In that shade grew velvet textured, bright strous, power transmitting abomination very it and new eyes to see what I missed before. wings hover over the water showing their green moss clinging to stones moistened by close to this canyon. But Sycamore is not the The lower canyon begins just off the aerodynamic prowess despite being engaged the seep water trickling over them. I could only area in jeopardy. Peck Canyon, the serpentine, dirt, one lane Ruby Road and in double-decked co-mingling. I watch for still hear the kids, but barely. Relaxing, Atascosa Mountains, along with miles and runs to the international boundary with a convention of ladybugs; a few years back contemplating nature’s application of various miles of wild areas are being considered for Mexico. While all around may be dangerous I came upon thousands of them meeting on shades of green, I caught movement out of pathways to corporate riches. Please join me territory, Sycamore is always a safe, protected the shady side of a large boulder. I scooped the comer of my eye. I froze. A band of coati in putting a stop to this madness. place. No mule trains with illegal cargos up a handful to join in their party and was had come with their young for a sip of water. venture this way. The tumble of rocks and welcomed by their using my body as a play- I must have blended into the surroundings ~This story is reprinted from the Septem- water-filled pools carved of solid stone block ground. In my hair, under my shirt and over like a homely girl at the prom, because they ber 2003 issue of The Connection. their way to northern destinations. It is a my face they skittered until they bored of me didn’t notice me just a few feet away. I couldn’t designated wildlife and plant research area; and flew back to the congregation. call to my children to share the experience there are no roads, no hunters, no motor Coming to the first nature- homes, no ATVs, and no ghetto blasters. provided swimming pool Alone, I feel safe - at home. echoes a time when, as the Sycamore runs, in its own way, north to kids grew older, we ven- south so that even on the hottest summer tured further into the can- day there is shade to be found within its yon. The pools are home to steep rock walls. Or, at high noon, cool tiny fishes that nibbled on our respite can be had under the many large, skin if we stood too long in water-loving trees along its year-round one place. Their hungry stream. The east-west track of the sun sends probing sent shivering sen- slanted light into the canyon; at one time sations up our spines and we the light defines the pock-marked rock had contests to see who faces, then moves to hide them in shadow- could stand still the longest unlike the open desert where the glare of without giggling. the sun surrounds and illuminates every Many side canyons flow object from dawn til dusk. into the main. Some are so A short hike into the old parking area and narrow, steep and clogged I spot the huge oak tree where years ago, with scrub they defy explo- when my children were very young, we ration. Others made of solid often pitched our huge old canvas tent. The rock reward mountain goat homestead of Hank and Yank Bartlett sits climbing skills with waterfalls Note from Maggie: I’ve talked to no one who wants this reliable power. The only people in the east hearings on Thursday, September 25 from line or for that matter, any powerline that had power were the people not on a 3 to 5pm and another from 7 to 9pm at the running through our National Forest power grid. Santa Rita Springs Rec Center, 911 W. Via sketch by Paul Mirocha lands. Especially through lands so far A powerline that no one wants, that will not Fuerte and on Friday from 1 to 3pm and 5 Maggie Milinovitch is the editor of The unmarred by visual pollution other serve the people impacted by its ugliness, to 7pm in Nogales at the Santa CruzCounty Connection, a monthly newspaper serving than a twisting dirt road. No one im- more land trashed, for what? The usual. Courthouse on Congress Drive. communities of Arivaca, Amado, Rio Rico, pacted by the line will benefit. To my Money chasing more money, yet again Write letters to DOE and to the For- Tubac, Tumacacori, and surrounding areas. knowledge the only beneficiaries will threatening our wildlands. est Service by October 14. See page four To keep up on local news, you can subscribe be the power company’s stockholders. It is very important for everyone who cares for adresses and talking points. If after you to The Connection for $14 per year by The stated cause is to provide reliable about preserving this area to get active. The have all the information you need, you do writing to P.O. Box 338, Arivaca AZ power to Nogales and to get the area DEIS is available at most area libraries. not feel comfortable composing a comment 85601 or emailing [email protected]. on the national power grid. There is a local website with current infor- to send in response, please feel free to con- So what’s up with the similarity in names The August power black-outs in the mation about what is happening at tact The Connection office and an English between Sky Island Alliance’s quarterly east tend to suggest that the all-pow- www.StopTheWesternRoute.blogspot.com major (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) newsletter and this excellent local monthly? erful grid system is not the answer to The Department of Energy is holding will be made available to help you. Pure accident; there’s no connection. Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 7 After the fires

by Bob VanDeven t’s the middle of June and somewhere near the top of the a tiny flame crackles to life amid a crowd of Ilanky young conifers and heaps of dry duff. Conditions are perfect, or terrible. Thermometers in the valley register 102 degrees and humidity is down in the teens. Five years of drought and a stiff breeze out of the southwest usher the new fire across the forest floor and eventually into the crowns; by the time firefighters arrive on foot and begin scuffing lines around the blaze it’s too late. They retreat in less than an hour.

