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

FORESTWATCH TRAILS REPORT . SONGBIRDS PROTECTED . BLUNT-NOSED LEOPARD LIZARD . PHOTO CONTEST FIRE LOOKOUTS OF THE SOUTHERN LOS PADRES . HAPPY CANYON GRAZING . NORTHERN GOSHAWK

SPRING/SUMMER 2012

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

ForestWatch Members' Gathering Benefit Artist's Reception Wilderness Photo Contest Deadline July 12 September 6 September 15 Craig R. Carey Mike Summers Join us for some tasty appetizers, wine Don't miss an Artist's Reception at The Head out into the forest to capture imag- and beer, and an opportunity to meet Sojourner Restaurant & Cafe featuring es of both established and proposed wil- ForestWatch report - Ten Lost Trails of the Los Padres - highlights widespread loss of public access local backcountry fan Craig R. Carey the beautiful work of plein air painter derness and wild rivers in support of the to the Los Padres National Forest - author of the new book Hiking and Jeremy Harper. This free event is open Los Padres Wild Heritage Campaign! Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura. to the public in conjunction with the Downtown Organization's 1st Thursday Three categories will be judged, land- This event is FREE to ForestWatch evening of art and culture. scape, wildlife, and images with people. members; come by and be entered to The "Best in Show" Category win- win a Patagonia jacket! Half of all art sales will be donated to ner will be featured on the cover of support Los Padres ForestWatch. our Fall 2012 Newsletter. Details at Contact [email protected] to RSVP LosPadresWild.org Keith Vandevere wilderness photo contest "Best in Show" will be featured on the cover of our Fall 2012 Newsletter

