Urgent!Palm Springs trails / Skyline threatened by land swap

[cynthia23]

Thank you for this further info, Magikwalt, and also Mesquite for originally bringing this up. The more I hear, the more I suspect that the BLM has deliberately been keeping it quiet. What I don't understand is Mayor Pougnet's stance or take on this. Does the city of Palm Springs even know this is occurring?? I have seen nothing in the local papers to suggest that is has been discussed in any way at all at City Council meetings, etc. Perhaps PS city gov. hasn't even heard about it, or, more likely, they have heard but not understood the ramifications. Does anyone reading this have 'an in' with the Mayor or City Council? Can we draw this to their attention? Any ideas?

[guest]

Hi,
I've made some calls to BLM & environmental groups.
Ken Garrett & Gary Lueders VP, Desert Trails Coalition have met with Mary Bono-Mack's office, will meet with Ginny Fout, PS city council, (although I question what influence the city has in this & over the tribe).

If Cynthia or Walt, (or others who able) has an hr. today (3pm) to meet with a few of these guys, PM me & I'll let you know the beta on it.

The momentum is now going, lets keep this up.

Hopefully Bono can at the very least get this extended another month so BLM can give proper time for public input.

I believe we can stop this, I don't see how this land swap can possibly be in the best interest of the general public.
The Monument was created for US, it's OUR land, and the land in question has the highest concentration of trails in the valley, as well as one of the most popular, the Museum / Skyline.

Thanks everyone,

[pete]

ur invited to a briefing from concerned hikers re the proposed land swap. 3:00 pm, tuesday, oct 12, ___________________, palm springs. sorry for the short notice! there will be other briefings as we rally, but this one is particularly important given that the deadline for public comment is oct 15 at present. (there is a request underway to extend the period.) come to the meeting and learn what you can do to keep hiking capability a high priority. call 760 --- ---- for directions to the meeting.

[guest]

Hi fellow hikers,
I have been contacted by the BLM & Mary Bono-Macks offices.
My friend in Sacramento (BLM) is checking with the local PS BLM office, Jim Foote in particular, who the Monument mgr I believe.
Mary has asked the secretary of the interior to extend public hearing on this issue at least a month.
Mary who was the "author" of the Monument, (or at least one of the main people getting it through) , in which this land lies, is concerned that this exchange may not be in the public's best interest, and the fact that the BLM appears to have not done a great job of letting the public know of this, or allowed adequate time to voice our concerns.
Also, Mary is a hiker, has a home close to the trails in question, and, I'm assuming, wants to the know the motive behind this proposal.

Elizabeth, the nice lady from Congresswoman Bono-Macks office, contacted Jim Foote, who expressed that he has received only a handful of letters or calls. I wonder if this is because most of us haven't had enough info or were even aware of this proposal.

A couple meetings with locals from Trails Coalitions & Hiking clubs are taking place today, and are working on getting to meet with PS city council members & Bono-Macks office, possibly BLM.

Thanks everyone who has either written or contacted the appropriate agencies.

We have momentum, it is a democracy, and we are making a difference.

Also, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have done a tremendous amount of good for our community, and I'm grateful for that, I just believe the land in question should remain in the public's hands & control.

[Ellen]

Howdy Scott2 and other concerned hikers

Based on your contacts at this point, who should I write?

I only come to Palm Springs to hike and I patronize (e.g. spend money) local businesses when I come out.

Thanks for so much for all of your efforts to SOS (save our Skyline) and other desert trails.

From the heart,
Ellen

[Florian]

Received an email this afternoon from Jim Foote that comment period had been extended until November 19th.

The full report is here ► http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/ ... change.pdf

Comments may be sent to the following address ..

John R. Kalish
Field Manager
Bureau of Land Management
1201 Bird Center Drive
Palm Springs, California 92262

In Reply refer to:
CACA-42965
2200
(CA-066.62)

[pete]

write to the blm field director john kalesh at his email address John_Kalish@blm.gov. Refer to CACA 42965
2200
(CA-066.62)

at the top of the body of ur letter. The new deadline for the public comment period is Nov 19. (we've achieved an extension already! )

[Ellen]

Thank you St. Florian and Pete

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[pete]

it is recommended u cc: ken salazar, sec of the interior on ur letter to john kalish. mr salazar's email address = kensalazar@ios.doi.gov

[pete]

wouldn't hurt to cc rick green at the desert sun either. RGREEN@palmspri.gannett.com