Help! Nevada Climbers! (Oak Flat Legislation)

Hey everyone,
If you've seen this sprayed elsewhere, I apologize, it's been a busy night. Anyways.

Democrats in the Senate struck a deal with House Republicans to include the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act in the National Defense Authorization Act which is scheduled to pass the house very soon. This would turn one of our climbing areas, Queen Creek Canyon and Oak Flat (previously home of the Phoenix Bouldering Contest and now home to the Queen Creek Boulder Comp) into an enormous block caving mine (AKA CRATER), eliminating thousands of boulder problems, sport and trad routes. Senator Reid has essentially already bought into this unfortunately, however, any help that you could provide in contacting him to, perhaps, change his mind, would be well appreciated!!!

To contact him, call here: Phone: 202-224-3542.

Then go here: reid.senate.gov/contact

And paste in/read something like this:

Senator Reid,
As a citizen of Nevada, one whom you represent, I do not support the inclusion of SB339, the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act in the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill is not in the best interest of the citizens of the southwestern United States and sets a dangerous precedent for the use of public recreation lands. I urge you not to include this bill in the NDAA if it reaches the Senate floor.

Sincerely,

done

Bump

Sent... we need a strong showing folks... everyone shld be sending something to these people.

The NDAA renewal is a very slimy piece of legislation which often has been used to hide controversial legislation. Dems should have more of a backbone then this... sad.

bump! bump, bump, bump, bump!

bump

Thanks everyone, much appreciated!!!

Thanks Tony- I just received the following email apparently Reid still has full control. I called but both mailboxes are full so I sent email on contact page you mentioned & encourage everyone to do the same if they want to ever climb at Queen Creek/Oak Flat. Thanks to all & warmest holiday wishes!!

```````````` from AZ Mining Reform Coalition 6:30 pm ````````````

Senator Reid controls the floor debate on the bill and as of now, is not planning to allow an amendments or changes to the bill.

Unless Senator Reid changes his mind, this would compound the un-democratic process that allowed the land exchange to end up on a defense bill. Senator Reid has it in his power to remove the land exchange from the bill. Please call Senator Reid and ask him to remove the Oak Flat land exchange, section 3003. You might also want to ask Senator Reid to remove other bad riders from the bill as well.

For 10 years, the land exchange has failed to be become law for very good reasons:

* It is the only bill before the US Congress that would give a Native American Sacred site on public land to a foreign mining company;

* It would mean the largest loss of recreational rock climbing opportunities on public land And it bypasses the normal process of permitting mines on public land.

* President Eisenhower placed Oak Flat off limits to mining 60 year ago and it remains an ecological, spiritual and recreational haven.

Please call Senator Reid now at (202) 224-3542.

Thanks, Roger Featherstone, Director AZ Mining Reform