base Los Padres ForestWatch has kicked-off Contest prizes include gift certificates, our first ever Wilderness and Wild River photo development, camera equipment, camp Photo contest in support of the ongoing and outdoor gear, from some great local Los Padres Wild Heritage Campaign. sponsors including: The Brooks Institute, The July 4th holiday The photo contest seeks to bring atten- CamelBak, Color Services, Dexter’s gives us cause to tion to special places, diverse wildlife, Camera, Hooper Camera and Imaging, celebrate freedom and those enjoying our local backcoun- Lumnos, Patagonia, Russ Bishop and independence, try in existing wilderness areas or areas Photography, and Samy’s Camera. gathering with fam- that are proposed for new wilderness in ily and friends at the Los Padres National Forest. Photos will be judged on originality, tech- Hiking the Big Sur coast circa 1975 barbeques and pic- nical excellence, com- Three categories will position, overall impact stellar Jeff Kuyper, nics, celebrating the Executive Director history and tradi- be judged: landscape, and artistic merit. The support Board ojai wild! tions of our country. wildlife, and images judges’ panel includes: with people. In addi- Joe Christianson CHARLOTTE & RONALD WILLIAMS & staff Thanks! Wilderness is just as much a part of tion to the “Judge’s - Jeff Jones, Lumnos Wilderness Photography this tradition as fireworks and corn-on- Awards of Excellence,” Having lived in the same Santa Barbara the-cob. For me, wilderness has always presented by the home since they were married in 1971, and - Ralph Clevenger, ALLAN MORTON, President EVENT SPONSORS been the ultimate symbol of freedom judges panel, there raised one son, Charlotte and Ron Williams Professor at Brooks Santa Barbara and liberty. Our drive, our ruggedness, will also be awards have grown to appreciate their surroundings Institute of Photography, and our sense of adventure are all rooted given for a “People’s more and more over the years. They “feel PAT VEESART, Vice President Ralph Clevenger in the challenges of wilderness – a place Choice” – determined fortunate to have landed in a location where Carrizo Plain Photography where we can go and set ourselves free by online popular- wilderness is close by.” TERRI LAINE, Secretary from the confines of civilization, even if ity vote. Additionally, Oak View - Russ Bishop, Russ only for a few hours. the judge’s panel Charlotte, a native Californian, moved to will award a “Best in Bishop Photography PETER CASTELLANOS Deckers - Boone Graphics Santa Barbara to attend UCSB in 1958, Santa Barbara Alternative Copy Shop I feel most free when I’m in wilderness. Show” prize for the and Ron arrived in 1962 from Michigan. - Tim Davis, Photo Earthrine Farms It’s a place where we can be self-reliant, best overall picture in Following graduation, Charlotte began a Editor for DR. CHRISTOPHER COGAN Behavioral Sciences Technology where we can pursue our wildest adven- any category. 30-year teaching career. After working as a Camarillo Patagonia, Inc. California Solar Electric tures and be beholden to nothing except physicist, Ron earned a PhD in economics Delicate Productions the forces of nature and a healthy dose of The contest goes in 1974 and since then has been a principal BRAD MONSMA - Los Padres ForestWatch staff Camarillo Fast Frame, Ventura leave-no-trace ethics. through September 15, 2012, and investigator in research projects focusing on Kenneth Volk Vineyards award winners will be announced on public health. FORESTWATCH STAFF New Belgium Brewing This concept of wilderness and freedom the LosPadresWild.org website and in Details, prizes and wilderness maps can be found at LosPadresWild.org Rock the Gavel is not a new one. President Theodore ForestWatch’s Fall newsletter, with the Outdoor activities have always been an inte- JEFF KUYPER Saucelito Canyon Vineyard Roosevelt wrote about the freedom “Best in Show” category winner being gral part of their lives, and they have taken Executive Director Santa Barbara Bank & Trust of wilderness, and in as essay titled featured