Inside this issue

Pats on the back, Page 12

Keeping an eye on the river, Page 16

T R A C K S
May 2012

Colorado Desert District Newsletter

ABF celebrates acquisition of 50,000th acre for ABDSP

Photos by Leslie Bellah

Called a gathering of eagles by Park supporter Lowell Lindsay, four retired District or ABDSP superintendents (above) stand together before speaking at the celebration of the Anza-Borrego Foundations (ABF) acquisition of the 50,000th acre of land for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The former superintendents are Mark Jorgensen, Dave Van Cleve, Bud Getty and Wes Cater. Louis T. Busch (below) holds a plaque commemorating the land he and his family have given ABF for the Park. His father was the first donor. Standing next to him are ABF Trustee Diana Lindsay, ABDSP Superintendent Kathy Dice and ABFs Vice President of Land Acquisitions Delores Lukina.

Abbys new hat Page 23

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LOG JAM: Notes from the District, sectors

Salton Sea State Recreation Area
From the desk of Interpreter I Fredda Stephens: What is a champion? By definition, a champion is a person who has defeated all opponents in a series of events so as to hold first place; this is the best competitor or supporter; he or she has met the greatest challenges and proved to be superior; this is a winner, an ardent defender of a cause or fight, a true warrior. The Salton Sea is a real Park Champion. Now many champions, as we know them, are the people who are rich or famous. The champion species is the charismatic mega-fauna that people love so much such as mountain lions, bighorn sheep or bear. Champion places are majestic mountains, oceans and rivers. But the real champ is the Sea. Sometimes seen as unloved and unwanted, the Sea represents all that has gone amiss because of human disturbance. A cruel trick of nature, a stranded body of water, the diverted Colorado River and tilapia, a non-native species gone wild. The Sea is a

Park Maintenance Assistant Lynn Jamerson (second from left) explains some of the procedures to volunteers who are helping to beautify the SSSRA.

living lesson in resource management. But against all odds the Sea has survived. It has harbored millions of birds every year and that makes it a true winner. Scores of snow birds feed our desert economy, enjoying the weather and all of our new facilities. And the bottom line is that people do care and support our mission; maybe not with big bucks like some other regions, but with their hearts. We are lucky to have some help these days. The California State Park Foundations Park Champion Program has lent a hand with our fabulous new garden project. By holding volunteer work days throughout the year, the foundation provides advocates who improve the quality and safety, and protect and preserve our state parks. March 22 they came out to the Sea to provide help with the renovation of our Native Plant Garden. The project included installing a whole new drip irrigation system using a satellite weather Photos by Margaret Oakley station. The Smart Programmer picks up and Working on irrigation lines can be a prickly transmits information to the site from local business in the desertjust ask this volun- monitors to compensate for weather and soil
teer who is working at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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conditions. So when it is raining, it does not water! Pretty smart! The entire garden was dug up and old pipes were replaced by new rodent-resistant drip lines and PVC piping. The volunteers brought and planted a palo verde tree and seven other native trees to beautify the place. Special thanks to Park Champion Coordinator Margaret Oakley who set up and led the project and to Generation Water, a company from Los Angeles for its dedication and peoplepower. They brought a crew of six students to help. Thanks also to Park Maintenance Assistant Lynn Jamerson for all her hard work and our skilled volunteers who also assisted. Work on our Ironwood Trail replacing plants and signage is slated for the fall. For more information about the program go to www.calparks.org and click on Park Champions. Projects include trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, rehabilitation of historic resources and repair of existing structures. What a great resource for us in these
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A red naped sapsucker looks with interest at the photographer at PSRA. Their breeding habitat is mixed forest in the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin areas. They nest in cavities in dead trees. Like other sapsuckers, they drill holes in trees and eat the sap as well as the insects attracted to it.

hard times. Even champions cant do it without some support and working together makes everyone a winner.

Palomar Mountain State Park

From the desk of Ranger Jessica Murany: Park Maintenance Worker I Randy Burt was interviewed about PMSPs campgrounds reopening by the North County Times. Visit www.nctimes.com and watch the video link or read the story.

Our Earth Day event was cancelled because of unfavorable weather predictions. And they were correct with four inches of snow and more to come on the day we had planned to Photos by Sue Barney A herd of cattle egrets in summer plumage be grooming trails, and mulching and pruning hangs out on a shade ramada at Paddle- the historic apple trees. Stay tuned, we will
wheeler Boat-In Camp at Picacho State Recreation Area.
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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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probably try to have a spring work day soon after we figure out this yo-yo weather. As stated by Montane Superintendent Nedra Marinez, "Thanks to Rick Barclay, Michael Walsh and the CRSPIA Board of Directors, the donor agreement was signed by CRSPIA on April 7 and mailed to Sacramento for Director Colemans signature on the eighth. Once Ruth Coleman signs the donor agreement, we will make an official announcement." Meanwhile, thanks to revenue generation funding, the campgrounds have reopened to the public April 13 and are now back on the reservation system.
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Photo by Matt McDonald

In case there is any doubt, this is not a quino checkerspot butterfly, although that is what Environmental Scientist Matt McDonald was looking for when he encountered this Southern Pacific rattlesnake in northern ABDSP. The snake assumed an aggressive position, but Matt didnt try for a close encounter.

