The Desert Protective Council | e-Paisano 002

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Dear Friend of the Desert,

Happy New Year! We’re in the midst of a wonderful desert season, and we hope you’re getting a chance to enjoy it. CONSERVATION FOR DESERT CAHUILLA?

Here at the Desert Protective Council, two important issues are keeping us busy: the fate of the Desert Cahuilla Prehistoric Area east of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and the prospect of the Sunrise Powerlink crossing not only Anza-Borrego, but pristine Imperial County desert as well. You can help with both! Read on to find out what you can do. And be sure to check out our new video slideshow on the Desert Cahuilla area.

CONSERVATION FOR DESERT CAHUILLA?
The environmental review process is underway to decide whether Desert Cahuilla (aka Truckhaven) will be managed as part of Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, as part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, or as a split between the two. While over 40 years’ worth of uncontrolled off-roading have damaged the southern portion of the area, there is much left to be saved for future generations to enjoy. Check out our video slideshow to find out more!It’s vital that State Parks officials and environmental planners hear from those who love the desert more for its natural qualities than for the opportunities it provides for motorized thrills. If you’re such a person, we offer two easy ways to make your voice heard. Go to our Desert Cahuilla page for full instructions on writing a detailed comment letter. Or, for the quick and easy way, just click here. You’ll be directed to CitizenSpeak, a free service that makes it easy to communicate your views to public officials.

The environmental review for Desert Cahuilla will be a long process. With your help, we can ensure that it starts off on the right track.

SUNRISE POWERLINK: BROWN IS THIS YEAR'S GREEN
The Sunrise Powerlink, a power line that would decimate Anza-Borrego’s wilderness, rural communities, and San Diego’s backcountry landscapes, faced another setback with release of a Draft Environmental Impact Report. Environmental planners found many options that are more friendly to the environment than SDG&E’s billion-dollar boondoggle, yet provide electricity to San Diego just as cheaply and reliably.

Countering SDG&E’s claim that the line will help reduce global warming, the document shows that chemicals used in the transmission towers will produce more greenhouse gases than would be saved by the green power the line is supposed to carry.

The bottom line: green energy just won’t stay fresh – it turns brown during shipping. (But was Sunrise ever really about green energy? We don’t think so!) The solution: generate locally!

While the environmental drawbacks of the line are now even more clear, the California Public Utilities Commission still needs to hear from you – you put the “public” in “Public Utilities Commission”! Hearings are coming up at the end of this month. Check our Sunrise Powerlink page to find out more, or go directly to www.sdsmartenergy.org for a full schedule.

Our Winter El Paisano newsletter and Educational Bulletin are now online!

The Ed Bulletin is a special expanded issue covering the history of the Anza-Borrego Foundation and its roots in the Desert Protective Council. Check them out!

Are you a member of DPC?
If so, you should have received your member renewal letter in early December. If you haven’t sent your dues in yet, here’s a gentle reminder.

If you’re not a member – why not?!? It’s easy to join and our membership dues are among the lowest of any membership-based conservation organization.

And whether you’re a member or not, it’s always a good time to DONATE to aid our desert conservation and education activities.

Please forward this newsletter to all of your friends who love the desert!