The below is from the Center for Biological Diversity Newsletter
No. 308, June 27, 2002

Please note the meeting times and places. ("chainsawing big riparian
trees"????? - hope they are using those new 'solar-powered' chainsaws)


> KEEP OFF-ROAD VEHICLES OUT OF DEATH VALLEY RIPARIAN JEWEL SURPRISE
>CANYON: HEARINGS JULY 29-AUGUST 6
>
> Surprise Canyon is an amazing perennial stream in the Panamint
>Range of Inyo County, flowing gracefully from Death Valley National
>Park down to the BLM Surprise Canyon Area of Critical Environmental
>Concern within the California Desert Conservation Area. This desert
>stream is home to many rare and endangered species, including the
>least bells vireo and panamint alligator lizard.
>
> It is also a mecca for extreme off-roading, which is extremely
>harmful to the riparian environment and wilderness experience. Since
>spring of 2001, Surprise Canyon has been closed to off-roading -
>highly modified 4x4's winching up waterfalls, chainsawing big
>riparian trees, spilling oil and gas in to the stream, scarring the
>slickrock with black tire skid marks, etc. - as a result of a Center
>for Biological Diversity lawsuit settlement. The BLM is now
>preparing an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) to decide future
>vehicle use in Surprise Canyon.
>
> It is critical that conservationists speak at these hearings, and
>write comments in favor of permanent protection for Surprise Canyon
>by keeping damaging off-road vehicles out.
>
> Each meeting will include two sessions that will be held from 3-5
>pm and 7-9 pm at the following dates and locations:
>
> July 29 - Ridgecrest CA, Desert Empire Fairgrounds, Mesquite Hall,
>530 South Richmond Road
> July 30 - Bakersfield CA, Doubletree Hotel, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court
> July 31 - Lone Pine CA, Boulder Creek RV Resort Clubhouse, 2550
>South Highway 395
> August 5 - Pasadena CA, Sheraton Pasadena Hotel, 303 East Cordova Street
> August 6 - San Diego CA, Hilton San Diego Mission Valley,
>901Camino Del Rio South


:usa: