Cascadians News and Events

A NOTE FROM THE ANNUAL EDITOR
The deadline to send in your articles, reports, photos, etc. for the 2011 Annual is JANUARY 31, 2012.
I greatly appreciate all those who never have to be reminded or prodded to write articles, who send in their submissions before the deadline, and who generously send in photos at the proper resolution and captions to go with them. I wish more of our members would write up their Cascadian experiences because each Annual becomes a part of our Club's history and it should be considered a privilege to contribute to it.
My deadline to finish the 2011 Annual is no later than MAY 2012!

NEW BOARD and COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President - Sharon Liner
Vice Presidents - Phil Fischer and Carol Fletcher
Treasurer - Jean McKitrick
Recording Secretary - David Wilkes
Membership Secretary - Sue Gunderson
Members at Large - Marion Mann and Shara Wright
Immediate Past President - Greg Wallace
Conservation - Phil Fischer
Safety/Training - Greg Wallace

YAKIMA RIVER CANYON MARATHON
ATTENTION Coming to a canyon near you. YAKIMA RIVER CANYON MARATHON March 31st 2012. Volunteers needed to man the water/first aid station at the north end of the canyon. Turn out,have fun, enjoy the beauty of the Yakima Canyon, receive a T shirt from the Marathon. Watch future news letters for further information or call Earl at 509-406-0154

COWICHE CANYON DOCENTS LECTURE SERIES
On Feb 8, at 7:00PM, local geologist and Cascadian, David Huycke will present a lecture entitled, Basalt Columns: Geology of Cowiche Canyon.
The lecture will be held in YVCC’s Glenn-Anthon Hall, Room 215. The lecture will highlight the rich and complex geologic history on display in the Cowiche Canyon. Geology Rocks!
A couple weeks later, on Feb 28, at 7:00 PM in YVCC’s Glenn-Anthon Hall 215, entomologist David James will present Butterflies of Snow Mountain Ranch: Conservation for Science, Education and Community Enjoyment. The extraordinary butterfly fauna of Snow Mountain Ranch will be illustrated and described and plans for conservation of Snow Mountain butterflies will be discussed along with opportunities for community education and enjoyment.

WATER BOTTLES
The Cascadians now has custom water bottles for sale to our members. The bottles are a bright yellow with the banner design that Karen Stotsenberg created last spring. They are made of recycled aluminum with a powder coating inside for totally safe water storage. They will be for sale at the January Potluck meeting. Cost is $12 per bottle.

DIVERSITY SERIES FEATURES TWO LOCAL MOVIES
Drop in to YVCC’s Deccio Building, 1000 South 12th Avenue, Yakima on Tuesday, Feb. 21st at 7:00 pm, in the Parker Room, to see two interesting films as YELF partners with the YVCC as a part of the 2011-2012 YVCC Diversity Series on “Sustainable Communities”.
The two films will be:
Return of the Wapato - A film by local film maker Emily Washines which describes the return of an important native food plant, the Wapato, to the reservation of The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, after a 70-year absence.
We Still Live Here - a documentary film by Anne Makepeace about the return of the Wampanoag language, which had not been spoken for over a century.
Everyone is welcome. Free admission; donations to YELF accepted.

NEW GLACIER NP HIKING WEBSITE
If you are thinking about heading off to Glacier National Park next summer to hike (and why else would you go?), you might want to check out http://www.HikinginGlacier.com Think of it as an online trail guide. Each hike includes pictures, a description, elevation profile, rough map, length, difficulty, and parking coordinates.

“LORDS of NATURE”
Join the Yakima Environmental Learning Foundation (YELF) January 17, 2012, at 7:00 pm at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N 48th Avenue in Yakima, for a followup to the "Living with Wolves" event. YELF will show the film "Lords of Nature" as the first film in YELF's 2012 winter environmental film series. This film explores the vital role that apex predators, like wolves and cougars, play in restoring and maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. The film also examines what ranchers and livestock producers are doing to adjust their operations and management practices to avoid conflicts with predators. Please join us to see this important film about this very timely topic, and bring your friends. Everyone is welcome. Free admission; donations to YELF accepted.

