Current SJMA E-News

Chicago Basin Base Camp Operational

Many thanks to our volunteers, Lois the Llama Lady, Charlie Schmalz, Bill Hayes and Chuck Hightower for their work getting the new base camp into Chicago Basin. It took 3 days and the hard work by 3 llamas, Dream Catcher, Rio and JD. The camp is available to trained WIS volunteers to use when in the Basin. Volunteers provide public contact to visitors in the Basin. For more information about Wilderness Information Specialists and Ghost Riders, contact Kathe Hayes, 385-1310.

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Save the Date! August 8, 2009

This year's annual SJMA Member/Volunteer Recognition Picnic will be on Saturday August 8 at a new location, Junction Creek Group Campground. This will be SJMA's only picnic this year, so please plan to attend and enjoy the festivities. Special awards will be given this year to our outstanding program volunteers. As usual there will be plenty of food (and hopefully less rain). Our San Juan Public Lands partners will be doin'the cookin', and Bill Hayes will be providing his special skills with the Dutch Ovens.
Please RSVP so we know how much food to prepare, Kathe@sjma.org.

Where: Junction Creek Group Campground
Time: 4-7 pm. Happy Hour~4-5, dinner 5-6, awards and entertainment 6-7.

Directions: North on Main Ave. Turn left or west on 25th St. 8 miles to the campground. We will be in the Group Campground.

Special appearance by Ranger Rick and the Swamp Things!
Don't miss this one.

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Welcome newly trained Trail Information Specialists
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Volunteers Needed!

Have you heard?!? Sudden Aspen Decline has hit the La Plata Mountains! The San Juan National Forest and the Mancos Watershed Project are partnering to study SAD treatments, and we need your help!

We are seeking up to six volunteers that can dedicate one to two days per month for six months, who enjoy being outdoors in the aspen forests. (Is there really anything more gorgeous?)

Training and materials will be supplied. This is a new program sponsored by the National Forest Foundation, the Mancos Valley Sustainability Initiative, and the Mancos Conservation District. For more details, please contact Jesse Lanci at 970-903-0578.
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New this year!
SJMA Hikes for Grown-ups

A new program this year for folks who would like to meet other hikers, learn about trails and our public lands. Volunteers will lead hikes throughout the summer on interesting trails on the San Juan Public Lands. Hikes will be in the Dolores/Mancos area.
Time: 8 am
Where: Meet at Dolores Public Lands Office to carpool, 29211 Hwy 184, Dolores.
Contact: Karen Dickson, 394-4862
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Please come and bring a friend! Next Hike: August 1

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Family Stewardship

San Juan Mountains Association now proudly presents the Family Stewardship Program. In this program, families work together to train and to monitor historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. Our goal, at San Juan Mountains Association, is to develop in youth the appreciation for irreplaceable natural, cultural, and historic resources that have shaped our corner of the state. This program will help to train the next generation of preservationists. Families will work together to learn the protocols and procedures of site stewardship. Young people trained today will be the leaders in protecting archaeological sites in future generations.

Do you know of a youth, age ten or above, who might be interested in making a difference in the future of these culturally and historically important sites? The Family Stewardship Program requires the following:
· Age 10 or above
· A parent, or other adult, who will work with the youth
· Two days of training
· Visitation of adopted site about once each month
· Commitment to the project for a year or more
For more information interested families may contact:

Diane McBride
Project Coordinator
(970) 560-1643

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Educate our volunteers, our partners and the public, with a renewed focus on youth
Connect people - including the public, land managers, and our volunteers - to each other and to our natural and cultural resources.
Inspire respect for our ideals among our partners, the public, and our volunteers.
Strengthen our image and visibility in the community, our membership, volunteer groups, and the partnerships that contribute to meeting our mission.
Diversify funding source by identifying and pursuing new opportunities.
Support our volunteers, staff, and partners by providing opportunities for growth and creativity.
Help us celebrate 20 years of providing stewardship and conservation education.

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