on the cover of the newsletter. their early appreciation of the outdoors and Single Point Facility Management Freedom and Wilderness, the late turned it into action by supporting a number DIANE DEVINE Slaughter & Reagan, LLP Edward Abbey wrote, "We can have wil- of initiatives over the years to preserve open Development Coordinator Tim Hauf Photography derness without freedom… but we can- space in Santa Barbara County. The Thacher School not have freedom without wilderness, we cannot have freedom without leagues SUZANNE FELDMAN Ventucky String Band Gulden Derek It was at ForestWatch’s annual event, Ojai Conservation Coordinator of open space beyond the cities." Wild! in 2007, where Charlotte was first EVENT HOST COMMITTEE introduced to Los Padres ForestWatch. The MATT SAYLES It’s a concept that lies at the core of Williams’ have been supporting our work ever Wild Heritage Project Coordinator Richard W. Alberts, Griffin & Rachael the ForestWatch mission. As you and since, including a 2009 benefit photography Barkley, Kathy & John Broesamle, Doug I continue to work together to protect show of Ron’s work entitled “Wildflowers of FORESTWATCH INTERNS & Lee Buckmaster, Peter Castellanos & wildlife habitat, free-flowing rivers, sce- Los Padres National Forest." Danyel Dean, Jesse & Trina Grantham, nic vistas, and outdoor adventure oppor- JON MONTGOMERY Bill Hart & Connie Eaton, Terri & Alex tunities, we preserve a landscape where When asked why they support ForestWatch, Conservation Intern Laine, Ruth Lasell & Robert Bonewitz, freedom and nature collide and thrive, they said, “In our younger days we made Tom MacCalla & Jean Kilmurray, right here in our own backyard. the assumption that governmental agencies JAKE SAHL George & Peggy Melton, Allan S. would fulfill the public trust by protecting GIS Intern Morton & Paula Steinmetz, Michael federal lands, but our many travels in the Mulligan & Joy Sawyer-Mulligan, Doug Los Padres National Forest have shown this & Angela Parker, Jan & Alan Rains, Bill is not always true. So we endorse LPFW’s & Jill Shanbrom, Margot Smit, advocacy for the public lands that should be and Martin & Elizabeth Stevenson protected.” PAGE 1 WINTERPAGE 2010 10 backcountry volunteer journal wrapup Stories from the backcountry that inspire the preservation of these unique wild lands ForestWatch supporters improve habitat and have fun! We’d love to have you on our next volunteer mission to create on-the-ground change lookout! sported fresh paint — related how the lookouts lost reads like a litany of his- along California’s Central Coast. Stay in the loop by emailing [email protected] Craig R. Carey, author of Hiking first standard lookout in the Los Padres tory lost: McKinley Mountain, Topatopa (then the Santa Barbara National Forest) Peak, Reyes Peak, Santa Paula Peak, Mt. and Backpacking Santa Barbara and was constructed atop Frazier Mountain Pinos, West Big Pine, Santa Ynez Peak, MARCH 24, 2012 volunteers have been working tirelessly Ventura (Wilderness Press, 2012) in 1917 (replaced by the current struc- Madulce Peak … atop some of the most What: Microtrash Cleanup to remove fences that restrict pronghorn Where: Middle Sespe Trailhead movement and make them more ponders the view from on high ture in 1934). It was a largely “home- notable peaks in our forest once stood made affair,” its cost totaling $590. these servants to security and fire pre- Who: 22 volunteers vulnerable to injuries and predators. vention. In a twist of irony, some of the This cleanup was our final push at Our days removing fences are drawing to helping Thorn Point Lookout In the spring of 1941 — with war loom- most iconic — notably the Reyes Peak ing — the US Army established the and Topatopa Peak lookouts — were Middle Sespe Trailhead in hopes of a close, since all stretches of fence that hands Aircraft Warning Service, a civilian arm lost as a result of fire (the 1932 Matilija keeping the situation from getting too can be removed have been. ForestWatch insurmountable, and it has worked! will continue to work with monument EMILY THOMAS