Photo by Leslie Bellah

Interpreter II Sally Theriault speaks at a monthly ABDSP volunteer meeting held at the University of Californias Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. District Senior Environmental Scientist Jim Dice who works part-time at the center, hosted the volunteer group April 16 so people could see the results of the remodeling.

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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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Photo by Larry Hendrickson

Photo by Gary Reece

A fire from an undetermined source started and was extinguished April 9 at Scissors Crossing. It began about 100 yards north of the Highway 78 bridge, burned under the bridge then turned east, paralleling Highway 78. Several spot fires occurred ahead of the main fire and CALFIRE used a bulldozer on them. A hand line was constructed around the perimeter of the main fire. District firefighters and ABDSP rangers also responded. It appears to have burned less than five acres.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

plete place setting and a beverage. RSVP at mjbigelo@verizon.net or mikebig36@yahoo.com so they can prepare.

The Volunteer Potluck will be held at 6 p.m. The ABDSP Botany Society again has thanked Tuesday, May 15, at the RoadRunner sports center/tennis courts. Hosts Mike and Jan Bige- those who donated items for its flea market low will barbecue hamburgers and provide sales. The Societys most recent email follows. Once again your donations and support have buns and chips. Bring a salad or dessert, a commade our booth at the Lions Club flea market a success. You were most generous. At the last sale, we netted a little more than $700, our alltime high. We can now add more supplies and a specimen storage cabinet to the State Parks botany lab and we have secured a quality series of speakers to offer to the community next season. We purchased a video camera and now record our programs. The copies are available for you or your organization to borrow from the Stout Research Center Library If the Lions Club continues this activity next season, we will most likely be with them, so again we rePhoto by Jeri Zemon quest that you please save your re-useable, salAs the temperature climbs to three digits in able items for us. We will be asking for them the desert parks, it is hard to believe that storms left the high country covered in again next fall.
snow just a few weeks ago.
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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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ABDSPs Visitor Center will be open weekends and holidays only during the summer, the Parks off season. From the desk of Ranger Steve Bier: It has been a very warm and windy winter here in Anza-Borrego, but May has finally arrived so we bid farewell to another desert season. The mercury entered triple digits in midApril and continues to rise, chasing the last hardy visitors away. The annual northward migration of snow birds is in full swing and our local gas prices are slowly falling back to less than half a paycheck per gallon. Despite what your calendar may say, spring has sprung and summer has most certainly arrived.

Photo by Leslie Bellah

PSRA Volunteer Judy Joiner and Ranger Sue Barney share a light moment at Lower Dock. Judy was part of a group of long-term campers at 4S Beach years ago. She began volunteering at Picacho while she was still working at the States EDD office. After she retired, she was a park aide and today is a dedicated volunteer, according to Sue. Judy bought a home in Bard (near Yuma) so she As we look back to the beginning of our sea- could be close to the river and Picacho, her son in October, it has been a relatively safe favorite place on it.

2012. Few trail injuries, a couple of missing and is still unaccounted for. Thankfully the other overdue hikers and a scattering of health- missing hikers have been safely reunited with related events marked the first search and res- their families. cue events for the season. One individual, missing since Easter Sunday,
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Photo by Bob Eisele

Hiking to the top of the Santa Rosa Mountains is a rewarding effort when this panorama of the Coachella is the prize.

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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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A recent ankle injury along Borrego Palm Canyon Trail brought the fire/rescue helicopter, Copter 10, out for some hoist evacuation. Rangers assisted Borrego Springs fire personnel in packaging the patient who was hoisted into the hovering chopper and taken to waiting paramedics at the trailhead where she was treated for her injuries and released.

After a rash of large fires in the area prior to Octobers arrival, only one additional fire occurred during the season. In early April a fire was started (cause unknown) under the Sentenac Canyon Bridge along Highway 78, causing a brief highway closure (see photos on page 5). Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and road crews certified the bridge sound for reopening.
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Footprints
CRSPs Maintenance Park Aides John Sproule and Hector Ramos are back to work for the season. Palomar Mountain State Parks Senior Park Aide Daniel Minshew has returned to work. Picacho State Recreation Area Supervising Ranger Robin Greene has been selected as the new Superintendent for the North Sector of San Diego Coast District. Robin has worked in State Parks for more than 23, serving in the San Diego Coast and Colorado Desert districts. Most of Robins time has been spent at spectacular Picacho State Recreation Area, said San Diego Coast District Superintendent Clay Phillips. Even though she has spent much of her career working in that southeast outpost of the state park system, he continued, Robin is no stranger to many of you. She has provided invaluable statewide support and leadership in firearms training and many other training programs for most of her career. Robin also played a major leadership role following the devastating Cedar Creek Fire. Robins passion for state parks, professionalism and management skills will serve her well in her new position as leader of, arguably, one of the most complex sectors in the department. I am thrilled to have her join our District. Visitor Services Senior Park Aide Marcia Lay-Obst and Park Aides Sharon Hill, Sharon Crosswhite, Grace DuarteBallou and Petra McCrory have returned to work at CRSP. Sarah Reisman has begun to work at CRSP as a Park Aide. Associate State Archaeologist Sue Wade announced, I am pleased to let staff members know that we have hired a new Associate State Archaeologist (PI) Larry Tift. Larry has been working part time on special-funded projects for the past year as an Archaeological Project Leader. He will continue working part time on several projects including Begole Archaeological Research Center collections management and Cuyamaca Reforestation survey. Larry has more than 25 years of experience in Southern California archaeology and a love of our Districts Parks. He, his wife and two children live in San Diego. Please take the opportunity to say welcome if you see him. There is a photograph of Larry on page 8.