PROPOSED BUMPING LAKE EXPANSION MAY LIMIT TRAIL ACCESS
Bureau of Reclamation and the Washington State Department of Ecology released their Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) on the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. This plan calls for raising the level of Bumping Lake 65 feet, which would eliminate approximately 11 miles of roads that provide access to recreational sites, trails, and facilities above Bumping Lake. The proposed cross-country ski area through the Bumping Lake Campground would be drowned, and access to popular trails (Mt. Aix, Twin Sisters, Cougar Lakes, Pear Butte, Blankenship Meadows) would become much more difficult. In addition, the marina and summer homes along the lake would be eliminated. The public comment period ends January 3, 2012. Links to the PEIS report as well as the executive summary can be found on the Bureau’s web site:
http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/yrbwep/2011integratedplan/index.html

MEMBERSHIP MAILING
New this year!!! Your November Newsletter has arrived without a renewal form. It will be sent early in December in a separate mailing along with a copy of our 'Guide to Safe Outings'. You can also go to the website for a form or renew at a meeting.

NEW “TRANSFERABLE” DISCOVER PASS IN THE WORKS??
DNR, WDFW, and Washington State Parks managers are planning to introduce a Discover Pass in 2012 that will be transferable between more than one vehicle. Hopes that users would purchase more than one pass did not pan-out. In fact, it is thought that the nontransferable pass may have dissuaded some potential buyers. Options for a transferable Discover Pass are now being considered. Stay tuned...

UPDATE FROM THE BOARD
OUTINGS
Everyone:
1. Read the 'The Cascadian Guide to Safe Outings'. (online or ask for a copy)
2. None of the 13 essentials are optional. Practice with them.

Leaders:
1. At meeting place see that all are equipped properly and choose an assistant (sweep).
2. At trailhead outline the trip route.
3. Regroup at junctions. Don't rely on stick or drawn arrows
4. Set an appropriate pace to keep everyone in contact. (visual, whistle, scream etc.)
5. Count noses often.

Participants:
1. Stay in contact with the group.
2. Let someone know if you stop or leave the trail.
3. Stay between the leader and the assistant.

FROM THE BOARD
A reminder to trip leaders:
1. Read and follow our ' Guide to Safe Outings'.
2. Have copies available for new members and guests or refer them to our website before the trip.
Thanks and 'Happy Trails'

DISCOVER PASS
Beginning July 1, 2011, the new Discover Pass, recently enacted by the state legislature, will be required to park on and use Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources lands and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. The Discover Pass will provide entrance to all Washington State Parks and recreational areas on DNR and Fish and Wildlife lands. Here are some specifics:
* Discover Pass Day Pass: $10/car. Allows visitors to use state recreation lands for one day.
* Discover Pass Annual Pass: $30/car. Allows visitors to use state recreation lands for one year from date of purchase. Agencies are still working out details about where you can purchase the pass and when they will be available. You will certainly be able to purchase the Discover Pass online through WDFW’s automated system and when you renew your motor vehicle license tabs. You'll likely be able to purchase the pass through the State Parks reservation system. And by October, folks will be able to purchase the pass at the Department of Licensing. It is also likely that sporting goods stores and outlets that currently sell hunting and fishing licenses will also carry the Discover Pass.
* Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Use Permit/Vehicle Access Pass. Before July 1, 2011: A Vehicle Use Permit (for those not holding a fishing or hunting license) is required for entry. It is $12 and is good for two listed cars. After July 1, 2011: This permit will be available only to those holding a valid hunting or fishing license and good only on Washington Fish & Wildlife lands. A stand-alone permit that was purchased between April 1 and June 30 will not be valid after July 1, 2011.
* Washington State Parks Car Tab renewal donation. You are encouraged to continue to donate $5 to State Parks when renewing your annual vehicle license tabs. However, this is not the same as the Discover Pass.