Craig R. Carey of the Ground Observer Corps. Given and 2006 Day Fires, respectively). the Los Padres NF’s proximity to the More than three months after this clean- managers on other projects that help to Pacific, its fire lookouts made superb Brown’s tome briefly chronicled the up the area remains cleaner than it has restore this treasure. In 2008, I swapped coasts, moving from vantage points for those watching for cost and creation of the earlier (pre-New been in years. Target shooters had been Maine to California. I moved without a job Japanese aircraft, and numerous AWS Deal) lookouts, but “the balance of the at the trailhead (the old Beaver Camp) JUNE 2, 2012 or knowing anyone, but I wanted something cabins were built near the lookouts (the primary lookout plants on the Forest indulging in bad behavior - i.e. leaving What: Microtrash Cleanup bigger and different. It worked. I love it here cabin at Thorn Point and Black Willow were built between 1934 and 1936.” He behind vast amounts of spent bullets, Where: Burro Creek, Highway 33 and consider it home now. If I’m outside and Spring [originally Salisbury Potrero] notes the unique nature of the Topatopa shotgun shells, and obliterated targets Who: 12 volunteers moving (or eating), I’m happy. My favorite as well as the remains of those atop Peak lookout, built in 1938. “Some - but ForestWatch organized a series of things to do are climb, trail run, and ski in the Cuyama Peak and Caliente Mountain experts considered it impossible to build cleanups of the area to get the situation A newly discovered location, Burro Creek backcountry. These silent sports simultane- stand as some of the few remaining this structure on Topa Topa [sic] since under control. We will keep an eye on is located along Highway 33 north of ously challenge and calm me, and nowhere examples). it was a long day’s pack trip, going and the area to make sure it remains Ojai, a couple miles south of the illegal else am I afforded the ability to do them so returning, between the spire-like summit respected and cared for. target shooting area at Cherry Creek. This conveniently. The short-lived AWS was disbanded in and a spring six miles down the moun- is one of the more beautiful locations for From a network once 25 strong, now MAY 5, 2012 a microtrash cleanup, and the volunteers stand only a handful. the weeks before the Allied invasion tainside.” It is terribly sad to see beautiful and dynamic of Europe. In post-war years, the AWS What: Defencing who came out to help on National Trails areas get trashed by people who enjoy them Where: Carrizo Plain National Day (Saturday, June 2) had a great time Drive through Ojai along the 33 or 150, cabins fell into disrepair and numerous Nearly forgotten because of its remote irresponsibly. In order to help make amends Monument removing more than 200 pounds of rub- and — if you know where to look — lookout towers were dismantled by the location and (later) its position deep for my own and others’ impacts, and to Who: 18 volunteers bish from the area. you can see the superstructure of one. Forest Service to accommodate radio within the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, the ensure that these areas are preserved so that Above Interstate 5 and Pyramid Lake and radar facilities (e.g., Santa Ynez Topatopa Peak lookout stood for years we can continue to enjoy them, I volunteer As part of the efforts to restore prong- There's more to do here, so ForestWatch — largely unnoticed by the hurried and and McPherson Peaks), or removed due as the best-preserved of the lookouts. my time and effort in cleanups. horn antelope on the 200,000-acre will be back. Stay tuned for the next distracted drivers or recreational boaters to general disrepair and/or vandalism When the Day Fire roared across the national monument, ForestWatch cleanup event and join us! below — looms another. Hike through (West Big Pine). sanctuary, another of these last sentinels Being involved with the community is the eastern Sespe Wilderness and the of the southern Los Padres was lost. important to me, and ForestWatch is a perfect burned-out frame of yet another can In the southern districts, the list of ForestWatch volunteers at Burro Creek, Ojai backcountry fit for getting involved and having a positive just be made out atop Topatopa Peak. impact on the places that are so important to me. As an added benefit, I get the chance to Peakbaggers the forest over seldom real- The original Frazier Mountain Lookout (1917–1934) ize the concrete footings or detritus meet people who share my passion for the scattered about their benchmarks are outdoors.