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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

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Our flower display decided to take the 2012 season off, likely due to the lack of rain, warm temperatures and strong winds. Several days this season we encountered 50 to 70 mile-per-hour winds in the Borrego Valley. Even with the winds and lack of rain, wildlife has been abundant. Several ewes, along with their new season lambs, were encountered along Borrego Palm Canyon Trail during April. Many happy visitors took away photo memories of the baby sheep playing in the creek bed. On the southern edges of the Park a team from the University of California at Davis, conducting a long term predator survey, captured and collared a female mountain lion near Jacumba. She will be tracked and monitored by satellite GPS.

Photo by Sam Webb

And this seasons Swainsons Hawks: more Larry Tift has accepted the position of Associate State Archaeologist (PI). For the than 4,800 hawks were counted on their north- past year, Larry has been working part time ern trek. Our best day saw more than 600 on special-funded projects as an Archaeological Project Leader. He will continue working part time on several projects including Begole Archaeological Research Center collections management and Cuyamaca Reforestation survey. hawks kettling up over the Borrego Valley. Not enough to blot out the sun, but an impressive sight to see. Thanks to all our staff and volunteers who Good office mates are hard to find, but Envi- made this season another safe and enjoyable ronmental Scientist Matt McDonald has desert experience.
Photo by L.Louise Jee

found a great one: hes quiet, keeps the fly population down and is very neat. This sideThe Colorado Desert Archaeology Society blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana, took up residence in Matts office after losing the end (CDAS) sent a thank you to the Districts Park of his tail; maybe he feels the rest of his tail Maintenance Worker II Scot Martin, ABDSP has a better chance of survival indoors. (Continued on Page 9)

Colorado Desert District

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LOG JAM: District, sector notes (cont.)

Community Service credit. And CDAS thanked Scot and Jennifer for logistical assistance during the dedication ceremony in Blair Valley April 15. Retired Associate State Archaeologist Joan Schneider wrote, I am overwhelmed by the willingness to help CDAS get the interpretive trail markers placed at Morteros Village site. You all made it possible. Thanks, thanks, thanks. This project has been in the planning stages for a long, long time, but it was YOU who actually made it happen.
The Never Ending Storys Rockbiter is living books so we can read happily at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, a them too! good place for someone whose diet consists of rock.
(Continued from Page 8) Photo by Erik Thompson Name your favorite

Ranger Jennifer Rodriguez and six student athletes for their help in placing 12 marker rocks along the Morteros Trail. CDAS will donate $300 to the Borrego Springs High School Athletic Fund in appreciation of this assistance and the students will get

Lets be kind to the Earth: Kick the Bag Habit

Here are additional reasons for us to kick the paper bag habit: A full-grown tree absorbs about 13 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Every ton of wood grown in a forest removes 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide, replacing it with 1.07 tons of oxygen, according to the Going Greener Guidebook. Manufacturers often use aluminum sulfate, a suspected reproductive toxin, to make paper. And, to give bags a consistent color, factories use dyes which contain a mix of chemicals that can include chlorine, associated with the release of dangerous toxins known as dioxins. We welcome input from readers. Please send your earth-saving ideas to Lbellah@parks.ca.gov.

Photo by Heidi Addison-Bier

Cuyamaca Rancho State Parks Harper Spring is picture-perfect at this time of year as this photo of Arroyo Seco shows.

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ABDSP celebrates 80th year (continued)

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Photos by Sam Webb

Nearly 300 people gather to celebrate the acquisition of the 50,000th acre for ABDSP, the Parks 80th birthday and ABFs 45th anniversary of its founding.

The Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) hosted a celebration of the 50,000th acre of land acquired for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park March 23. Nearly 300 people attended the event at ABDSPs Visitor Centers Nierenberg Plaza. ABF has been acquiring land for 45 years and has been the non-profit cooperating association for the Park since 2003. The story began when Wes Cater, who was the ABDSP supervisor (they now are superintendents; years ago they were called supervisors and area managers) from 1965 to 1968, was told to form an organization that would acquire land for ABDSP. Temecula resident Doctor Horace Parker, author of the original Anza-Borrego Desert Guidebook, organized and held the meeting in Wes and his wife, Celestes, home. We had no money and look what we have today, Wes said remembering the meeting. An Anza-Borrego Committee was formed under the Desert Protective Council then later became the Anza-Borrego Foundation. Bud Getty, Area Manager from 1972 to 1981, was instrumental in the acquisition of the entrance to Coyote Canyon, Middle Willows, Tur-

key Track, Santa Catarina, Hawk Canyon and much of the Carrizo area. He also started the wilderness system in Anza-Borrego in 1974. Howard Bailey, a cowboy who owned land above Coyote Canyon, told Bud he had a few days to come up with money for his land or it would be sold to someone else. Bud called William Penn Mott, Jr., who was then DPRs director, and he

Photo by Leslie Bellah

ABF President Ralph Singer and ABF Executive Director Conrad Kramer discuss their plans for the evening.
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ABF has been ABDSPs friend for 45 (cont.)

