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curt
Nov 13, 2004, 3:49 AM
Post #226 of 619
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In reply to: In reply to: For anyone who is interested, there will be a public meeting of The Friends of Queen Creek, on Thursday, December 2nd at 7pm. The location will be the AZ on The Rock climbing gym, in Scottsdale, AZ. Curt What's happenin' there? Is it just the organization members getting together to talk shop on the latest discoveries or actions, like a club or committee meeting?
Most of the previous meetings of FoQC have been meetings of the steering committee, with a few outside volunteers attending. This meeting is for anyone who is interested in hearing more--or potentially helping us out.
In reply to: Or are you gonna have guest speakers of importance? Releasing new (perhaps grim? :( ) details? I wanna itinerary, man!
Yes. I will be speaking. Please come and hear me pontificate insightful and relevant pearls of wisdom from ahigh.
In reply to: And will there be pie and punch served? ;)
Yes--if you bring it. Pink zin is OK too, but a bottle of Macallan would be more appreciated by the FoQC Directors, in my opinion of course.
Curt
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curt
Nov 13, 2004, 6:18 PM
Post #227 of 619
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FYI, my letter to the editor Appears in today's Arizona Republic newspaper, in the "Valley and State" section. Here is a link to the on-line version.
http://www.azcentral.com/.../1113satlets134.html
Curt
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sportyj
Nov 15, 2004, 4:50 PM
Post #228 of 619
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Well said Curt - impressive! So are you saying that you want as many people to come to this meeting on Dec. 2?
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curt
Nov 15, 2004, 5:29 PM
Post #229 of 619
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In reply to: Well said Curt - impressive! So are you saying that you want as many people to come to this meeting on Dec. 2?
This will be an open meeting on December 2, so anyone interested is invited.
Curt
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climbsomething
Nov 16, 2004, 10:16 AM
Post #230 of 619
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Curt (or whoever knows),
I understand that pretty much all of the bouldering is at risk, but exactly which trad/sport climbing crags are also affected? I checked out the FoQC site and it lists "Queen Creek Canyon," which is pretty broad- I hope not every known cliff is also in Resolution's proposed zone! :shock: How many *routes* do climbers also stand to lose?
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climbsomething
Nov 17, 2004, 12:50 AM
Post #231 of 619
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buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuump 8-)
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dief
Nov 17, 2004, 1:31 AM
Post #232 of 619
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We will lose everything except for Devils Canyon (Upper & Lower), The Leap and The Road Area. The current access to Devils Canyon and The Leap will be lost so new access will need to be found. Not a pretty picture but it ain't over to the fat lady sings.
Support Friends of Queen Creek. Join our email list today at www.FriendsofQueenCreek.com and ask all your friends to do the same!!!
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steelmonkey
Nov 18, 2004, 1:37 AM
Post #233 of 619
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Hey Dief,
Wasn't there some sort of a plan on the shelf to take highway 60 and run it way out and around (i.e. no more tunnel above Superior) to the north? Don't recall where I heard that, but if it happened, access would get even worse.
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curt
Nov 18, 2004, 1:52 AM
Post #234 of 619
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That is just one of the alternatives currently under consideration. Naturally, it is the option favored by Resolution Copper.
Here is a link to the various options:
http://www.us60study.com/...%20to%20Globe%20maps
Curt
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dief
Dec 14, 2004, 10:04 PM
Post #235 of 619
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Friends of Queen Creek 12/12/2004
The Friends of Queen Creek has received an Access Fund grant for $1,100 to print brochures, file 501c-3 (h) status, and for other printing. FoQC has received $384 from the AMC from gear raffles at the October and November general meetings and another $156.48 from raffles and donations at the Flapper Fest. We have given interviews to several local and state publications regarding FoQC issues. At least two letters to the editor appeared in the Arizona Republic supporting permanent public access to the Queen Creek area. We have scheduled speaking engagements with some local area groups to help let others know what might happen to the Queen Creek area. The Access Fund policy director will visit leaders in Arizona this December to plan activities and generate support. A FoQC Action Committee was formed with 9 new volunteers to educate and inform different groups about Queen Creek issues. Our newly printed brochures are being distributed via local retailers, rock gyms and to groups. We will continue to encourage supporters to write letters to our US Congressmen, especially Rep. Rick Renzi (R, NE Arizona & Queen Creek area) asking them to oppose any form of land swap involving the Queen Creek area. Other activities are being planned.