A Lockheed P2V drops a load of re- cleanup. But the Aspen fire took out tardant on the flames and returns two more than just trees and cottages, it left more times to do the same before the day a smoldering gap in the collective psyche is through, but the fire shrugs it off. This of all those who treasure the Catalinas. one has been waiting for decades, a lamp There were things we loved up there, on the horizon just barely visible things we left behind. We’ve come to through the clutter of dead wood and the fourth stage in the pattern and we’re dog-hair thickets. Progression maps pub- dealing with more than the tangible lished by the Forest Service tell the story products of combustion, we’re dealing best. On day 1 the burn barely covers with uncertainty and loss and the kind Marshall Peak, by day two it has quin- of blame that seems to come spinning tupled in size and then, day three, it back like a boomerang no matter who rushes north into the little town of we aim it at. It will be decades before Summerhaven, rummaging through the the gap grows over, and in the mean- flammable and the fireproof, consum- time a single question echoes across that ing what it can with the organic lust of a once-forested space: “What now?” At percent of the size of the Aspen fire. The creature that has stalked the woods for least part of the answer lies next door. these claims are not enough to explain the reasons for this are complex, but one can’t half a billion years. It comes up hard All but overlooked in the news, the disparity between the two fires, and they against the northern boundary of last Helen’s 2 fire started barely 20 miles help thinking that two fires so closely al- miss the one extant condition that truly lied by geography and timing yet so dif- year’s Bullock Fire, then begins a slow away in the Rincon unit of Saguaro Na- helped keep the Helen’s 2 fire in check, ferent in magnitude might have something curl to the west and south, wrapping tional Park on the same day as the As- namely the existence of past burns. around its own aftermath day after day, pen Fire. It burned through the same to teach us, both about what we’ve done A glance at a fire history map of the wrong and what we’ve done right. week after week until its flaming pseudo- plant communities—ponderosa, mixed Rincons is instructive: Old blazes, both Some have argued that natural conditions pods begin to descend the rocky slopes conifer, oak savannah—and with simi- prescribed and natural, surround the above Tucson. At night people gather at lar intensity. “We had trees torching out,” favored the Aspen fire while at the same Helen’s 2 like amoebas, essentially hem- time working against the Helen’s 2. The the end of Sabino Canyon Road and said Kathy Schon, Fire Ecologist for the ming it in on the west, south, and south- wind from the southwest pushed the As- watch the show from lawn chairs. When National Park Service, “Some days we east sides. When the Helen’s 2 fire reached the blaze is finally brought under con- weren’t able to control it the way we pen fire through Summerhaven and up the the edges of these historic burns it had no thickly forested slopes of Radio Ridge but trol a month later it has come nearly full would have liked.” Yet for all their fe- choice but to drop from the crowns to the herded the Helen’s 2 toward rocky terrain. circle, reduced to snuffling through the rocity both fires exhibited something of forest floor where grasses and brush had lovegrass and hardy succulents at the a mosaic pattern, touching approxi- Pines in the Catalinas were infested with begun to grow. Like an old yellow lab it bark beetles and many were standing dead southern boundary of the Bullock fire. mately half of the acreage within their simply poked around the bushes, basically and dry when the fire began but the There really is not much left to burn. reach with what the agencies consider harmless. The Park Service has a long his- Today the streets of Summerhaven low severity. Look much further, though, , owing to the trademark tory of letting fires burn where possible isolation that makes the Sky Islands unique, seem wider for lack of cabins, and the and the resemblance begins to fade. The and using prescribed fire when necessary. do not yet have a bark beetle problem. But pines of four months ago are sluicing Helen’s 2 fire was sparked by lightning In fact, much of the acreage taken by the down the canyons like so much dish- while the Aspen fire was human-caused, water. When we look at the way Ameri- not that origins are really important; ig- cans have dealt with wildland fire over nition is ignition and if it’s one thing the past 50 years or so a regrettable pat- we’ve learned after a string of record- tern emerges. Prior to a blaze we plan, breaking fires it’s that forests will burn, Then comes the inevitable—a we theorize, sometimes we cut trees or period. The Helen’s 2 fire did not get start prescribed burns, other times we nearly as much attention as her sibling spark off an exhaust pipe, a just resign ourselves to hope. Then next door although at one time there were comes the inevitable—a spark off an ex- nearly 700 firefighters trying to keep her bolt of lightning—and suddenly haust pipe, a bolt of lightning—and sud- in check. But the most dramatic differ- denly there’s a fire threatening to sweep ence between the two blazes is this: even there’s a fire ... away a cabin, maybe even a town, but with fewer personnel on the ground and almost always a thicket of rationaliza- fewer choppers in the air the Helen’s 2 tions and mistakes. Next comes the fire only reached 3,500 acres, barely four

8 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 Reflections

99 percent of all blazes, some of which as it moved. To the west, the Aspen fire might better be managed than snuffed came charging through after consuming as a matter of course. more than 300 homes and businesses. The same evidence that argues for the Looking for hope here seems like a fool’s benefits of fire and a wider return of this errand but in the fall of 2001 humans primeval force to public lands speaks were at work in the forest to the north- strongly in favor of protection for those east, thinning young trees and cutting communities on the wildland/urban in- low branches, protecting 170 acres just terface. Fires are inevitable and the only below the Mt. Lemmon Fire station. It’s question is what they will burn. Think down there still, a tiny raft of green float- of it this way—if a defensible space had ing on a sea of ash. The Bullock Fire been cleared around every structure in burned right up to this treated area and the Catalinas, if yards had been raked then dropped out of the crowns when it free of duff and debris, if no one had reached the edge. In a similar fashion piled their firewood next to their pro- the Aspen fire was unable to consume pane tank, if no building had been lost, those 170 acres as it had so many others. would we have mourned the way we What we value we can save. It will take did? “We can’t fireproof the mountains,” time, much capital, intelligent decisions, asserts Kathy Schon. Indeed, there is and the participation of those who live good data showing that ponderosa pine and play in the woods, not just those forests historically withstood low to mod- who manage them. erate intensity fires every two to 10 years. Yet for all the necessary advantages of fire its presence (or absence) still amounts to management decisions. “We need landscape-scale projects,” says Schon. Bill Hart agrees, but there is conflict over how much humans will be required to do and how much fire can do on its own. Helen’s 2 would have eventually been burned had wanted to treat these areas with a combi- Park Service data seems to suggest that by the Park Service. In an email interview nation of thinning and prescribed burning, but burning, even in dense forests with Chuck Scott, Fire Management Officer for federal law prohibits this type of disturbance heavy fuel loads, will leave enough of Saguaro National Park, states, “This particu- to spotted owl habitat. Now in an unfortunate the big trees and follow a mosaic pattern lar area has been on my radar screen for a twist of fate the very habitat protected under allowing recovery and an eventual re- number of years in regards to a prescribed the law has been all but destroyed, in truth turn to lower intensity burns. But the fire. We had intended to burn it in a series of because of the exclusion of fire. ultra-high fuel loads on many national burns starting slowly. The Helens Fire sim- Lest one think that fighting fire with fire is forests call to question the wisdom of Like fires themselves, personal ply advancedEating the reintroduction ofOut fire a little anand easy prescription for forest health we ought such a let-burn policy, at least in some responses to fire are viceral, sooner. We had more intense fire than had to consider the differences between Saguaro situations. Still, for all the differences be- untamable, and leave behind initially been desired, but I think for the most National Park, where burning has served the tween various chunks of public land, smoldering patches even once part the fire accomplished some good things ecosystem well, and places like the Catalinas, the Rincons stand as an impressive ex- their main flames have been for the resource.” These good things include which have indeed suffered from the lack of ample of fire and forests coexisting the recycling nitrogen and other nutrients, creat- flame. To begin, the risk to private property way they should. Over time, a landscape quenched. Understanding public ing a diverse patchwork of open ground and and the continuous presence of human beings that endures multiple fires can build re- reaction to fire issues is critical to surviving canopy, and significantly reducing in the Catalinas makes it hard to simply let sistance to the kind of conflagrations that fire management. Yet our collective the burden of fuel and young trees that, if left fires burn and slows the planning and imple- have swept across Arizona and much of experiences and personal responses unchecked, would have fed even greater con- mentation of prescribed fire. In a recent inter- the west. Where necessary, we can treat to fire cannot be boiled down to a flagrations in the future. This last point is view Bill Hart, Fuels Specialist with the Santa areas to prevent crown fires and we can simple formula. fleshed out particularly well by Park Service Catalina Ranger district, pointed to the me- see fire restored to our public lands for We would like to provide a statistics gathered from previous fires. For ticulous and site-specific planning that must their benefit. Someday we may look at venue for exploring these personal example, fall fires decreased the density of be done by the Forest Service. “The Park Ser- flames on the horizon with wonder and expressions by publishing here a pole-sized trees (those with a diameter of 2.5 vice has almost no interior prep to do, it’s mostly gratitude rather than fear. For anyone to 15 cm) by about 50 percent on experimen- line prep, whereas we (the Forest Service) have who doubts these assertions, a return to collection of reactions and re- tal plots while the density of overstory trees a tremendous amount of work to do on the the Catalinas offers a kernel of hope. sponses to the fires that have re- (those with a diameter greater than 15 cm) ground before a prescribed burn can be com- The Aspen vista point is near the end cently affected us so deeply. Please remained nearly the same, decreasing by only pleted.” So while it’s no secret that fire sup- of the Catalina Highway, perched be- share with us your poems, about 12 percent. pression in the Catalinas contributed to the se- tween the aftermath of two devastating sketches, photographs, essays, Some of the bad things to come out of verity and extent of the Aspen Fire, balancing years. To the east, ranks of standing comments, and other thoughts. Helen’s 2 included severe damage to patches the equation was and will remain problematic. matchsticks crowd the steep slopes that You can mail your responses to That said, it should be noted that the Forest of mixed conifer which were inhabited by descend to the San Pedro River. The p.o. box 41165, Tucson AZ 85717 Mexican spotted owls and peregrine falcons. Service continues to take an especially fervent Bullock fire burned hot here, playing or email them to us at Prior to the Helen’s 2 fire the Park Service approach to fighting fire, extinguishing over the topography and leaping from tree to [email protected]. tree, pre-drying the thick forest upslope

Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 9 Fabulous Fireflies by Joe Cicero ireflies, in Arizona?? Most residents would glare in disbelief if the Santa Cruz River. There’s a told that fireflies actually occur in our state. They may be re night-flying/flashing click beetle too, that is known from some of Fminded of fond experiences back east where the night sky is filled the Huachuca Mountain can- with flashing insects, but have neither seen nor heard of such displays yons, as well as those of the here in the west. Fact is, there are twenty or so different species confirmed Pajaritos. in Arizona, and they can be sorted into three behavioral groups. The second group can be seen anytime during the day flitting The first group consists of three species, a full gradient from ponderosa/ about on vegetation and flying perhaps more, that fly and flash at night in pine-silverleaf oak woodland, through the through the air in slow, straight- fiercely competitive mating protocols like pinyon-oak belt and on down to the mes- line paths. Entomologists theorize their eastern counterparts. The second quite flat. Early residents of Sunnyside in- that their ancestors flew and group consists of six or so species that fly stalled several large ponds to retain spring Big-eyed male that flies in search of females on the ground. flashed at night like those of the during the day and either have no lights, or, water in the upper region of the canyon, first group, but intense competition when lights are present, they are faint like and these are slowly leaked to the creek hopefully before any collateral males see the moved the whole mate-acquisition prerequi- those radium-painted notches on the wrist- below them. This perennial water supports exchange and try to interlope. This basic site out of the night and into the day, and from watches we used to wear. These lights have a lush streamside flora with lots of snails, flash-answer protocol is highly modifiable de- luminescent signal recognition to pheromone no known function. The third group con- on which larvae of the aerial flashing fire- pending on the terrain and ambient light in- recognition. Sycamore Canyon holds 3 of sists of nocturnal fly Bicellonycha w. tensity the males have to work in. They scale these species, all of which can be seen on any species whose fe- wickershamorum the height and speed of their search path to same day during the early summer. males are feeds. optimize their chances of finding a female. The third group is my favorite. They per- brightly lumi- Bicellonycha is a ge- They vary the intensity of their lights, the form a “glow-find” mating protocol, where nous but cannot nus of about 30 species time of evening they emerge, and the dura- the male flies through the night in search of a fly. Their males throughout central and tion of their search, all of which depend on spark in the grass. In the first group, males have faint lights southern Mexico. This ecological, ergonomic and genetic factors we take most of the risk during sex-location. But too, and don’t use one species somehow barely comprehend. Our second most com- in this group, females expose themselves by them for mating made it up to the Sky mon member of this group, Photinus knulli, glowing as a beacon for any males that may signals. Instead, Islands, and back in deserves mention, but has not yet been re- be overhead. Females are flightless because they have huge, 1982, I named it after ported in Scotia Canyon. It is the only known they quit metamorphosis earlier than their dragonfly-like the Wickershams, lekking firefly in the New World. Gathering males; earlier, in fact, than the onset of wing eyes for spotting then residents of together in congregations (leks), males syn- growth. This condition is called neoteny. the female glow Huachuca City, who chronize their flashes as part of an extremely Many of these species occur in the Pajarito- as they fly Flightless, larva-like “glow worm” female let me study the mat- complex mate-location strategy. A huge popu- Atascosa-Tumacacori Mountain Ranges also through the attracting big-eyed male ing behavior in their lation occurred at Pena Blanca Canyon of but they are very, very hard to find because night sky in backyard. B. the Pajarito Mountains that somehow got of the sedentary habit of the female. search of a mate. wickershamorum per- wiped out many years ago, and is just now Luminescent insects are a fertile ground Sky Island Alliance’s conservation efforts forms a “flash-answer” routine where coming back. An occasional male can be seen for discovery. Distributions are poorly re- targeted this southwest section of the males advertise by flashing once every 5 at Sycamore Canyon, 20 miles west of Pena corded for even common species. A lot of during June of this or so seconds as they fly. Females wait in Blanca, and these probably represent strays behaviors are completely unstudied. A new year. In one trip to Scotia Canyon, just east the grass until a male flies overhead and from a larger, undiscovered population with genus just turned up in ’s south- of Parker Canyon Lake, we were blessed to performs to her liking. She blinks back at an epicenter deeper in the range. The species eastern desert, and Sonora is profuse with see representatives of all three of these fire- the male who captures her attention, and has also recently been reported in the Tuc- species, almost all of which are undescribed. fly groups. The canyon is richly decked with he then bolts down to her as fast as he can, son Mountains and at the West Branch of So much left to discover!