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Retired Area Manager Bud Getty, Celeste books so we can read and Retired ABDSP Supervisor Wes Cater them too! and Dorene Clement enjoy a moment before the festivities March 23.

rector. Linda (Nordstrand) Tandle was hired and worked from her home. Dave also came up with the idea of an educational division of ABF which now offers programs from lectures to field trips to week-long excursions. Van Cleve also envisioned a research center and school camp in Anza-Borrego. ABF now has nine employees, offices and gift shop. Daves land interests were larger parcels and those that would connect ABDSPs land to other state parks. While he was superintendent, ABF acquired the Lucky 5 Ranch and TulPhotos by Leslie Bellah loch Ranch. Name your favorite

got the money for that acquisition. Dave Van Cleve was ABDSPs Superintendent and then Colorado Desert District Superintendent from 1989 to 2004. One of his first steps was to encourage ABF to hire an executive di-

ABFs Institute Coordinator Briana Puzzo and Director of Development Paige Rogowski take a breather during the celebration. Paige came back to work at ABF

March 19 and the event was March 23. Mark Jorgensen was ABDSPs superintendent from 2001 to 2009. From September, 2005, through February, 2006, he also served as Acting District Superintendent. My predecessors said, If it is right, do it so that is what I did, Mark reported. He was instrumental in acquiring the 3,400acre Vallecito Ranch with its ranch house, air strip and cultural resources. This acquisition, which connected the mountains to the desert floor, was purchased with cooperation from many agencies.

ABDSP Superintendent Kathy Dice, ABFs Vice President of Land Acquisitions Delores Lukina and ABFs President Ralph Singer pause after Delores received honors from Director Ruth Coleman and ABF for the many hours she has donated to help purchase land for the Park.

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Smiths, Pat Gerdsen receive medallions

Photos by Leslie Bellah

Paleontologist Lyn Murrary presents the Medallion Award to Judy Smith (above) that honors her and her husband, Jim, and to Pat Gerdsen (right) at the annual Volunteer Gala held at the RoadRunner Club March 27.

ABDSP and District volunteers were honored at the annual Volunteer Gala March 27 at the RoadRunner Club. Paleontology Society Volunteers Pat Gerdsen and Jimmy and Judy Smith received Medallion Awards for superior achievement. Jackie Caffe, Mike Medema, Ann Nourse and Don Rideout received Poppy Awards for exemplary volunteer service. Jimmy and Judy Smith have given nearly 3,000 hours. They have worked to help develop an educational program for elementary school stu-

dents in San Diego and Imperial Counties. They organize staff for the Fifth Grade Camp tours, prepare the educational content and lead tours. In the programs six years, the Smiths have taught more than 2,300 students. Their participation in the return of the Kidwell invertebrate fossils nearly doubled the size of the ABDSP collections. Both served on the Societys Steering Committee and Judy was a regular member and chairperson and supervised the Paleontology Laboratory. The Society named Jimmy a life member. Pat has donated 3,002 hours. She has mastered invertebrate identification and distribution
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Among the volunteers whose names will be added to the 2,000-hour plaque that hangs in the Visitor Center are (front row) Verlene Ota, Ted Caragozian, Bob Juers, Mary Jo Churchwell and Jeanne Johnstone. In the back row are Hank Barber, Toni Alexander, Lou Bahar, Bonnie Clapp and Harvy Miller.

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Volunteers gave 30,828 hours in 2011 (cont.)

Stout Research Center Library with a collection of more than 3,200 books. When she first came ABDSP and to work in the Stout Research Center Library, District staff software had just been purchased and she studserve dinner ied it, learned how to use it and wrote proceto the volundures for other library volunteers. teers at the For the past four years she researched new gala and Interpreter I LuAnn software. It has been Jackies hope that all District employees would be able to access the daThompson came dressed tabase and order books from their own desks. She spent endless hours traveling to learn about for the job. and discussing other systemsoften at her own expense. She organized videoconference train(Continued from Page 12) Name your favorite ing sessions with volunteers for the new datain the Park. Under her guidance, the invertebrate books so we can read which the librarians are now using. base fossil collection grew to nearly 15,000 specimens. them but now has six too! Pat had been doing this alone, volunteers under her leadership and tutelage. In the past year, she visited nearly all museums that house fossils collected from the region before ABDSP was a state park. In each she photographed specimens, thereby increasing the understanding of ABDSPs fossil record. She also was on the Societys steering committee and served as chairperson. Pat created the educational support committee, which assists volun- Carolyn Steele, Bill Barker and Marilyn Dickteers with financial aid to study paleontology and son were members of the volunteer group geology. She also is a liaison with visiting scien- who received emerald pins for donating more than 1,000 hours. tists and the Society. For more than 13 years, Jackie has headed the Ann has donated 3,998 hours: 2,454 hours in Paleontology and 1,544 hours at ABDSPs Visitor Center. She participates in all aspects of Paleontology, but her specialty is vertebrate fossil preparation. Ann has visited many natural history museums to view their laboratories and observe their preparation techniques and has brought many new and useful ideas back to the Laboratory. Ann is a life member of the Society and received a certificate of appreciation for outstanding preparation laboratory work. Those who were present to receive diamond She actively participates in the paleontology pins for working more than 1,500 hours are Mary Olson, Marsha Boring, Grace Clark, certification training, has lectured in the EnrichPhotos by Leslie Bellah