Now what can you do? We need to make noise. We need to get our story out in any publication that will listen. Many areas of the Valley have limited distribution newspapers. They are usually distributed for free. As you travel around please pick up a copy and mail or drop it off at the Phoenix Rock Gym, 1353 E University Dr, Tempe AZ 85281. If you know anyone that works for the papers please ask them to do a story.
If you belong to any associations, including homeowners, ask them if they would do a story on your involvement with Friends of Queen Creek. Any publicity, no mater how small, is good publicity.
Do you have any other ideas and how we can make noise? Let us know.
Thanks for you help.
Paul Dief Friends of Queen Creek
info@friendsofqueencreek.com
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climblouisiana
Dec 15, 2004, 10:58 PM
Post #236 of 619
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Part of my question that I asked Janet Napolitano on this weeks Here and Now was answered here.
http://kjzz.org/...2/hereandnow20041215
Click the audio portion (right above the picture) and go to 23:00.
My question was worded as follows (Part of my question was taken from what Curt sent to the Arizona Republic):
http://kjzz.org/...comments/25#comments
Governor, congratulations on your high marks on the Sierra Club Environmental Report Card.
The access of popular, public recreation lands including Oak Flat Campground, Apache Leap, Devil's Canyon and Queen Creek Canyon, east of Superior Arizona is being threatened.
Resolution Copper, a foreign-owned mining company, is trying to take ownership of these public lands via a congressionally legislated land swap.
The site for this proposed mine is a campground in the Tonto National Forest called Oak Flat, which has enjoyed a 50-year protection from mining activities by virtue of an executive order signed by President Eisenhower in 1955. Eisenhower designated this area to be used exclusively for recreational purposes.
The mine will use a block cave technique to extract the ore. That involves tunneling below the deposit and blasting the ore loose from above, sort of like an upside-down open pit. This type of mining will result in a large cave-in which will make it impossible to restore the area to, as you state, its "pre-mine appearance".
What solutions are being looked at to preserve and maintain access to these popular public lands which are home to hiking, hunting, biking, birding, rock climbing, camping, canyoneering, photography, picnicking, etc.?
Also, considering your water conservation initiative, where will the estimated 7 billion gallons of water per year needed for this operation come from and where will the used water be discharged.
thank you,
Dale Fox
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climblouisiana
Dec 15, 2004, 11:00 PM
Post #237 of 619
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She also said she tried rock climbing at the 21:00 mark...
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apolobamba
Dec 29, 2004, 12:33 AM
Post #238 of 619
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Curt,
How did the Resolution Copper company get the rights to drill in the area of the campground if they do not have the mineral rights and mining is forbidden the area? Are borings not considered a mining activity?
Chris
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curt
Dec 29, 2004, 1:30 AM
Post #239 of 619
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In reply to: Curt, How did the Resolution Copper company get the rights to drill in the area of the campground if they do not have the mineral rights and mining is forbidden the area? Are borings not considered a mining activity? Chris
Resolution Copper Company either owns (or controls the mineral rights to) lands directly adjacent to the 760 acre Oak Flat campground area--which has been withdrawn from mining use. The assay drillings that were done (17 holes drilled from 5 separate sites) were on this adjacent land. Interestingly, the five sites chosen by Resolution Copper were extremely close to the east, south and west borders of the Oak Flat campground area itself.