Arizona Conservation Alliance Summit by Lyn Wilson, Arizona League of Conservation Voters, and Acasia Berry, Sky Island Alliance

epresentatives from 55 Arizona conservation groups converged lap in candidates chosen by pro-conserva- success through continued collaboration. on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in August to map out a tion voters and by Latino voters. We were By working together, we can build and Rcommon strategy for the upcoming year. The Arizona League all moved to strengthen our ties and con- strengthen the conservation community in of Conservation Voters (AZLCV) brought together groups working on solidate our collective voting powers. US Arizona and become more effective at pro- a wide range of environmental issues facing Arizona residents, bonding Representative Raul Grijalva received a tecting our land, air, water, and quality of standing ovation as he lent hope for some- life. It is our goal to create a culture of trust the conservation community of the state into a unified powerful voice. thing good to come out of D.C. and cooperation between the diverse orga- People working on state land reform shared tables with those working This was the second Conservation Alliance nizations, citizens, and interest groups that to improve indoor air quality. Those doing on-the-ground restoration Summit called by AZCLV. Individually con- care about Arizona’s future. With the help met with folks keeping tabs on the state legislature. servation groups have been making huge and dedication of the many members of the strides in guaranteeing the future health of Arizona Conservation Alliance, it seems we Focusing on action, working groups met Presentations were inspiring. San our state. Thank you to the League for hav- are on the road to achieving that goal. on topics of air quality, energy, growth man- Carlos Apache Tribal Councilman ing the vision and determination to bring us ~Acasia agement, environmental justice and border Wendsler Nosie gave a moving welcome all together! Jointly we can make a differ- As part of the environmental justice and issues, funding, and wildlife habitat and address that noted the auspiciousness of ence in the upcoming elections and conser- border issues session, it was exciting to work resource protection. Each group identified the conservation groups’ convening at the vation in Arizona. with progressive and dedicated people who priorities the larger Arizona conservation Apache reservation. Longtime political Sky Island Alliance is pleased to be a part really “get it.” These issues, particularly bor- community could accomplish and developed activist and grassroots organizer Debbie of the Arizona Conservation Alliance. This der policy and talk of constructing additional a plan to do just that. We expect to see lots of Lopez and AZLCV Executive Director year’s participants left the Summit energized walls, affect not just the human beings along great work coming from this gathering! Stephanie Sklar spoke of the large over- by the potential for achieving conservation our borders but the wildlife that use those continued on next page 10 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 Getting from Here to There by Janice Pryzbyl, ext time you travel the Interstate-19 corridor between Tubac document the territorial markings left by mountain lions and bobcats. With swipes of and Tucson let your eyes trace an “as the raven flies” route from their hind feet, male mountain lions mound Nthe Tumacacori Mountains on the west to the Santa Rita range dirt, pine needles, or other organic litter and on the eastern edge of your view. It’s approximately a 15-mile straight then spray the mound with urine. Just like line from the proposed Tumacacori Wilderness to the existing Mt. the calling card left by the lion’s “dad.” Bob- Wrightson Wilderness in the core of the Santa Rita’s. cats also mark by scraping, however these are notably smaller than mountain lion scrapes. Scat– fecal matter–deposited by Now lower your eyes and imagine that plenty here, and water too. Maybe this can mountain lions is also collected as evidence. same route on the ground. Pretend you are a be your new home. But, uh-oh, what’s that? In addition to the three volunteers men- young male mountain lion. You just spent your Under an oak tree, you spy a scraped-up pile tioned above, Nick Bleser and Birdie Stabel, youth with “mom” and “sis,” primarily in the of leaves. You cautiously sniff. Eeoww. That’s Laurel Clarke, Carolyn McCallister, Judith Pajarito Wilderness, with occasional hunting “dad’s” scent! And what’s that over there? A Musick, and Bill and Ellen Kurtz also ven- excursions into the surrounding mountain pile of scat, and it’s fresh too. You must still be ture out every six weeks. Most of the ranges, perhaps the Atascosas. But now in “dad’s” territory; he’s obviously left his call- project’s volunteers work and live in the im- “mom” is not too keen on your hanging around ing card. Better high-tail it outta here or he’ll mediate area–four are Tubac residents and anymore, so it’s time to strike out on your kick your butt. two live near Sopori Wash. Four volunteers own, establish your own home base, and With renewed haste, you scramble up come down from Tucson and other outly- maybe even find a mate. But where to go? Sardina Peak. At the top, with the setting ing areas. Not only do the volunteers search There’s definitely strong signs of another male sun warming your back, you check out the ways, ranch buildings, fences, stores, for signs left by mountain lion and bobcat, around “mom’s” home. It may be your dad, view and your options. Across the valley ranchettes, golf courses, paved roads, with but also by black bear, coati, and jaguar. but he definitely does not want to compete floor, a large mountain range glows red in all the subsequent occupants including sub- Sky Island Alliance is collaborating with with you for food or mates. Best to say “adios” the evening light. The Santa Rita’s are beau- urbanites, barking dogs, stray cats, and mo- Arizona Department of Transportation to in- and head out. tiful with the sun highlighting the sheer cliffs torized vehicles from ATVs to semi-trucks. vestigate wildlife movement under I-19. Soon, Moving north, you pad along the familiar of Elephant Head. Just the place for a young Attempting to get safely and unnoticed to a series of remote cameras will be installed in canyons and ridges of the Atascosa Moun- mountain lion to call home. But how do you the other side, the lion will try his darndest to culverts and under bridges. (See sidebar to tains. With “mom” you often encountered the get from here to there? You look south, from avoid any contact. Maybe he’ll keep to the WildNews! in last summer’s Restoring Con- scent and even watched groups of humans where you just came, and notice drainages drainages. But what about the four lane high- nections.) The information gathered from hiking, hunting, and sightseeing. “Mom” flowing out of the Tumacacori’s. Negro, Rock speed highway your vehicle glides over at these remote cameras will supplement the taught you to be cautious and leery of these Corral, Tinaja, and other canyons all look 75 mph? What are the lion’s chances of suc- track data collected by our volunteers. Sup- two-legged critters, so you stay clear. easily navigable down to the valley floor. You cessfully crossing all four lanes? Or are there ported by these data, Sky Island Alliance is in One morning, you settle down on a rock really don’t want to backtrack, so you look big culverts and high bridges he can pass dialogue with numerous stakeholders and of- ledge overlooking a small canyon. Soon you northward at Chivas, Toros, and Sopori through or under? ficials about preventing obstruction to wild- hear some noisy critters headed up canyon. Washes. Down on the valley floor there is a These are the questions our Wildlife Moni- life movement through major drainages in the You look down and see three of those upright thin ribbon of bright green cottonwood trees. toring Program attempts to address. We mo- Santa Cruz River Valley. creatures. They seem to be excited and are A river flows through it, offering a respite bilize volunteers to collect data in areas we Now when you travel the I-19 corridor pointing to where you just walked. They fol- for resting and refueling on the journey. A identified as possible wildlife corridors that are between Tubac and Tucson, gaze at the land- low the tracks you made in the dusty canyon drainage on the other side of the river leads