Jackie Caffe, Joanne Ingwall, Richard Ingwall and Ann Keenan.

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Hours equal nearly 15 employees (cont.)

Photos by Leslie Bellah

Mike Medema (left) and Don Rideout (right, looking at his award with ABDSP Superintendent Kathy Dice) recei ved P o p p y Awards.
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ment Seminar Series and has served on the steering committee, two years as secretary. Mike served on the steering committee, including a stint as interim chair. When state budget concerns resulted in a hiring freeze and several vacant ranger positions, Mike suggested using volunteers to help keep heavily-used remote areas cleaned of litter and ground fires and the Adopt-a-Wash program was born. Don has worked at the Visitor Center and as a volunteer naturalist for several years and was interested in starting a Park Botany Society from the beginning. He was instrumental in organizing it in 2008 and has served as chair. He headed three Botany Festivals which have been tremendous successes as educational opportunities and fundraisers. Names that will be engraved on the 2,000hour plaque are Toni Alexander, 2,023; Lou Ba-

Lisa Pridmore, Joe Cormier and Linda Roller were among those who gave more than 500 hours of service. They received ruby pins.

har, 2,143; Hank Barber, 2,110; Ted Caragozian, 2,111; Bonnie Clapp, 2,089; Mary Jo Churchwell, 2,194; Linda Gilbert, 2,124; Jeanne Johnstone, 2,043; Bob Juers, 2,010; Harvy Miller, 2,084; Verlene Ota, 2,003, and Norbert Sanders, 2,066. Volunteers who received diamond pins for donating more than 1,500 hours are Marsha Boring, 1,612; Jackie Caffe, 1,553; Grace Clark, 1,504; Linda Gilbert, 2,134; Joanne Ingwall, 1,712; Richard Ingwall, 1,704; James Jacobs, 1,812; Ann Keenan, 1,571; Mary Olson, 1,608 and Ruth Otis, 1,519. Volunteers who received emerald pins for more than 1,000 hours are Bill Barker, 1,214; Marilyn Dickson, 1,087; Brian Fallgren, 1,231; Mac McNair, 1,199; Peg Poitras, 1,053; Ron Poitras, 1,070; Carolyn Steele, 1,007, and Bob Wilderson, 1,062. Ruby pins for more than 500 hours of service went to Mark Armstrong, 623; Joe Cormier, 535; Mary Delaney, 565; Tony Feathers, 561; Jon Gilbert, 582; Norm Gallagher, 513; Lowell Lindsay, 562; Lisa Pridmore, 552; Stan Rohrer, 519, and Linda Roller, 590. Volunteers who received sapphire pins for donating more than 250 hours are Kristen Bonde, 252; Nathan Bonde, 256; Nick Criss, 273; Nancy Erhardt, 395; Bob Emery, 394; Alyce Golding, 276; Dave Jones, 263; George Jefferson, 442; James Landers, 497; Jan Mowrey, 311; Anne Meech, 456; Buzz Mushet, 442; Bill Parker,
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They give so much in so many ways (cont.)

Photos by Leslie Bellah

Paleontologist Lyn Murray (above) presents Ann Nourse with the Poppy Award for exName your favorite emplary volunteer service. ABDSP Superintendent Kathy Dice and books Caffe (right) Keenan, 226; James Landers, 312; Paul Larson, Jackie so we can read after Jackie received her Poppy Award. 570; Rosemary McDaniel, 475; Mac McNair, them too!
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292; Joe Raynoha, 342; Lisa Spoon, 283; Hugh Vance, 333; Larry Vescara, 348, and Gabriel Vogeli, 351. People who worked more than 200 hours in 2011 and received V.I.P. cards were Paulette Ache, 264; Lou Bahar, 376; Hank Barber, 246; Marsha Boring, 239; Janice Bigelow, 207; Mike Bigelow, 380; Bill Burwell, 232; Steven Byrum, 222; Ted Caragozian, 233; Mary Jo Churchwell, 604; Lee Collins, 223; Mary Ekelund, 291; Brian Fallgren, 233; Tony Feathers, 224; Pat Gerdsen, 273; Jon Gilbert, 454; Linda Gilbert, 858; Norm Gallagher, 346; Joe Hopkins, 313; Donna Hopkins, 227; Joanne Ingwall, 345; Richard Ingwall, 244; James Jacobs, 343; George Jefferson, 442; Robert Keeley, 548; Sandra Keeley, 627; Ann