Curt
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curt
Jan 11, 2005, 8:38 PM
Post #240 of 619
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The Outdoor Industry Association represents over 4,000 manufacturers, retailers and others connected to the outdoor industry. The following press release, regarding Oak Flat, was posted yesterday on their website, in the members press releases section.
http://www.outdoorindustry.org/...door.php?news_id=967
Curt
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catlady
Jan 17, 2005, 4:56 AM
Post #241 of 619
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the major climbers who actually climb at Queen Creek (Marty Karabin, Greg Varella, Jim Waugh, Brian May, etc.) have accepted the fact that the mine is going to go in; and are working with Resolution Copper to develop an alternate climbing area.
With regard to water usage at the site, the annual required amount will be 20,000 acre feet. Resolution Copper is well into the permitting process with DEQ, and is purchasing water from the Gila Indian Community.
This mine is really a sad thing. But a pretty brochure is not going to stop it. Neither are letters to RickRenzi, who will be introducing land exchange legislation in March of 2005. Absent a LEGAL IMPEDIMENT to the mine, and a law firm on retainer, and a public relations firm, and a full-time lobbyist in Washington (*where Bruno Hegner, head of Resolution Copper, is now spending all his time) this mine is a done deal.
Climbers are essentially in a salvage operation now; meaning - get what we can from Resolution Copper.
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sonso45
Jan 17, 2005, 3:45 PM
Post #242 of 619
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Who are you to make an anonymous statement about jim, greg, brian and marty? If true, that would be sad. If untrue that would be typical of the load passed around this site. M
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curt
Jan 18, 2005, 3:57 AM
Post #243 of 619
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In reply to: the major climbers who actually climb at Queen Creek (Marty Karabin, Greg Varella, Jim Waugh, Brian May, etc.) have accepted the fact that the mine is going to go in; and are working with Resolution Copper to develop an alternate climbing area. With regard to water usage at the site, the annual required amount will be 20,000 acre feet. Resolution Copper is well into the permitting process with DEQ, and is purchasing water from the Gila Indian Community. This mine is really a sad thing. But a pretty brochure is not going to stop it. Neither are letters to RickRenzi, who will be introducing land exchange legislation in March of 2005. Absent a LEGAL IMPEDIMENT to the mine, and a law firm on retainer, and a public relations firm, and a full-time lobbyist in Washington (*where Bruno Hegner, head of Resolution Copper, is now spending all his time) this mine is a done deal. Climbers are essentially in a salvage operation now; meaning - get what we can from Resolution Copper.
That's interesting. I spoke with Jim Waugh tonight and he tells me he is not working with Resolution Copper to this end, at this point. So, I guess your information is wrong. I have also met personally with Congressman Renzi, and I believe he does care about what his constituents think, regarding any possible land exchange for the Oak Flat campground area. Anonymous drivel posted on the internet should be properly discounted as such.
Curt
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catlady
Jan 18, 2005, 4:19 AM
Post #244 of 619
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Jim Waugh will be entering into a consulting contract with Resolution Copper; which I fully support. He understands climbers can get nothing, or get something.
Rick Renzi will be ntroducing the land exchange legislation; it would be political suicide for him to oppose the mine.
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curt
Jan 18, 2005, 6:32 PM
Post #245 of 619
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In reply to: Jim Waugh will be entering into a consulting contract with Resolution Copper; which I fully support. He understands climbers can get nothing, or get something. Rick Renzi will be ntroducing the land exchange legislation; it would be political suicide for him to oppose the mine.
catlady,
Again, that is interesting information. So, was Jim Waugh lying to me last night--or, are you misinformed. Jim tells me that he has not yet made up his mind about dealing with Resolution.
Regarding the mine project, per se, you have either not bothered to read this thread--or you have failed to grasp the position of both the Access Fund and the Friends of Queen Creek. We are not asking Rick Renzi (or anyone else) to "oppose" the mine at Oak Flat. I am truly curious as to your personal agenda here, since you are clearly trying to make it sound as though we are.