CLUB ROSTER ISSUES?
If there are corrections needed to the 2011 roster to contact Sue Gunderson (972-2615) and she'll get them corrected on the master and the correction will be published in the newsletter

WATCHING FOR WILDLIFE ON I-90
By Paula MacKay
Tragically, tens of millions of animals (and approximately 200 people) are killed in wildlife-vehicle collisions on American highways each year. And while busy roads pose an immediate threat to animals trying to cross them, they can also have damaging ecological effects by acting as barriers to wildlife moving across the landscape.
There is a silver lining in our state, however. Washington’s Department of Transportation is improving habitat connectivity and human safety along I-90 by constructing wildlife crossing structures in the Snoqualmie Pass region, where the highway intersects important north-south corridors for wildlife. The Western Transportation Institute and partners are monitoring wildlife near the Pass to identify where animals approach the road and to gather baseline data for evaluating future crossing structures.
To complement existing monitoring efforts, we recently initiated I-90 Wildlife Watch—an innovative program that invites motorists to report (living or dead) wildlife sightings between North Bend and Easton. Thousands of vehicles travel this stretch of I-90 every day, thus providing an invaluable opportunity to monitor wildlife that might otherwise be missed. Motorists can visit a user-friendly website www.i90wildlifewatch.org to enter wildlife observations and view sightings reported by other people. Please join us in our efforts.
-Paula MacKay is a research associate with the Western Transportation Institute in Ellensburg.

HAVE YOU RENEWED YET?
Thanks to the many Cascadians who have renewed Their membership for 2011. The cutoff date to be added to the membership roster will be January 31, 2011. $20 for individuals and $25 for family. Membership form available at meetings or online at CascadianMembershipForm.pdf

GAS PRICES RISE
Due to the rising cost of gasoline the Cascadian Board members suggest that drivers, for sponsored outings, be reimbursed at 8 cents a mile.

YOUR TWO CENTS WORTH
The board is interested in your opinions on upcoming programs, or your willingness to lead future alternative outings. You will find a brief questionnaire inserted in this months (January) newsletter. You can also download a pdf copy of both questionnaires from the Paperwork link at the top of this page. If interested, please fill it out and return it to a board member.

Quick Links to Surveys:

Monthly Program Survey

Alternate Outings Survey

NEW WILDERNESS PROPOSED FOR NE WASHINGTON
A unique coalition of scientists, environmentalists, resource managers, recreationists, loggers, ranchers, sportsmen and others have been working hand-in-hand to put together a plan that would designate wilderness protection to 215,000 acres of land in NE Washington, while also providing for sound management practices and multiple recreational use to an additional 772,000 surrounding acres.
The Columbia Highlands Initiative would provide wilderness protection to two tracts of land - one along the Kettle Crest between Republic, the Columbia River, and the Canadian border; and the other tract located along the higher elevations on both sides of the Pend Oreille River near Ione and Metaline Falls. The areas in question are important wildlife habitat for critical species, including mountain caribou, grizzly, and wolves.
For more info log on to http://www.conservationnw.org/columbiahighlands

Yakima Outdoors a Rich Resource
Yakima Outdoors, (http://www.yakimaoutdoors.net) a new and exciting website put together by Cascadian Ted Gamlem, has been generating a lot of visits, and a lot of buzz.
The site hosts an interactive View Outings page in which users can access information about hikes, skiing trips, snowshoe trips, and bike trips submitted by other users. Users can also read and submit current trail and trip reports of their recent outings.
The Forum page offers a venue for folks to share information, plan outings, discuss or swap outdoor equipment, or just offer opinions.
There is also a page with links to other websites and agencies focused on outdoor recreation.
This website is only as informative and current as its user-base. It is designed to be a repository for the experince and rich knowledge base of local outdoors-folk, and must be updated by the submissions of trail-users. Your participation will make Yakima Outdoors a valuable tool for all outdoor enthusiests.

WHAT IS BACKPACKGEARTEST.ORG?

BackpackGearTest.org is a site where backpackers evaluate new gear in the field over a four month testing period. We report to BackpackGearTest.org in a setting that encourages discussion.
For gear tests, manufacturers provide a set of gear to be evaluated by a broad range of testers. For other evaluations, we provide individual reports on our own gear with which we have had significant field experience. All of our reports are available to hikers seeking to make educated decisions about gear purchases and use, and to manufacturers and retailers seeking research and development feedback, market exposure, and recommendations from third party sources.
There are no fees, charges, or other costs to testers. At the end of the four month test period, the gear is yours to keep.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Visit www.BackpackGearTest.org and click on “How to Become a Tester.”
We are actively looking for new members as we currently do not have enough testers to test all of the gear that manufacturers want to give us!
If you have questions or would like additional information you can contact David Wilkes at amatbrewer@yahoo.com or 509-930-7620.
- David Wilkes

Gentle Reminder
As our club continues to grow, please remember that the member directory is a private list for club members to use for Cascadian communication. It should not be used for any solicitation or propaganda purposes, respecting the privacy of all our members. Thank you!