220; Anne Meech, 233; Buss Mushet, 237; Ann Nourse, 251; Peg Poitras, 272; Ron Poitras, 278; Lisa Pridmore, 305; Judy Smith, 346; John Strong, 424; Beth Shugan, 236; Mel Sweet, 544; Karin Vickars, 330; Hugh Vance, 318; Larry Vescara, 315; Gabriel Vogeli, 334; Astrid Webb, 405; Sam Webb, 367, and Bob Emery, 206. These 48 volunteers accounted for 16,112 service hours, or an average of 336 hours per volunteer. Receiving 100-hour pins were Steven Byrum, 242; Joanne Cohen, 130; Lee Collins, 238; Maria Espinoza, 142; Susan Hancock, 113; Jerry Hendry, 143; David Lasley, 141; Ron Paylu, 223; James Peeler, 139; Joan Schneider, 100; Brian Sund, 117; Linda Sund, 183; Sue Vescara, 147; Deanne Carl, 105; James Carl, 103, and Don Endicott, 159.

At left volunteers who received sapphire pins for giving more than 200 hours are Nancy Erhardt, Bob Emery, Alyce Golding, George Jefferson, Bill Parker, Anne Meech and Lisa Spoon. Joanne Cohen (right) was the only one from the 100-hour group who was present.

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Picacho is great water, desert combination

Photos by Leslie Bellah

Picacho Peak (above) is visible from most of Picacho State Recreation Area. A fisherman (above, right) begins his day on the Colorado River. The states pontoon boat is ready for action at the Lower Dock (bottom right). By Leslie Bellah

After passing acres and acres of brown, dry, barren desert hills, it is almost a shock to see the deep color of the sculpted hills around Picacho State Recreation Area. And when the lush, green, native vegetation appears bordering the magnificent Colorado River, it is really breathtaking. It had been Library almost a decade since I had been to volunteers prepare our picturesque river Park. I took a friend from Yuma, Arifor new software for us zona, who had never been and he gated as much of the nearly 7,000 acres and almost ten was amazed at how beautiful it is. waterfront as we are learning We examined every place that had miles of Volunteer librarianscould in onet day and came away There is and gratitude for the beauty we had river access; we looked at the docks, filled with peace a self-check out sheet on a shelf on experienced. the west side of the library (619) 318-1126 or campsites, roads and restoration reSince I instructionsResources, I use the computer if and work for on how to was especially interested sults; we drove, we walked, we sat to see how the restoration projects looked. The area that no one is there. and watched the river and we loved every minute of ittheres nothing was done in the mid-90s is an absolutely perfect example as enjoyable as being in the desert of native riparian vegetation. with a river at your feet. We investi(Continued on Page 17)

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Restoration enhances experiences (cont.)

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Photos by Leslie Bellah

The beginning of a restorationso we can read books project looks barren and empty on the right of the road (above). At left is thick, lush, them too! native vegetation that has filled in where non-natives were removed years ago. Below is another view of trees and shrubs that were planted after non-natives were removed.

Name your favorite

A boat leaves Upper Dock for a day of fishing on the river.

Fascinating terrain (above) contrasts beautifully with the cool riparian areas and the serene Colorado River. Two rangers, two maintenance people, and devoted and energetic camp hosts all work together at this Park.

The latest effort was accomplished by the District Resource Crew: Park Maintenance Worker II Scot Martin, Park Maintenance Assistant Daniel Aceves and Park Maintenance Worker I Michael Tabanao, and SSSRAs Park Maintenance Chief I Chad Rowan, District State Park Equipment Operator Gregg Johnson and Picachos Park Maintenance Assistant Georgia Schneider. Every bit of non-native vegetation has been removed, but it is not yet beautiful (see photo at top of page). More than 200 trees were

planted a few weeks after our visit by Friends 4 Picacho, Park staff and volunteers. As we drove north and could see areas that have not been touched, the contrast was extreme. Speaking of driving, the dirt roads were smooth and easy to drive, thanks to Gregg Johnsons work blading the roads to make campsites accessible from north to south. The whole Park is remarkably clean and well kept, thanks to the efforts of Supervising Ranger Robin Greene, Ranger Sue Barney,
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Its a perfect way to spend a day (continued)

Photos by Leslie Bellah

A boat quickly heads up river near PSRAs Upper Dock and within minutes the serenity returns. There are many small, quiet lakes on both sides of the river.
(Continued from Page 17)

Georgia, Maintenance Mechanic Bill Cardinal, and devoted camp hosts who return each year. Things arent as easy at Picacho as they are at some other parks; the staff members use generators for electricity, have a well for water and have to bring most everything in and out of the Park. It seems idyllic when the weather is nice, but tune in when the flash floods have ravaged the roads, campgrounds and docks or when the temperature climbs way more than 100 degrees. The people who work here have to love it or they wouldnt be able to put up with it. Library years ago there were miners and About 100 volunteers prepare others new software forPicacho withfor who lived and worked at us
Canoeists, campers, boaters, kayakers, hikers and day-use visitors all enjoy Picacho State Recreation Area. These folks are camped at Taylor Lake, north of the Parks entrance. One group had kayaks and another had a boat they fished from while quietly floating around on the lake. A four person staff and dedicated volunteer camp hosts keep the park clean and peaceful.

out wells, generators or vehicles to drive in air conditioned comfort. The Picacho Mines monument says there were 700 miners; the State Park website says 100; other websites say from 100 to 2,500. The real truth is that it was an extremely difficult life which is easy to forget while having lunch under an umbrella and contemplating the river on a warm, but not hot, spring day. It was a day well spentspending time with friends and enjoying one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on this planet. When we returned to Yuma it was to a headline in the Yuma Sun that read, Picacho State Rec Area to close July 1.