Curt
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angelaa
Feb 1, 2005, 3:02 PM
Post #246 of 619
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Just put out by the AAC
++++++++++++++++++++++
Rumors Fuel Speculation Regarding Oak Flat Closure, AZ
In response to rumors claiming that there is little chance of saving Oak Flat, AZ (a popular climbing and recreation area outside of Phoenix and home to the Phoenix Boulder Blast) from being closed and mined, the Access Fund urges outdoor recreationalists and businesses to keep fighting for access and maintain a unified voice. Resolution Copper Company (RCC), the mining company pushing to close Oak Flat for mining purposes, insists that public access to Oak Flat must be closed forever because of the possibility of massive subsidence due to their preferred mining method. The Access Fund and Friends of Queen Creek (FoQC) oppose the closure and emphasize that there is a way to mine the copper under Oak Flat without destroying the surface.
RCC does not currently have the right to mine beneath Oak Flat and in the process destroy the surface because of an executive order protecting the area. However, RCC is working to sidestep this protection through a legislative land swap. Unlike other areas subject to federal mining laws, Public Land Order 1229, executed in 1954 under Eisenhower and then upheld by Nixon in 1974, protects Oak Flat from mining and sets it aside for recreation. Access Fund Policy Director Jason Keith states "Currently, there is too little information for anyone, including elected officials, to support their land swap proposal. We have a couple things on our side. First, RCC must overcome the executive order prohibiting mining at Oak Flat, and second, it has been proven elsewhere that mines can be profitable while still maintaining the environmental and ecological integrity of the land." The Access Fund has extensively lobbied the offices of US Senators Kyl and McCain, US Representative Renzi, Arizona Governor Napolitano, local officials, Tonto National Forest, Arizona BLM, Central Arizona Project, state agencies, and the organizer of the Phoenix Boulder Blast. These efforts have led to a coalition that includes over a thousand FoQC members, the Arizona Mountaineering Club, The Sierra Club and Audubon Society, members of the outdoor industry, motorized enthusiasts, canyoneering groups, Arizona businesses, academics, and watchdog groups that focus on mining and land exchanges. The Access Fund also benefits from the advice of respected and experienced mining engineers and public interest law groups who specialize in mining issues.
For more information...
http://www.accessfund.org/...een_letter_6_04.html
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curt
Feb 3, 2005, 4:23 PM
Post #247 of 619
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As an additional rebuttal to the slanderous post by "catlady" above, Steve Matous (Access Fund's Executive Director) spoke with Marty Karabin at the recent Salt Lake outdoor retailer show.
Marty told Steve that he most assuredly is NOT working with John Sherman and/or Resolution Copper Company on the Oak Flat issue.
Curt
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joebanks
Feb 11, 2005, 4:20 PM
Post #248 of 619
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I'm guessing catlady runs the front desk for the Copper Co.
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allarounder
Feb 12, 2005, 4:45 AM
Post #249 of 619
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that's highly doubtful.
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dief
Feb 15, 2005, 4:37 AM
Post #250 of 619
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FRIENDS OF QUEEN CREEK MEEETING
WHO:
Arizona climbers who care about preserving climbing and bouldering access to Oak Flat and Queen Creek YOU!
The Access Fund Board of Directors and Staff (www.accessfund.org).
The Friends of Queen Creek (www.friendsofqueencreek.com).
The Arizona Mountaineering Club (AzMountaineeringClub.org)
WHAT:
Meeting of concerned climbers/boulderers to learn about the status of a mining project threatening Oak Flat. Free snacks and refreshments.
GEAR RAFFLE to benefit the FRIENDS OF QUEEN CREEK!!!!!
WHEN/WHERE
7 PM Saturday February 26 at The Phoenix Rock Gym
1353 E. University Tempe, AZ - (480) 921-8322
Directions: phoenixrockgym.com/directions.html.
WHY:
To learn how you can help the Friends of Queen Creek and The Access Fund preserve recreational access to Oak Flat.
Congress is currently considering a land exchange that could literally destroy Oak Flatyour voice needs to be heard NOW!!
Find out how to help us keep you climbing at Oak Flat!
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