In The Spotlight: Welcome Back Rebecca Martin!
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We are pleased to announce that former CFI guide Rebecca Martin, has re-joined the team as Associate Director handling Business and Membership. Rebecca comments, "I am very pleased to be able to put my energy behind CFI's administration efforts in this capacity this year. Where wild landscapes and right livelihood cross paths is a great place to lay down some tracks, if you ask me. To "walk in beauty" seems as much a challenge as a blessing in this day and age."
Rebecca has served as a generalist and naturalist educator, specializing in cross-cultural, ethnological, and archaological programs since 1988. She first signed on with CFI when she moved to the Moab area in 1990 and has remained supportive of CFI's mission in many capacities in the intervening years.
In addition to her business role at CFI, Rebecca will be serving as an educator on our exclusive Range Creek trips as well as for other special member events. In addition to the overnight camping format, Rebecca will lead a special Range Creek Trip that involves a day in Range Creek followed by two nights with the Wilcox-Jensen family at Tavaputs Ranch. We are thrilled to have Rebecca with us!
CFI
would also like to extend its warmest thanks to Susan Jamieson for her
five years of service as Business Manager. We wish her the best as
she continues full-time with Lost River clothing, as well as dedicating
more time to her artwork.
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In The Spotlight: Another Intern Embraces the Colorado Plateau!
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Tara Beresh, our Public Relations intern this winter, comes to us from Bellingham, Washington. A creative writing major with an environmental studies focus, Tara has revelled in the opportunity to explore the Canyon Region as well as contributing to the marketing and fundraising efforts of CFI. "The southwest really reaches beyond an aesthetic appeal. I keep trying to put it to words, and when I do, the locals just smile. This place is something to be felt, containing a spiritual energy that pulsates and whispers ...gnawing at my curiosity. Exploring the environment here has planted within me the desire to delve into anthropology and archeology. I want to learn more about the people whose spiritual presence is laced throughout the soil and red rocks," comments Tara.
Since gradutating from college, Tara has spent the past two years traveling and living in San Diego, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. After Moab she plans to continue her quest for rewarding employment in the field of conservation and writing. She is committed to returning in the next two years to further explore the beauty of this country. For information on how to apply for a position with CFI, please visit our Employment and Internships page.
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Where Are They Now? Alicia Mozian, Our First Intern in 1985
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Alicia Mozian was the first intern to grace CFI's office in 1985 with an enthusiasm and sense of humor that has not been forgotten. Alicia set the stage for a long tradition at CFI: "If you are willing to do anything, you've got the job." Alicia currently resides in Martha's Vineyard in Westport, Connecticut. She is applying her skills as the Conservation Director for the Town of Westport on Long Island South. In a letter to CFI she writes, "My short time with CFI has proven to be one of the best experiences of my life." Alicia went on to earn her Masters of Science in Resource Management and Administration, and has now been employed by the Town of Westport for 22 years! As an establishment surrounded by so much water, the town of Westport office has jurisdiction over wetlands and watercourses and serves as an advisor to the Planning and Zoning Commission under the Coastal Area Management regulations.
As a long-time member of CFI, she explains that her ongoing support stems from many motivating factors, including her fond memories and respect for Director, Karla VanderZanden, and Co-founder Robin Wilson. She also feels "a desire to remain connected to that place and time in my life when I think I was most happy." Her words reflect a deep longing for the desert landscape and Moab, and her "memories of desert in the springtime." She says, "There are days when I long for the smells when everything is blooming." We are delighted by her continued support of CFI, and proud of her accomplishments in the field of conservation. Thank you Alicia; we wish you all of the very best in your future.
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Nature Note: Where's that Beetle?
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In 2004, approximately 50,000 insects known as the Salt-cedar Leaf Beetle, or Diorhabda Elongata, were released in multiple areas on the Colorado Plateau to begin the task of devouring invasive tamarisk shrubs. Adult beetles and their larvae were released again in 2005 and 2006. The tamarisk plant has been threatening the existence of native plant species such as willow and cottonwood, whose presence is vital for the health and diversity of the ecosystem. Research shows that the wildlife is less hearty and diverse in an environment dominated more by tamarisk than native vegetation. In addition, tamarisk poses an increased chance of wildfires in the summer. Today, Tim Higgs of the Grand County Weed Department, assures that live populations of the salt-cedar leaf beetle are still present, having survived through winter, yet remain in hibernation. Higgs confirms that there are high concentrations of the beetle along the Potash stretch of the Colorado River Corridor.