at-risk from expanding development. One of scape and reflect on the work Sky Island Alli- bottom until the tracks disappear amidst a scat- to a large canyon–Cottonwood–providing these regions is the stretch of land between ance does to protect our mountain islands and tering of rocks. What are they doing now? access to your new dwellings. Seems easy the Tumacacoris and the Santa Ritas. Ten desert seas–especially our current efforts for They yak and point and poke at your tracks. enough. The coolness of the night entices trained “grassroots naturalists” are now col- wilderness designation in the Tumacacori You wish they’d go away so you could nap. you to start the journey down the mountain lecting data on wildlife presence along their Highlands. Contemplate the profusion of wild- You especially hope they don’t look up and and across the valley below. “adopted” transects in drainages and canyons life living in the large protected core areas– catch you in your hiding spot. Sounds from How easy will the journey be? Back in on both sides of Interstate-19. the mountain islands. Speculate about the cor- their activity drone on and you doze. When your vehicle, with your human eyes you can Maybe it was volunteers Janay Brun, ridors through the desert seas that enable wild- you wake up, all that is left is their stale smell. see that the landscape is more than a combi- Dyna Chin, and Wade Goyetche who dis- life movement between those cores. And con- You get up, stretch, and sniff the air, catching nation of geology and vegetation. As he turbed our mountain lion’s nap. What were sider joining Sky Island Alliance’s awesome a fresh scent as they retreat back down the edges closer to the valley the mountain lion those crazy humans doing, anyway? They volunteers and supporters whose tireless ef- canyon. Sniff. Crazy humans! You turn and will encounter more and more obstacles to were documenting the lion’s tracks by photo- forts ensure that mountain lions, jaguars, and slink off in the other direction. his passage. He already scooted over one graphing, measuring, taking GPS readings for other critters can continue to live in the Sky You wander further north and explore the major dirt road–Ruby Road. Skirted camp- location, and determining direction of travel. Islands and travel the desert seas. Tumacacori Mountains. Hmmm. “Mom” sites and cattle tanks. Down in the valley it They most certainly wondered where the taught you to hunt deer and javelina. There’s will be an obstacle course of utility rights of mountain lion went. Our volunteers also corridors as well. Our breakout group chose to treat envi- dors and habitat. Jenny Neely volunteered Some of this problem is clearly due to sible, offer assistance which may mean sim- ronmental justice issues and border issues to research groups working on border lack of understanding about who is doing ply helping to open a door for them. Cur- as separate components with equal weight, wildlife issues from Texas to California, and what in this expansive network of grassroots rently, Joel Foster is hard at work on the though these obviously overlap. In review- to discover what each is actually doing. activists. To tackle this problem, we agreed tool box, and I have the first draft of the ing the general goals set forth in the first On the environmental justice front, our to design a survey that would go out to all survey ready. For those who were at the Summit, we found we had made little group also acknowledged that too often Summit participants asking them to iden- Summit, you should receive it within the progress in the last year, and decided this persons impacted by environmental justice tify people in their urban, rural, and tribal next three weeks. If you weren’t there, I year we would set action goals and assign issues resent the larger, more well known communities that are already working on enthusiastically encourage each of you to tasks to group members with deadlines to conservation groups because these groups these border problems. Our intent is to iden- sign up for the 2004 Summit and become insure that the goals were met. Border policy “come in and tell them what they need to tify projects all across Arizona where people an active participant in crafting the next is a vast issue and goes far beyond access to do” to fix their problems. As one member of are struggling to protect their communi- Arizona Conservation Alliance Agenda. humans and wildlife. To engage the conser- our group pointed out, “You people have ties, and get to know who they are and You won’t be sorry! vation community in the border issues, how- all the money, and we are the ones work- what they need. We will help develop a tool ~Lyn ever, we agreed that our role should be to ing in our communities to stop the injustice box for these groups and individuals to use focus on issues dealing with wildlife corri- to our families.” It was a sobering moment. to further help themselves, and where pos- Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 11 Road Rattlings by Trevor Hare, SIA Conservation Biologist course of a couple days as more than 20 trees roads just north of it. This fall we will of course olves and bears, leopard frogs and Apache trout, Gila mon- had been damaged. It was a sad sight, which continue to visit some of the most beautiful I had hoped to never see in this day and age. areas in the Sky Island region. The sters and Sonoran whipsnakes, tree frogs and rattlesnakes, We are the friends and protectors of these Tumacacori Mountains will be the setting Wtrogons and gray hawks; these are a few of my favorite things. wonderful wild places, we do not and can in September to kick off the Sky Island Al- These are also what we have encountered out there doing road and not understand what these people were liance push for Wilderness in the area and wilderness surveys this summer. thinking, but once again I have to lament the to finish off the road surveys. In the begin- We, of course, have also seen way too fact that I wasn’t there in time to stop the ning of October we will return to one of many roads, way too many degraded ripar- destruction. But back out we will go, and our favorite places, the southern Peloncillo ian areas, and way too many campsites. Some while I hope I never have to witness some- Mountains, to do road, riparian area, and of those camps were definitely Mexican Na- thing like this, I secretly harbor a wish I biological surveys to support our push for tionals’ waypoints on their trip north look- would. What would I do in that case? Calmly permanent protection for the area. In the ing for a better life. We also stumbled across explain that what they are doing is wrong middle of October the Burro Mountains will a camp in the Burro Mountains that was full and illegal? Yell at them and put myself be- be the scene of another joint trip with the of the trash from Oriental and Middle East- tween them and the object of the their bent Wilderness Alliance and the ern food products, European cigarettes, and destruction? Or would I follow them home, Upper Gila Watershed Alliance, where we bus tickets from Los Angeles. The worst we pee on their flower garden? Chop down their always have way too much fun! We also hope have seen though was caused by that scourge landscaping? Bust out their windows? to have two or three road closure weekends of all wildlands—the Yahoo. On the Apache Maybe all of the above! this fall, so stay tuned! Forest overlooking the Black River, we found Enough with the ranting and raving, it’s In the new year we will visit Aravaipa a camp that looked like it was attacked by a time to get back out there! We had won- Canyon, Turtle Mountain, the Dos Cabeza Boy Scout troop gone insane. Trash every- derful trips into Aravaipa Canyon Wilder- Mountains, the Santa Rita Mountains, the where, toilet paper and beer cans, egg shells ness, the Burro Mountains in New Mexico, Huachuca Mountains and the San Rafael and banana peels, and the worst was the trees and into the Blue Range and Black River Valley, the Blue Primitive Range, the around the campsite. They had been attacked area since my last column. We were in the Peloncillo Mountains, the western Pajarito with abandon. Some had been hacked down, over Labor Day Mountains and the . So stay and others were barely standing. The attack weekend to look at the boundary of the ex- tuned, stay fit, stay informed, stay active, and elegant trogon, by Sky Jacobs on the trees must have happened over the isting wilderness and to document some stay happy!