testaments to a rich tradition. Archives LPNF Seeing the effect of our work, whether a load The fire lookouts of the Los Padres of trash hauled out or a trail rebuilt, is inspir- ing, even though it’s an endless task. It’s a offer a fascinating glimpse into a largely Mike Summers forgotten part of the forest’s history. small price to pay to preserve something so They’re something in which I’ve had a important. particular interest since my grandmother told me of afternoons spent as a spot- eauty inspired the famous sculptor John Cody to ter above San Pedro during World War settle there and quarry serpentine nearby for his II, and of spotters used high atop fire work. Hikers have long been attracted by the rug- towers. ged challenge of Hurricane Deck, looming over sacred Chumash sites like Pool Rock and Condor William S. Brown’s 1945 history of the Cave, but none have ventured on Castle Rock as Los Padres — written when many of the far as we could te lookouts now gone or crumbling still

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BLACK MOUNTAIN ROADLESS AREA ForestWatch urged forest officials to protect scenic views in the salinas La Panza Range by making design changes to a communication facility high atop Black Mountain. The changes will also help reduce the incidence of bird collisions with radio towers, one of Salinas River the leading causes of bird deaths in North America. monterey Carmel River southern los padres carmel valley

MILPITAS MANAGEMENT PLAN 18 VOLUNTEERS DE-FENCE THE CARRIZO The Forest Service finalized the first-ever management Nearly all stretches of relic fencing that has ben indentifeied for removal plan for this biologically and culturally rich area, adopting from the Carrizo Plain National Monument has now come down! Forest- several recommendations offered by ForestWatch. Watch has been organizing volunteer crews to participate in the work since Salinas River 2008, and will continue to work with monument staff on other projects to big sur help protect and restore this treasure. (PAGE 4) Big Sur River san luis obispo king city Arroyo Seco River

CONDOR REFUGE MANAGEMENT PLAN ForestWatch submitted comments on a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Hopper Mountain and Bitter Creek national wildlife refuges, Carrizo Plain adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest. The areas provide key habitat for HAPPY CANYON GRAZING endangered California condors and other imperiled plants and animals. ForestWatch reviewed the Environmental Assessment for San Antonio River a proposal to authorize livestock grazing near Figueroa San Antonio River Santa Maria River Mountain, and prepared a detailed comment letter urging forest officials to maximize wildlife protection and to new cuyama limit the number of roads and motorized vehicles in this santa maria Cuyama River Inventoried Roadless Area.

Nacimiento River Sisquoc River frazier park

SONGBIRDS PROTECTED ForestWatch urged the Forest Service to take immediate steps to protect songbirds and their Piru Creek cambria nests in the Santa Barbara and Ojai santa ynez backcountry. (PAGE 2)

Santa Ynez River Sespe Creek

santa barbara ojai OJAI WILD! Ventura River More than 200 ForestWatch supporters gath- ered at Diamond Hitch Camp to celebrate the 5th Anniversary Ojai Wild! event. ventura FRAZIER MOUNTAIN In May, the Forest Service approved a forest thinning project for Frazier Mountain, impos- FRACKING MEETING ing a strict 10” diameter limit recommended ForestWatch attended a hearing in Ventura County and by ForestWatch and leading forest health ex- demanded stronger regulations for fracking, a controversial perts and incorporating other standards in the Looking Across practice that injects unknown chemicals into the ground to project to better protect nesting sites for North- stimulate oil production. More than 200 oil wells on the Los ern goshawk and California spotted owls. the forest Padres National Forest have been fracked and ForestWatch MIDDLE SESPE TRAILHEAD CLEANUP is working to ensure proper public notice and adequate ForestWatch's concentrated effort (more than 50 volunteers participated) and an update on how we're protecting your region safeguards for drinking water for any fracking that occurs numberous back-to-back cleanups made a huge difference for this piece of in the future. (PAGE 8) the backcountry. (PAGE 4) SPRING/SUMMER 2012 Alex Wilson citizens demand stronger protections songbirds More than half of ForestWatch's online supporters took action and emailed protected the Forest Service with their recommendations ForestWatch urges officials to take immediate steps to protect bird nests in the Santa Barbara and Ojai backcountry Chumash Badlands

