Activist - locations environmental study and protection - Brief Article

Sierra, Jan, 2000

Become an environmental advocate for the threatened wild land you explore. Informed conservationists teach you the techniques and strategies as you gain a knowledge of the important features of the geology, biology, and human history of the areas in need of protection. You'll be inspired and committed to bringing the skills and information you gain on the trip back to your community, to making phone calls and writing compelling letters--to being an activist!

High Rock Canyon and Black Rock Desert, Northwestern Nevada. May 28-June 3. The little-known magnificent wildlands of Nevada are typified in this remote wilderness of rugged canyons and broad desert playas. Newsworthy now because Nevada's senators seek to protect it, the area offers our car camping trip a superb classroom for lessons in wilderness preservation. Local wilderness advocates will provide a fascinating primer on the human history of High Rock Canyon's pioneer trail, blended with natural history and politics. Leader: Carol Tresner. Price: $445; Dep: $50. [00101A]

Seeking Yosemite's Lost Twin Backpack, Yosemite Park, California. July 16-22. Fabled Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite's lost twin valley, can be restored. Lollygag down the Tuolumne River gorge from high country glaciated domes to the current reservoir. Hear from radical "John Muir" about the desecration of Hetch Hetchy and from activists about the hope for a revealing future. (Rated L). Leaders: Cal and Letty French. Price: $355; Dep: $50. [00102A]

Hawaiian Hot Spots: Focus on Kauai Activist Trip. July 22-29. Learn the key environmental issues facing this premier tourist destination from local guides and activists. Participants will have a chance to make a difference on this eco-adventure and gain a greater appreciation of Kauai's diverse beauty by exploring rainforests, dryland forests, wetlands, and beaches. Come see why Kauai is called the "Garden Isle" and what's being done to preserve it. Leaden Jennifer Taddei. Price: $745; Dep: $100. [00422A]

25 Northern California Whitewater and Wilderness, Klamath River, Siskiyou Mountains. July 23-29, The Wild and Scenic Lower Klamath, with its warm water, lively Class II-III rapids, abundant wildlife, sandy beaches, and sparkling side creeks will be our backdrop as we learn about California river issues and newly proposed wilderness areas. Choose a paddle raft or inflatable kayak and enjoy this float trip through 60 miles of forested canyon in the beautiful and remote Siskiyou Mountains. Leader: Margaret Pennington. Price: $745; Dep: $100. [00103A]

Copper River Raft Trip, Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Chugach Forest, Alaska. August 6-15. Framed by serrated peaks of rock and ice, the Copper River cuts through the Chugach Range to the Gulf of Alaska. Flowing through true wilderness, the Copper offers sweeping views of the Wrangells and some of the most scenic attractions on any river. This major flyway for migratory birds and haven for Alaska's renowned megafauna is threatened by road construction and clear-cut logging. Leader: Blaine LeCheminant. Price: $1,995; Dep: $200. [00104A]

Montana Wilderness--How Much is Enough? Kootenai and Flathead Forests. August 13-19. We'll explore areas in the Northern Rockies that deserve wilderness protection and examine critical issues such as corridors, islands, development, and current ecosystem management efforts. Two short backpacks in the Greater Cabinet and Swan ranges will show us the multiple pressures on the stunning but unprotected area west of Glacier National Park, previously considered the "Crown of the Continental Ecosystem." (Rated M). Leader: Roger Grissette. Price: $395; Dep: $50. [00105A]

Book Cliffs Bicycle Odyssey, Eastern Utah. September 2-9. Explore wild Utah backcountry on the edge of the largest roadless area in the state. Cycle established dirt roads in a remote part of eastern Utah few people know. Five days of riding, a full dayhike, and some short cross-country walks. Sweeping views of deep sandstone canyons are the backdrop for learning how to involve yourself in the campaign to preserve Utah's magnificent wildlands. Leader: Vicky Hoover. Price: $425; Dep: $50. [00106A]