The Tumacacori Highlands continued from back cover

greater Tumacacori Highlands region be rewarded by unobstructed natural views at Arivaca, Guevavi (near present-day United States. highest of all areas studied in terms of for hundreds of miles. But look east, and Nogales), Sopori, Tubac, and Tumacacori The Gadsden Purchase of 1854 moved available wild prey, but decided that con- you may glimpse beyond a far ridge the became sites of cyclical clashes between the US-Mexican border from just south ditions surrounding this wild core area sprawling valley settlements whose contin- these relative newcomers and the long-time of Phoenix down to its present location, were too uncertain to merit bringing ued expansions make clear the need to de- indigenous residents. In 1751, O’odham which divides our northern block of the wolves back here yet. The abundance fend remaining wild places. bands succeeded in driving the Spaniards Tumacacori Highlands from their geo- of deer and javelina continues to attract logically contiguous sisters to the south. other predators, from stealthy mountain Although many of us take the current lions and the occasional jaguar to the border placement for granted and treat numerous human hunters who stalk this it as though it were an immutable conti- area each fall. nental division, this area is perhaps as Plant diversity in these mountains is dynamic as ever. Activities peculiar to at least as noteworthy. The chiltepin borders throughout the world—flurries (Capsicum annuum var. of commerce, smuggling of people and glabriusculum), wild ancestor of most goods, patrolling of armed forces, bitter chiles we now cultivate, reaches unusu- international rhetoric, and the blending ally high densities here. The Forest Ser- of families with their languages and culi- vice has dedicated a special Zoological nary and cultural traditions—achieve clas- and Botanical Area to protect the sical dimensions here. chiltepin, and to honor the wild plant’s Under wilderness designation, access contribution to our crop diversity and into the mountains is preserved but their

culinary traditions. And much is left photo by Trevor Hare interior is protected from injury by forces unknown. Botanists remark that this more scarring than feet and horses. So part of Santa Cruz County is the place much human damage is done unwittingly, to go if you have fantasies of discover- as tires crush and gouge without their ing plant species unknown to science; driver breaking a sweat, or as animals three new species have been found near we’d not think of killing intentionally are here in the last decade! smashed under speeding hulks of steel. The roadless area’s only major hiking Wilderness designation also protects a trail runs from the southern boundary View to the west toward Baboquivari from the Tumacacoris landscape from profit-mongering com- near Ruby Road up Atascosa Peak, mercial schemes like the powerline fea- passing a fire lookout once manned by Human history in this area bears all the out of the area, though the Spaniards re- tured in this issue, just as it protects champion-of-the-wild Ed Abbey him- hallmarks of borderland Wild West. Ar- turned and rebuilt over the following de- against accidental injury. self. Because of the large size of this unit, chaeological remains suggest human pres- cades. The next 250 years have seen many opportunities to escape the sights and ence since at least A.D. 850. When the Span- homesteads, ranches and mines come and —Editors note: For a great overview of the his- sounds of civilization abound. Scramble ish missions arrived in the late 1600’s, the go, changing hands via sale, violence, and tory of the Arivaca area, read Mary Noon up any of the numerous peaks, look area was peppered with O’odham villages. sleight of law. Flags flown in the region rep- Kasulaits’ 2002 paper in The Smoke Signal, pub- lished by the Tucson Corral of the Westerners. west, and your sweat and scratches will Spanish missionary and military installations resented first Spain then Mexico then the 12 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 el norte

the creature stirred in spring sniffing the air, catching a hint of something familiar come over a long distance. the creature, young and without obligations, moved north through desert washes and over mountain passes, moving swift and sure, pads soft on the baked Earth, finding water by smell, by genetic memory; traveling mostly at night, when its dappled hide was almost invisible in the light of the moon; avoiding people. heading to el norte. swimming across a river, capturing small meals here and there; for miles and miles and miles the creature strode, heading for a place ancestors called home. mountains. a sacred peak. prey. and water. the young animal brought down a deer and fed, and slept, awaking to the sound of hounds; gliding swiftly up the slopes of harsh desert mountains, hiding, until, one day, it was gone. there was a jaguar in the Baboquivaris a few years ago. seen. photographed. and now it is gone. no one knows, or no one tells. but the jaguar is gone.

— Albert Vetere Lannon

Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 13 Michael Logan Chronicles Destruction of the Santa Cruz River by Dennis Pepe, owner of Green Fire Bookshop, Tucson, AZ