each year on long-distance journeys face meetings with forest officials in between their breeding areas and their January and March of 2012, but all com- wintering grounds, which are some- munication proved fruitless in getting Ronald Williams times separated by thousands of miles. the Forest Service to rethink the timing State, federal, and international law all for their chaparral clearing projects. recognize the importance of protecting They continued using a giant lawn- migratory bird species from harm. mower-like machine, a “masticator,” critter to clear a 40-mile long, 300 foot-wide corner While some migratory birds are fairly fuelbreak along the crest of the Santa common, others face risks of extinction Ynez Mountains from Refugio Pass to The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is a rela- unless measures are taken to protect their Romero Saddle and also continued work tively large lizard with a regenerative tail that nesting areas. At least eight “high prior- on a 51-mile fuelbreak extending from ForestWatch has launched a compre- is normally longer than the body; the entire ity” bird species build nests in the Santa Lake Casitas to the Upper Ojai Valley – hensive effort aimed at protecting sev- lizard can approach a foot long! As the name Ynez and Topatopa ranges, and several all during peak nesting season, resulting eral species of songbirds that nest in the suggests, the leopard lizard has large dark other birds in the area receive protection in the destruction of an unknown num- Los Padres National Forest. Our initial spots (as well as cream-colored bands) run- under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty ber of bird nests efforts have already yielded results, with ning the length of its body. Act ("MBTA") and the California Fish In 2005, the Forest Service prepared However, the Forest Service is not rec- the Forest Service agreeing to postpone & Game Code, both of which prohibit Since receiving our notices, the Forest management plans for all national forest ommending any new wilderness areas two vegetation clearing projects until While thought to not be found directly on any destruction of nests or eggs of any Service has stopped work in these lands in southern California. But unfor- for the Los Padres National Forest. Not after the nesting season and ensuring the Los Padres National Forest, the blunt- migratory bird species. Because of these areas, and birds are now raising their tunately, the agency failed to recognize a single acre. As part of our Los Padres that globally-important bird species can nosed leopard lizard’s range does approach laws, agencies and landowners typically young there unharmed. As outlined in the importance of pristine, unroaded Wild Heritage Campaign, ForestWatch continue to thrive in our region. very near the forest boundary in the upper avoid clearing native vegetation from our letters, work may resume after the areas in providing wildlife habitat, clean recently asked the Forest Service to work Cuyama Valley, and here it converges with February through August, when most bird nesting season ends in September. water, and recreation. The plans allowed collaboratively with our campaign to Earlier this year, we discovered that a the range of the long-nosed leopard lizard. migratory bird species are building their ForestWatch will work to ensure that several types of industrial development in determine which roadless areas are most Forest Service contractor was clearing This makes the area of the forest where these nests and raising their young. these projects continue to avoid the all of our forest’s “Inventoried Roadless appropriate for designation as wilder- large swaths of native chaparral veg- species meet of particular importance scien- needless destruction of bird nests and Areas”. As a result, ForestWatch, our ness, and which rivers and streams can etation in a remote portion of the Santa tifically and from a conservation standpoint. The Forest Service has been on notice comply with state and federal bird pro- conservation partners, and the State of be determined eligible for addition to our Ynez Mountains near Santa Barbara's about the proper bird nesting season tection laws. We have also requested California appealed the plans and the nation’s wild and scenic river system. Gaviota Coast. ForestWatch soared into Since the 1870s and the advent of large- since at least 2009, when ForestWatch that the Forest Service work collabora- ensuing legal victory required the Forest action, hand-delivering a legal notice scale irrigated agriculture in the San Joaquin and several other local conservation tively with us to develop a forest-wide Service reconsider protection of these What’s Next to forest headquarters and warning the Valley, more than 95 percent of the original organizations wrote a letter urging them strategy to enhance the protection of vital areas. agency that we would file a lawsuit if communities of blunt-nosed leopard lizard to avoid clearing vegetation during the globally-important bird species in our ForestWatch continues to lead the call bird nests and young birds continued to have been destroyed. They are one of the first February through August nesting period. region. As part of their end of the bargain, the for strong protection for our forest. In be destroyed. Work stopped. species ever protected under federal law, list- ForestWatch repeated this warning in a Forest Service is currently preparing a June, we submitted a detailed comment ed as endangered by the U.S. Department of February 2011 letter and held face-to- document called the Southern California letter to the Forest Service on the LMP Then, just days after the 20th Anniversary the Interior in 1967 (before the modern-day National Forests Land Management Amendment, outlining our recommenda- of International Migratory Bird Day, Endangered Species Act). It was also listed Clearing along Nordhoff Ridge in the Topatopa mountains Plan Amendment (LMP Amendment). tions and highlighting pristine areas of ForestWatch discovered a second clear- as a “fully protected species” by the State of This document will determine the future the forest that we think deserve formal ing project in the Topatopa Mountains California in the 1960s and was subsequently management of 39 Southern California designation as wilderness. Officials will overlooking Ojai. It was ironic timing, listed as endangered in 1971. roadless areas in the four national for- release a draft LMP Amendment in the as the world celebrated one of the most ests of southern California. On the Fall, and plan to finalize it in 2013. important and spectacular events in the The Carrizo Plain National Monument is Los Padres, the agency is proposing to Americas – bird migration – the Forest one of the largest remaining population cen- increase protection of the backcoun- You, our members and supporters, let Service continued to disregard the law ters for the lizard; they occupy more than try by rezoning about 300,000 acres your voices be heard, too - more than and mow down bird nests and young 87,000 acres of the Monument and are the of roadless areas as “non-motorized.” 250 ForestWatchers participated in songbirds during the nesting season. most abundant on the Elkhorn Plain in the These areas are currently zoned for the process, submitting letters to the southern portion of the Carrizo. ForestWatch various levels of motorized use and Forest Service using our new personal- Migratory birds are perhaps the most volunteer Alex Wilson snapped the above development, and zoning them “non- ized action alert service. Altogether, the highly valued component of North photo of one while working on the Carrizo in motorized” will expand protections for Forest Service received several thousand America’s biological diversity, with May! ForestWatch will continue to monitor the many rare plants and animals found comments demanding the highest level approximately 1,200 species represent- the recorded presence of blunt-nosed leopard there. It will also safeguard the many of protection for some of our remain- ing nearly 15% of the world’s known lizards and their hybrids, and work to ensure other benefits these areas provide, such ing roadless areas. It's just another way bird species. The seasonal movement of their utmost protection. as clean drinking water, outdoor rec- that working together we can truly make migratory birds is one of the most com- reation opportunities, wild landscapes, a difference in the preservation of our plex and compelling dramas in the natu- PAGE 9 and scenic vistas to be enjoyed by all. forest! ral world. Migratory birds embark twice PAGE 2 Laura Erickson 10 lost trails of fracking and oil the los padres in your forest ForestWatch releases report highlighting the public's loss of access to ForestWatch protects the Los Padres backcountry from runaway oil their national forest and gas exploration

Ten Lost Trails of the Los Padres is a new these trails if there is sufficient evidence Oil and gas drilling is one of the most Kern primrose sphinx moths. report from ForestWatch that highlights to prove the existence of historic use. imminent threats to the Los Padres, and ten trails across the Los Padres National has the potential to significantly alter our One of the most controversial aspects Forest where historic public access has ForestWatch’s report shares some suc- public lands. A recent analysis of gov- of industrialized oil development is a been restricted. cess stories of trail ernment records shows that two-thirds method of oil recovery called hydraulic access restored, some of our natural treasures – like national fracturing or “fracking,” which relies Over time, as the for- stories of cautious forests, national wildlife refuges, road- on harmful chemicals injected deep into est’s neighboring land hope as community less and wilderness areas, and national the ground to draw oil up to to the ownership changes, groups work to save monuments – are suffering from substan- surface In response to a Freedom of trailheads have been the trails they love, tial amounts of oil drilling and industry Information Act request, ForestWatch Thank you! critter blocked off by gates and some stories of control. has recently learned that nearly all of corner and “no trespassing” tenuous situations the 300 oil wells in the Sespe Oil Field carol gravelle signs, restricting the where access and ForestWatch fights against any expan- on the Los Padres National Forest have graphic design The northern goshawk is found across public’s access to pub- trails are on the brink sion of oil extraction on the Los Padres, been "fracked" since the practice began Eurasia and North America, and is the larg- lic lands and funneling of being lost forever. and where existing oil drilling is allowed close to 60 years ago. The Sespe Oil Carol Gravelle first heard about Los Padres est of all goshawk species. In California, the an increasing number to continue, we promote improved Fields is located within the Sespe River ForestWatch in 2005, when she learned that northern goshawk only breeds in the northern of forest users onto a Public access to public management practices to protect wild- watershed, the single source of fresh we were looking for someone to design a mountain ranges and in the southern portion dwindling trail sys- lands is a deeply-root- life, recreation, watersheds, and other water for downstream communities and logo for our fledgling organization. An of the Los Padres National Forest around Mt. tem. These trails have ed American tradition, environmental values. ForestWatch and family farms. as well as critical habiat outdoor enthusiast and longtime supporter of Abel, Mt. Pinos, Frazier Mountain, and the been used historically and ForestWatch will our partners Defenders of Wildlife and for endangered steelhead trout. environmental organizations, Carol took the Tecuya Range in northern Ventura County. (in some instances, continue to work so Center for Biological Diversity have time to learn a bit more about the work and stretching back to the that we can all enjoy now prevented any expanded oil drilling ForestWatch recently attended a stand- goals of ForestWatch and then offered her Goshawks build their nests in mature and 1920s or earlier), and these majestic land- for seven years, and counting! ing-room-only meeting in Ventura about support. Little did we know what a gift we’d old-growth forest stands. They are con- under California law scapes for generations new state-wide regulations that are being been given… sidered sit-and-wait predators, perched on the public has a right to come. Recently, in March 2012, the County drafted for hydraulic fracturing, and we branches scoping the landscape for food, to continue to access of Santa Barbara approved a project demanded full mandatory disclosure of Carol Gravelle Graphic Design, a full service including squirrels, hares, grouse, wood- that proposed using dynamite, helicop- all chemicals and fluids used in the pro- studio based out of Camarillo, California peckers, and other raptors. Learn how you can help, ters, and all-terrain vehicles to search cess, full disclosure of how waste fluids has provided design and illustration ser- are disposed, and other measures to Read the report at LPFW.org/trailsreport for underground oil deposits across 23 vices to local and national clients since 1992. Northern goshawks are monogamous (and square miles of the ecologically-sensi- avoid impacts to the national forest and Specializing in logo design and print com- solitary outside of the breeding season) with tive Cuyama Valley. Working with local its clean water sources. munications, Carol has worked on every- pairs typically meeting at nesting territories Cuyama Valley residents, Los Padres thing from ads to stationery, websites to by February each year. Active nest sites were ForestWatch and the Santa Barbara- ForestWatch will continue to monitor all trade show spaces – and her influence can be last recorded on Mt. Abel and Mt. Pinos in based Environmental Defense Center drilling sites in the forest to make sure seen throughout the evolution of Los Padres the late 1980s, but these areas have not been both filed separate appeals. In response the oil industry is complying with ForestWatch. surveyed recently. A goshawk family was to the appeals, E&B Natural Resources environmental laws. recently observed on Frazier Mountain in – the Bakersfield-based Our logo, which graces all our printed mate- corporation proposing to rials, was just the beginning. Carol designed July 2011, indicating that goshawks are nest- Oil well near Sespe Condor Sanctuary ing on Frazier Mountain as well. In general, conduct the exploration our 5th year anniversary annual report, our populations in California are poorly under- – announced they were membership response forms and stationary, stood, and comprehensive surveys have not withdrawing their appli- and – most recently – our new ForestWatch been completed. cation and the project was brochure. dead in the water. The best way to ensure that goshawks con- “I’ve been happy to donate my time and abil- tinue to survive in the Los Padres National At least 16 special-sta- ities over the years to ForestWatch because Forest is to protect and restore the mature tus plant species and 14 of the significant work they do to preserve conifer forest habitats on which the birds special-status wildlife and protect our local wild lands,” stated depend. ForestWatch will continue to work species were protected Carol. “For an organization such as this to with forest officials to ensure the highest by stopping this project, survive, thrive and have impact takes com- level of protection possible for this engaging including several species munity support. And they are super people species, and will advocate that surveys are of plants and animals to work with, which makes it a complete conducted to better understand where gos- protected under the state pleasure!” hawks are nesting so that their habitat can be and federal Endangered protected as well. Species Act such as San The pleasure is all ours, Carol. Our sincere Joaquin kit foxes, blunt- thanks! nosed leopard lizards, and

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