Please help keep the Hackberry/Queen Creek Trail, AZ open

[expeditionswest]

This is a cause I really believe in. I am not opposed to mining (I understand the economic advantages), just that other methods need to be employed to save this recreation area. This area is home to the boulder blast rock climbing competition and several awesome 4wd trails, including the Hackberry and Powerline trails. The area also has one of the best campsites in all of AZ at upper Devils Canyon.

Here are a few trips I have done there:
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adven...nov/index.html
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adven...rry/index.html

More information: http://www.friendsofqueencreek.com/

This should not be the start of a political discussion or otherwise. As recreationists, we need to do what we can to preserve access to these important resources.

Anyway, please help out by sending a letter.

Here are the details from Paul:

Taking the time to write a letter could make all the difference. Even if you have written before we need one more blast of emails to Rep. Renzi. please do it today!!!!!!!!

Thanks

Paul Dief - Friends of Queen Creek

The Oak Flat Campground area (home to the Boulder Blast,
endangered birds and cactus, challenging 4-wheel drive roads, oak trees and camping, thousands of roped and bouldering routes) could be lost to you forever. The value of the Oak Flat area as a recreational resource was recognized by Executive Order in 1955.

A major ore body has been found 7000 feet down and Resolution Copper plans to mine it by block caving. Resolution Copper wants a legislative land swap through Congress that would take the land from the public and give it to them. Resolution would give some lands to the public in return. Resolution would make billions of dollars from the ore.

Friends of Queen Creek (FOQC) recognizes we all use copper and that some monies would go to the local and state economy. FOQC does not oppose the mining of the ore. FOQC does want Resolution to mine by a method that preserves the area for the public. Oak Flat Campground area should remain public land in the Tonto National Forest so the public can oversee the mining plan and protect the public interest and access.

Resolution Copper Company is interested in making billions of
dollars. The people of Arizona are interested in the jobs, some benefit from the billions, and maintaining the resource that is ours as this ore is mined.

Let Representative Rick Renzi, Legislative District 1, know that you do not want your interests traded away without your input. Below are addresses for Rep. Renzi.

Office locations
Washington D.C. Office
418 Cannon
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0301
202-225-2315 (office)
202-226-9739 (fax)


District Offices
White Mountain Office
White Mountain Office
2707 S. White Mountain Road
Suite E
Show Low, AZ 85901
866-537-2800 (toll free)
928-537-2800 (office)
928-532-5088 (fax)

Flagstaff
2501 N. 4th Street
Suite 23
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
928-213-3434 (office)
928-213-5447 (fax)


Prescott
107 North Cortez, Suite 208
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-708-9120 (office)
928-708-9121 (fax)


Casa Grande
117 E. 2nd Street
P.O. Box 11186
Casa Grande, AZ 85230
520-876-0929 (office)
520-844-1575 (fax)


Talking Points;
* A sentence introducing yourself, (if you are a voter in District
1 state it) and your recreational use of the area.
* A statement of your opposition to a legislative land swap which bypasses public input.
* Your support of a mining plan that maintains public access to
the Oak Flat Campground area and public oversight of mining on public land.

Your time writing this letter is very important. Visit www.friendsofqueencreek.com to stay updated on what is happening weekly. Go to the News link. We would love to come to any group meeting with a power point presentation on this issue

[calamaridog]

Wow,

I have checked out your site and was hoping to go there someday. I would really suck if I don't get to.

Time to write a letter again.

Regards, Bryan