t one time or another I’m sure we’ve all tried to imagine how The Santa Cruz Tucson looked in the past with the multitude of changes River has been, and Athroughout its history. Sure, we can kind of picture the early will forever be, a river settlements down by the base of (“A” Mountain), and we of change. Geologic can try to imagine the Santa Cruz as a flowing stream with possible bea- evolution will con- tinue to occur along its ver dams and lush banks lined with towering cottonwood and sycamore banks and in its water- trees, but with the absence of a photographic history, our imaginations shed, but the changes are left to their own devices. In The Lessening Stream: An Environ- caused by humans liv- mental History of the Santa Cruz River, Michael Logan gives our imagi- ing along the river are nations a major boost in understanding the history of the Santa Cruz even more obvious and especially hazard- River and its many changes throughout the years. ous. We’ve pumped In the hierarchy of rivers, the Santa In this environmental history of the river, away the river’s sur- Cruz does not place very high, especially Logan takes an analytical approach in his face flow. We’ve dam- when compared to its neighbor, the once writing and relies on scholars, scientists, aged the watershed by mighty Colorado. For perhaps a half-mil- and engineers from a wide variety of fields overgrazing the sur- lion years the Santa Cruz meandered 205 for their insights on the river’s history. rounding hillsides and miles from its headwaters in the Canelo While the book does give a good over- its banks. Unfortu- Hills of southern Arizona to its terminus view of the basic geologic and hydrologic nately, we are only at the Gila River just south of Phoenix. processes that helped form the Santa now beginning to un- Its route takes it south across the interna- Cruz, its main focus is on the changing derstand the ways in tional border with Mexico until it elbows human use of the river. For thousands which we have dam- north again, crossing the border near of years the Santa Cruz nourished an ag- aged this ancient river. Nogales, Arizona, and running along the ricultural lifestyle along its banks. Na- Michael Logan does eastern flank of the Tumacacori Moun- tive American farmers, Spanish mission- an excellent job in his tains before passing through Tucson and aries, and Anglo settlers all diverted wa- exhaustive research continuing north to the Gila River. In the ter away from the river into their sun- on this ever-changing river of the South- jor geologic change in the region, the river late 1800s the Santa Cruz River Valley dried fields. Then the Industrial Revo- west. As small as the Santa Cruz River is, will continue on. Sure, it may look sad attracted many settlers with its prospects lution was born and with it came the it plays a large role in our understanding now with its dry dusty bed and polluted, for good grazing and fertile soil along its technology to tap the river’s under- of the high profile water issues of the west. sporadic running water, but it will survive. banks. Even with the threat of violent ground flow. Still today we pump water If you are interested in the history of the Just as the Colorado will one day run free Apache raids, the allure of the river was from even greater depths, water that has Santa Cruz River, or even the history of again, the Santa Cruz will continue on. too much for the homesteaders to pass existed in the river’s aquifer for more southern Arizona as a whole, this book is a The Lessening Stream: An Environmen- up. There is no exact date of when the than 10,000 years. The trees are long must read. If you are interested in water tal History of the Santa Cruz River re- Santa Cruz actually lost its above surface since gone, and newcomers to Tucson policy issues and a historical overview of minds us that because water has been, and flow. Through a combination of natural know the Santa Cruz River now as what’s happening to one small river run- will remain, a major focus of human activ- change to the watershed and human in- merely a dry dusty bed, which fills only ning through the Southwest, this book is ity in the desert, we desperately need a fluence on the river, the above surface flow after heavy rains and has the potential for you. more complete understanding of its place just gradually disappeared into the sand. to transform itself into a rampaging flood. The Santa Cruz still flows. Barring ma- in our lives. Sky Island Alliance co-sponsors four-day conference; calls for papers

Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago II: Connecting Mountain Islands and Desert Seas May 11-15, 2004 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, Arizona

demic scientists, naturalists, and members the conference and distributed to attendees. Call for papers: of the general public to increase apprecia- The USDA Forest Service Rocky Moun- Abstracts due November 15, 2003 tion and understanding of the region. A lot tain Research Station (Southwest Border- has happened in the last 10 years, and it’s lands Ecosystem Research Project) is Sky Island Alliance is co-sponsoring time to meet again! [Connecting Mountain making a major contribution to this con- a major conference on biodiversity and Islands and Desert Seas is two conferences ference by both funding and publishing management of our Sky Island region. in one; it includes the 5th Conference on the proceedings. Mark your callendars, and send in ab- Research and Resource Management in and Tom Swetnam, fire history and climate stracts for papers! Southwestern Deserts.] Our all-star lineup of features, speakers, cycles. In 1994, the landmark conference At this event, 15-minute talks will fill and topics includes Julio Betancourt For more information on the confer- “Biodiversity and Management of the four concurrent sessions on four of the speaking on climate change; Leonard ence, including conference program (as Madrean Archipelago” was the first five conference days. Two separate poster DeBano and Peter Ffolliott, Madrean Ar- it develops), instructions to authors on major gathering to focus on the unique sessions will take place on two days of the chipelago 1994-2004; David Goodrich, abstracts and paper submissions, costs, features and needs of our region. This conference. Short abstracts for talks and San Pedro River watershed; Diana Hadley, scholarships, and accommodations, go to conference raised a huge amount of in- posters will appear in the conference pro- comparative land use history; Ann Lynch, www.skyislandalliance.org and click on terest in the Sky Island Region (formally gram. Feature-length papers for both talks insects as agents of change in the Sky Islands; Biodiversity and Management of the referred to as the Madrean Archipelago), and posters are due at the time of the con- Paul Martin, biogeography and deep history; Madrean Archipelago II: Connecting bringing together land managers, aca- ference, and will be published following Gary Nabhan, cultural and natural history; Mountain Islands and Desert Seas. 14 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003 Fiesta de las Islas—Celebrating the Sky Islands SIA Fall 2003 Field Schedule Please contact the Sky Island Alliance office at 520.624.7080 or Saturday, November 22, 3:00 p.m.-late… [email protected] if you are interested in attending any of the following events. Celebrating the music, dancing, food and drink from the Sky Islands October 03 – 06. Roads, Riparian Areas, and Biological Surveys. ecoregion! Peloncillo Mountains and San Bernardino Valley. The Peloncillos are the Location: The Wilson Courtyard, (outdoors) 405 N. Wilson. On the only Sky Island mountain range that stretches from Mexico to the Gila corner of 7th St. and Wilson Ave. 2 blocks west of Tucson Blvd. River! We will be doing a variety of work both in the mountains and A benefit for the Sky Island Alliance. Admission: $10 for entry , Sonoran cuisine and a trial membership with the Sky Island Alliance, $5 down in the valley. 4.0 hours from Tucson. for SIA members. Children under 12 FREE. Many thanks and we’ll see October 17 –20. Joint New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and Sky Island you soon! Sky Island Alliance – Protecting our mountain islands and Alliance Trip to the Burro Mountains. Help us finish the roads surveys of desert seas. Thank you for your support! For more information, 520-624- the Burro’s, a gorgeous mountain range just south and west of Silver City. 7080, www.skyislandalliance.org or [email protected] 3.0 hours from Tucson. October 25. Volunteer and Supporter Appreciation Day. On the Tanque Verde Wash! Join the Sky Island Alliance staff and board as we cook, Track large mammals in the Peloncillo corridor! brew, and sing for our supporters! Food, drinks, live entertainment will be provided. Camping on-site is available. Eastern edge of Tucson. November 07 – 09. Road Closure and Restoration Project . Get your SIA to hold next Wildlife Monitoring Workshop at The Nature Conservancy’s November 07 – 09. Road Closure and Restoration Project . Litchy Center in Gila, NM, November 7- 9 and December 6- 7, 20032003. hands dirty and play a direct role in improving the ecological health of your Sky Island Alliance is seeking dedicated “grassroots naturalists” who can commit to an public lands! Contact Matt at [email protected] for more info. exciting conservation program on a long-term basis and monitor transects in our new November 22. Fiesta de Las Islas benefit. Join Sky Island Alliance as we project area–the Peloncillo Mountains. Volunteers will adopt transects located near celebrate the “Islands” and raise money for our outstanding programs. Stein Pass or Antelope Pass. Food, live bands, drink, fun, and frivolity! At the Wilson House in Tuc- Wildlife Monitoring Program volunteers monitor the presence of large mammals, son. Watch our website for details! such as mountain lion, black bear, jaguar, and Mexican gray wolf between the mountain December 05 – 07. Turtle Mountain Roads Inventoryy. Join the Sky Is- ranges of the Sky Island region. Volunteers collect data by conducting “track surveys” land Alliance in one of the most gorgeous areas of central Arizona. Birds where they search for and document signs left by wildlife. Volunteers must follow strict galore! Flowing Water! Great Wilderness potential! Threatened by min- guidelines and adhere to a six-week survey interval to ensure the scientific viability of our data. Collected data strengthen Sky Island Alliance’s efforts to advocate for protection ing and ORV use. We will be looking at the wild northern boundary. 3.0 of important wildlife corridors. hours from Tucson. During the training workshop, regional wildlife experts join SIA staff to teach track- ing techniques and wildlife sign recognition–such as the difference between canine Sky Island Alliance invites you to; and feline tracks. Workshop participants learn where to look for sign and about the Winter in the Desert ecology and behavior of local mammal species. Classroom instruction is supplemented A benefit gathering to celebrate good friends and wild places! with field trips. December 13th, 2003, 2 pm To qualify for the program you must attend all five days of the training workshop. Once a transect is assigned, volunteers must commit to a full day of transect monitoring In the Old YMCA courtyard, north entrance every six weeks. Volunteers form permanent teams of three to four volunteers. To ac- You are cordially invited to an afternoon holiday reception, art show and commodate team members’ busy lives, the every six-week survey schedule is cushioned silent auction. We will be serving wine and hor d’ourves. Meet Bob VanDeven, and by a two-week window. see the Sky Islands through his eyes. He has donated a special selection of his works for a silent auction to benefit the Sky Island Alliance. This will be VanDeven’s If you are interested in our Fall 2003 New Mexico workshop, please contact Janice premier show in Tucson. We will host local musicians for your entertainment. Przybyl, Wildlife Monitoring Program Coordinator, at [email protected] Thank you for your support, or (520) 624-7080 x203. David Hodges, Executive Director Wish List Join Us • Comfortable office chairs in good condition Sky Island Alliance • Table-top paper cutter • Office supplies: copier paper, postage stamps, etc. f you received this newsletter and it’s time to renew your member- Thanks, Tim, for the computer monitor! It’s great! ship, please send in your check! If you are reading a friend’s news- Iletter, consider joining us! We rely on members for our basic opera- tions. Contributions are tax-deductible; we are a 501(c)3 organization. Become a SIA Program Basic membership is only $25, but if you add a little to that, here’s a sampling of what your dollars can do: Fund Donor •$50 will help us survey 30 miles of roads. •$75 will sponsor volunteer training workshops. tories in recent newsletter issues have featuredprojects in our •$100 will close one mile of road. Rewilding Program: road inventory and restoration, wilderness Your Name ______S work, wildlife monitoring, and ecosystem defense. Address______All the necessary road closures, track- • Mexico—the Chihuahua Research ing workshops, and wilderness advocacy Station in Janos, and the Jaguar City ______State _____ Zip ______gets done only with extra funding, so Program in Sonora. Phone ______E-Mail ______please consider a special donation to one Please make your check out to Sky of the following funds: Island Alliance, with a note in the Memo • Roads & Restoration, line about which fund you’d like to Sky Island Alliance • Wildlife Monitoring (Tracking), support. We’ll make sure your money Thank you! • Missing Link, goes to the programs that mean the most P.O. 41165 • Wilderness, and to you, and we’ll send you reports! Tucson, AZ 85717 Fall 2003 Sky Island Alliance 15 Non-Profit Org. Sky Island Alliance U.S. Postage P.O. Box 41165 PAID Tucson, AZ 85717 Permit # 1156