Winter Requires Extra Precautions in Backcountry
Skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to get out and enjoy the backcountry in winter, but the harsh weather and shorter days do require extra precautions. 1) Always make sure someone knows where you are going. This is true year-round, but especially so in winter. One unprepared night out could be the death of you. 2) Check the avalanche forecast before you leave. The Northwest Avalanche Center website is http://www.nwac.noaa.gov. 3) Avoid avalanche prone areas. Open slopes from 30 to 45 degrees are especially hazardous. 4) Always pack the 13 Essentials and know how to use them. It could be the difference between an uncomfortable night and a funeral casket. 5) Know how to use your map and compass. Winter weather can blot out tracks and recognizable landmarks in a matter of moments. GPS units are great, but cold temperatures can render the batteries useless. Best stick to the classics. 6) Dress correctly. Cotton has no place in the backcountry. Synthetic fleece is lightweight, warm, and won’t absorb much water. Wool has been under development for nearly 4 billion years and is hard to beat. Its warm even if its wet. 7) Make sure your flashlights have good batteries. In fact, bring along an extra set. Nights are long this time of year. 8) Extra clothing and food are part of the 13 Essentials, but you may want to beef these two essentials up in winter. A bit more calorie-rich food and heavier extra clothing are in order. 9) Have fun, but be prepared.

Keep in Touch with Cascadian Forum
Now you can keep in touch with your Cascadian friends, plan hikes, ask directions, seek out hiking destinations, or discuss outdoor topics by signing up as a member of the Cascadians Forum.
Here is how it works. Subscribers to Cascadians Forum send an email message to the forum which will automatically be sent to all other members of the forum. Anyone interested can respond. All subscribers will also get this response.
Its kind of like a conference call via email, and a heck of a lot easier and faster than phoning everyone in the club.
To sign up, simply send a blank email message to: cascadiansforum-subscribe@topica.com
To send a message to everyone on the list, send it to : cascadiansforum@topica.com
To read all the Cascadians Forum messages visit: http://www.topica.com/lists/cascadiansforum/read

Share the Snow, Not the Tracks
Eileen Ray writes to remind us about the importance of snow shoe wearers setting separate tracks from those made by cross country skiers. All of the snow parks in the Mt. Bachelor Oregon area have signs at the trail heads that read, "Share the Snow, Not the Tracks". These signs include photos of side by side snow shoe and XC ski tracks. Skiers expend a lot of energy setting tracks on the way into a destination so that they can kick & glide on the way out. Snow shoes destroy these carefully made tracks, leaving holes at uneven depths which make it difficult and sometimes dangerous for skiers to reuse the tracks. Eileen notes that this has only become a problem in the past few years, with the growing popularity of redesigned/user-friendly snow shoes among novice users.

Tips for Cold Weather Activities
* Drink 16 to 24 ounces of water more than one hour before outdoor exercise.
* Brink before you are thirsty. Studies suggest you are already 2% dehydrated before you feel thirsty.
* Drink 6 to 10 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
* Watch your urine. It should be no darker than a pale yellow.
* Alcohol dehydrates you. Donít drink it until you are safe back home or in the lodge, and then only after you are well rehydrated.
* Contrary to all those sports-drinks ads, water will rehydrate you just fine. Life got along fine on this planet for 3.5 billion years without    Gatorade. However, sports drinks are absorbed a tad bit faster, and contain carbohydrates and electrolytes lost during exercise.

Bulletin Board at Meetings
There is a bulletin board erected at our monthly meetings and on it will be posted the multitude of literature, newsletters, and various other mailings we receive from other clubs and agencies. These mailings are free for the taking. Please donít be shy. Take a look-see and grab whatever strikes your fancy.