Volunteer librarians are learning t There is a self-check out sheet on a shelf on the west side of the library (619) 318-1126 or and instructions on how to use the computer if no one is there.

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Diana Lindsays sky art book wins award

Ricardo Breceda: Accidental Artist, the recently published book about the artist who created the metal sculptures found in Borrego Valley, has received a gold medal for cover design for the 2012 PubWest Book Design Awards, according to Sunbelt Publications. ABDSP Volunteer Sam Webb took the photographs shown on the cover of the book, reported Author Diana Lindsay. She noted that Sam is an ABDSP archaeological site steward. The PubWest Design Awards were developed 28 years ago to recognize superior design and outstanding production quality of books. The award, a custom engraved medallion and certificate, will be presented to Sunbelt Publications at the PubWest 2012 Conference in October at the Keystone Resort and Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. Sam tied the past to the present with his two photographs. The top photograph shows the ancestral lands where elephant-like gomphotheres once roamed millions of years ago and where Brecedas life-like sculptures now

stand. The bottom photograph captures Breceda telling first-grade students enrolled in a dual language program at Borrego Springs Elementary School how he made the gomphotheres.

Friends 4 Picacho plants trees, begins fundraising

On Earth Day, Friends 4 Picacho, Park staff and volunteers planted more than 200 native trees in the denuded area of Picacho State Recreation Area where non-native tamarisk trees were removed (see photo at top of page 17). The advocacy group has a website, friends4picacho.org and is working to raise the funds required to keep the recreation area open. The website names Naturalists at Large, Convair Water Ski Club and the San Diego Association of Geologists as organizations that frequent and support PSRA. Friends 4 Picacho is working with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) sponsor so on-line donations will be tax deductible.

Stout Research Center Library has more videos, new books

Lots of new books have been pouring in to the Stout Research Center Library. In addition, several new video and audio tapes have come in. There are books on history, science, fire, interpretation and even some fiction! Come and see whats new on the shelves. Volunteer librarians continue to catalog and shelve books as they make progress with the new database, Alexandria. There is a self-check out sheet on a shelf on the west side of the Library and instructions on how to search for books on its computer.

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Paleontology Society prepares for summer

By Lou Bahar Paleontology Society

Many of the seasons activities are drawing to a close; the high season for students visiting the Stout Research Center Laboratory ended in March. The Paleontology Society volunteers hosted more than 700 students from San Diego and Imperial counties. The 5th Grade Camp Program, funded by the Anza-Borrego Foundation, and a concurrent program funded by the Desert Protective Council, brought students through the Vertebrate Paleontology collections for presentations in paleontology and geology plus a hands-on experience of uncovering fossils from sand tables. Tours also were given to two university classes with 76 students, a group of 53 soils scientists plus ten members of the AmeriCorps mustard eradiction team. Volunteers contributed 140 hours to host the guests and show them around the Stout Research Center. While the students were touring, normal paleontology activities continued. The annual field camp discoveries included 33 sites, each producing one or more fossil specimens, a bit more

Photos by Leslie Bellah

District Paleontologist Lyn Murray awards Volunteers Sandra and Bob Keely the Omnipresent Award, stating they are all around, all the time, helping whenever and wherever they are needed.

than the usual amount. During the first two days the area covered was the same as the prior season. On the final day we surveyed an area that previously had only sparse coverage and discovered a four-foot tusk of a proboscidean (elephant-like animal). Several trips were made to this new area to preserve the tusk. It finally was removed from the field in early Aprilin time to beat the oncoming heat. While visiting the tusk to preserve it, we found other fossils that represent several species: along with the usual horse material we recovered coral, shell, a partial jaw of wolf, and Library volunteers prepare a partial horn core and vertebra of what may for new software for us be the first, or at least earliest, fossil record of bighorn sheep in the Park. We believe the sediments of the area are younger than most of the Volunteer librarians are learning t sites a have worked in that section on There iswe self-check out sheet on a shelfof the desert. Further library (619) 318-1126 or the west side of the study may reveal a more exact age of the on how to use the computer if and instructions sediments and fossils. no one isMany volunteers return to cooler areas in there. late March and in April, so the annual PaleonLyn awards Volunteer Linda Gilbert the Ubiq- tology Bash is held before they leave. This year
uitous Award in recognition of all the work she has done on the fossil database.
(Continued on Page 21)

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They gave more than 11,000 hours (cont.)