According to Brian Keating, Fuels Program Manager at the Bureau of Land Management in Moab, recent cutting and other labor-intensive forms of removal including prescribed burning, herbicide treatment, and heavy equipment use have been conducted. These methods are not in place of the beetle, but to reduce potentially hazardous buildups of fuels, ie., dying tamarisk debris left in the path of the beetle. "The Tamarisk are going to need repeated attacks from the beetles, anywhere from 3-10 years before the trees will actually die," says Keating. Keating stresses the importance of informing the public about the BLM's long-term plan to deal with the impacts from the beetle. They are planning an aggressive revegetation program that will involve planting native willows, cottonwoods, grasses, and shrubs in many of the treated areas.The BLM is not involved with the use of the salt-cedar leaf beetle, but has been working to remove dying plant debris along the Colorado River Corridor as well as creating a break in vegetation to reduce the risk and spread of any eventual wildfire.
This spring, while visitors can expect to see tamarisk management action along highway 128 and in areas throughout the Colorado River Gorge, Keating assures that there will also be revegetation activities visible with the bulk of the plantings occurring next fall and beyond. Other parties committed to addressing the Tamarisk issue include the Southeast Utah Tamarisk Partnership, the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development and the Utah State Forestry, Fire and Lands Division.
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The Colorado Plateau Sees Record Snowpack
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 Residents throughout Utah are smiling over the promising signs of a green Spring in the forcast. Record snowpack for winter 2007/2008 has resulted in a rise in river water levels. Spring has not yet arrived and already snow pack levels rise far above average. As the weather gets warmer this can only mean that Southeastern Utah can expect higher than average water levels throughout the spring boating season as the snow melts, depending on weather patterns from March through May. According to the Utah Snow/Precipitation Update Report as of February 1st 2008, the South-Eastern Utah area (LaSal Mt., Camp Jackson, and East Willow Creek) is at 159% (snow-water equivalent) basin-wide percent of average, with a 113 year-to-date precipitation percent of average. The Upper Colorado River Basin is at 122% (snow-water equivalent) of average with a 126 year-to-date precipitation percent of average. The San Miguel, Dolores, Animas, and San Juan River Basins are at an incredible 158% (snow-water equivalent) of average with a 140 year-to-date precipitation percent of average.
What does this mean for Springtime on the Colorado Plateau and surrounding areas? If spring doesn't heat up too quickly, the agricultural industry which is 80 percent livestock may be seeing thicker grasses on the range for better grazing and an incredible wildfower bloom. In addition, river levels are expected to be at fun levels and a dam release flow (boating season) is predicted for the Dolores River in May and into early June. As long as snowmelt is gradual, the increase in moisture will be beneficial across the board.
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Looking Ahead: Summer 2008
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 Day Camps
June 18-22, 2008, Professor Valley Field Camp
GeoWhiz Adventure Week: "Hiking, Creeks and River Fun," for youth ages 10-12, a
chance to participate in exciting learning activities related to our
local watershed, geology, wildlife, and more! Sign up your son or
daughter for a day filled with fun and adventure! Please contact CFI to register for a GeoWhiz day camp. CFI will also continue to collaborate with Youth Garden Project on day camp weeks for younger kids. Contact Youth Garden Project for more information.
River Rats Academy
June 25-28, 2008, Colorado River
For teens 13-16 years of age, our River Rat Academy is the perfect opportunity for building confidence and valuable life skills in river-running and camp environments. This is a hands-on workshop designed for beginning boaters who will be guided by our licensed, extensively trained naturalist river guides. Register now to secure a spot!
Still Looking for a Special Trip for Your Family or Business Group? Plan a Custom Trip with CFI! dates/locations will vary
Set up a private "Eco" trip for your adult family or group. Whether your interest is a rafting trip, cultural history exploration or purely the chance for some quality time spent with family and/or friends in a beautiful environment, CFI can tailor a program to fit your interests and dates (some start dates and group sizes limited by permits.) Call us today to start planning!
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Confluence: Gathering of Readers and Writers
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On October 15th-19th, 2008, there will be a new exciting literary festival/writing workshop held in Moab. CFI is collaborating with Arches Bookstore, Back of Beyond Books, Moab Poets and Writers, Moab Arts and Recreation Center, and the Grand County Library to host this event. The Moab Confluence writing workshop will be in-part a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the publication of Edward Abbey's book, Desert Solitaire. The limited-enrollment workshop will last three days and will be followed by a public weekend festival including readings, seminars and other events. Guest authors will include Jack Loeffler, David Petersen, Doug and Andrea Peacock among others.
CFI has hosted the acclaimed Desert Writers Workshop for 18 years. The new Confluence workshop has evolved from this initial effort and has expanded with new ideas and energies involved. We invite you to participate this Fall! For more information contact Laurie Collins, Director of Confluence at admin@moabconfluence.org or visit their website at http://www.moabconfluence.org.
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Again, we'd like to thank all of our members, participants and contributors for your continued support of our mission: to inspire enlightened perspectives, passion, and care for the Colorado Plateau, since 1984. It is through you that we are able to continue fulfilling this goal and providing the underwriting for our school and youth programs.
Warm Regards,
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email: info@canyonlandsfieldinst.org
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