Tucson, AZ photo by Bob VanDeven

Sky Islands Wilderness Friends of the Tumacacori Highlands, an ad-hoc coalition of land- The Tumacacori Highlands owners, conservation organizations, and other concerned individuals is spearheading the effort to permanently protect this area under he Tumacacori Highlands are celebrated for their spectacular wilderness designation. For more information, check out lichen-drenched cliffs, undulating hills of grass and Madrean oaks, www.tumacacoriwild.org or email [email protected]. T and sharp-cut canyon streams. The mix of subtropical and north- ern plants and animals that typifies all our Madrean SkyIslands is skewed here toward the tropical. Ball moss—a relative of pineapples—hangs from treebranches climbed by coatamundi and ringtail cats. Just two years ago, remote cameras snapped the fleeting form of a jaguar in an isolated part of this region. Indeed, these mountains host more than 50 sensitive species—one of the highest concentrations of rare and imperiled plants and animals in the Southwest, including several species that exist nowhere else in the US. The Tumacacori Highlands—a complex eral as a mirage, yet these streams harbor of small ranges known as Tumacacori, native fishes. The range’s endangered Atascosa, and Pajarito Mountains—sit on Sonora chub is found nowhere else in the the western edge of the Sky Island United States. What rain makes it past the bioregion. The mountains are northern fish’s plunge pools soon washes east into extensions of a continuous chain of mid- the Santa Cruz River, or south into elevation uplands that connect to other Sky Mexico. This southern range barely Island ranges in Mexico, making them a reaches high enough for pines, but steep natural movement corridor for wildlife. It drainages pull down higher, colder air than is also the largest unprotected National For- the daytime heat portends. est roadless are in Arizona. Wilderness des- The Tumacacori Highlands borrow ignation will defend the area against both many of their fascinating species from the current and future threats, protecting its rich subtropics to the south. Yellow-billed cuck- natural history and allowing the commu- oos, elegant trogons, Mexican vine snakes, nities of southeast Arizona to appreciate Sonora chubs, and gray hawks may be this landscape in its truly wild character sighted on any given day. Animals with for generations to come. broader distributions in the US also find Rising from 3,500 to 6,400 feet in eleva- this area particularly valuable. The Ghost tion, its grassy hills are shadowed by tow- Ranch lineage of Mexican wolves, one of ering cliffs and cut by canyons that hide three lineages used to establish today’s lobo astonishing flashes of waterside greenery. population, was sired by a male wolf caught Rolling hills pour runoff back into inter- in the Tumacacoris in 1959. More recently, nal drainages, leaving hidden pools and AZ Game and Fish’s assessment for Mexi- springs amidst the parched-looking cliffs. can grey wolf reintroduction ranked the Surely water in such a place is as ephem- continued on page 12 16 Sky Island Alliance Fall 2003