(Continued from Page 20)

correcting the database for our fossils. Sandra and Bob Keeley received the Omnipresent award for their unceasing efforts as field leaders and for help in improving the invertebrate collection through road trips to other institutions and in curation. The party marked the end of the first year of Lyns work as District Paleontologist and we spent a few minutes reminiscing about the year and his work in years past. We restrained from the usual roasting that is bestowed on the District Paleontologist, having had three years of retirement parties for George Jefferson with Name your favorite the attendant commentary.

Volunteer Lou Bahar receives an award in honor of her many hours of work in curation.

books so we can read them too!

the event was hosted by Linda and Jon Gilbert, and was very well attended, as usual. Paleontology Society Certificate of Excellence awards were given to Linda Sund for field work, to Jon Gilbert for laboratory work and to me for curation. In addition, District Paleontologist Lyn Murray created two special awards for recognition of work beyond normal activities. The Ubiquitous award was presented to Linda Gilbert for her incredible effort in organizing and Volunteer Linda Sund receives a certificate
of excellence from Lyn for her hours of contribution in the field.

Finally there was the Annual Volunteer Award Banquet hosted by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Paleontology Volunteers received many awards with the more than 11,000 hours they contributed (see page 12). Though the weather turns warm, the activity of cleaning and preparing specimens collected during this and previous seasons continues in the laboratory. Similarly, the work of identifying and cataloguing them continues in curation. Many indoor activities are available to keep the Lyn presents Volunteer Jon Gilbert an award volunteers busy through the summer.
recognizing his outstanding laboratory work.

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There are unforeseen dangers in field work

Photos by Jim Dascoulias

Many office personnel dont realize the dangers involved for those who work in the field. Park Maintenance Supervisor Jim Dascoulias was inspecting ABDSPs Wilson Trail when he came across two coast horned lizards and a gopher snake (above). None of those posed a threat, but a dangerous encounter, although the slowest moving, he said, was with the rock monster at right.

HypothermiaFrom DPRs Tailgate Meetings

People who are exposed to lower temperatures risk injuries a serious loss of body heat which could result in brain damage or death. Heres how to protect yourself: Dress in layers of cotton or wool. Preserve an air space between the body and outer layer of clothing, helping to retain body heat. Protect feet, hands, head and face; Nearly half of body heat can be lost through the head, so keep it covered. Keep dry. Wetness increases the chance of cold stress. Always have extra clothing available in case you get wet. Keep your feet dry, they are very susceptible to frostbite. Take a break. When fatigued, your body loses its ability to retain heat, causing cooling then hypothermia. Drink warm, sweet, caffeine-free, nonalcoholic drinks and soup. Learn what to look for as effects may not be evident to victims. Symptoms are uncontrollable shivering, a cold sensation, slower and maybe irregular heartbeat and a weakened pulse. As it worsens, severe shaking or rigid muscles may be evident. Victims also may have slurred speech, memory lapses and drowsiness. Cool skin, slow, irregular breathing and exhaustion occur as the body cools and that requires immediate medical attention. Eat right. A proper diet provides nutrients to withstand cold stress. Don't work alone; look out for one another and be alert for cold stress symptoms. Frostbite, freezing of the bodys fluids, can occur without hypothermia. The most vulnerable body parts are the face, ears and digits. Symptoms include coldness and tingling, followed by numbness; changes in skin color to white or grayish-yellow; initial pain which subsides as it worsens and blisters. Frostbite causes irreversible tissue damage and requires immediate medical attention.

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ABDSP volunteers see Kumeyaay center

Twenty-one ABDSP volunteers visited the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center of Pauwai (Poway) March 20. Volunteer Bob Emery organized the visit to the five-acre site. The Friends of the Kumeyaay, the San Pasqual Band of Indians and the City of Poway have been working together to develop a vision for the property and to start on the development of a replica Kumeyaay Village. The visit was important to the volunteers because they learned more about the Kumeyaay people who also lived in ABDSP in the past.

Photos by Sam Webb

ABDSP Volunteer Bob Emery (above), who lives in Poway and recently served as its mayor, talks to a group of fellow ABDSP volunteers about the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center where he also volunteers. Some members of the visiting group from the desert pause in a replica of a typical round Kumeyaay house made from native vegetation (left). Others listen to a docent outdoors on the five-acre site which is believed to have been part of a 30-acre Kumeyaay village along Poway Creek about 300 years ago. The Kumeyaay people have lived in what is now San Diego County and Baja California for millennia. They have grown crops, hunted, held religious ceremonies and raised families in river valleys.

Were looking for District staff members who will share their ten favorite books to be published in TRACKS. Please send your book list with short reviews to lbellah@parks.ca.gov.

TRACKS
Colorado Desert District 200 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004

TRACKS

Colorado Desert District Newsletter

Colorado Desert District Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (760) 767-4037 Fax: (760) 767-3427 E-mail: lbellah@parks.ca.gov

Gail Sevrens, Acting District Superintendent Leslie Bellah, TRACKS Editor

Anza-Borrego Sector..........Kathy Dice, Superintendent Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Montane Sector....Nedra Martinez, Superintendent Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Palomar Mountain State Park Salton Sea Sector.....Paul Reisman, Acting Superintendent Indio Hills Palms Picacho State Recreation Area Salton Sea State Recreation Area