The deadline for all entries is Monday, December 10, 2007, for bulletins and articles published from January through December, 2007.
Editors, be sure to mail your contest entries for bulletins and individual articles before the deadline. We are sure you will have many award-winning entries this year.
The rules and entry forms are available on the CFMS website, under the link "Forms". If you have any questions about entering or about filling out the forms, please contact the 2008 Bulletin Aids Chair:
On October 11-13, 2007 I attended a Route Designation workshop put on by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). This conference was located in the Sacramento, CA area. The first two days were oriented toward the Forest Service managers with the weekend session for the OHV Enthusiasts and other stakeholders. We, rockhounds, should be a serious stakeholder in this process which will affect all National Forest and ultimately BLM lands. Both Forest Service and BLM managers attended.
Though the workshop was oriented toward off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, it was enlightening, entertaining, thought provoking and very useful to me. Unfortunately, they do not have further workshops scheduled for California, but are giving them nationwide so there may be other opportunities.
The bottom line is that rockhounds must be involved in the process or we stand a high chance of losing our collecting sites on public land. ANY ROAD OR TRAIL NOT DESIGNATED THROUGH THE PROCESS WILL BE CLOSED TO WHEELED MOTORIZED VEHICLES. Further, there will be seasonal closures. One alternative for the El Dorado Forest proposes a 6 month closure period
All 19 National Forests in California (Region 5) are going through a Route Designation process. The plan is to have all processes complete by September, 2008. The final result will be a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). If a road is not shown (designated) on this map, you may not drive on it. Further, the roads do not have to be posted closed. You must obtain, read and correctly interpret the map or be subject to penalties. Will you want to be a field trip leader under this condition?
Some California National Forests or portions thereof had designated systems so didn't have much to do but tweaking the existing system to complete the process.
The following have final or draft maps: Angeles, Los Padres, San Bernardino, Stanislaus (Summit Ranger District), and Tahoe Basin.
El Dorado is under court order to finish their Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) by December, 2007, so is further along than the rest. The final comment period for their Draft EIS closed on October 20, 2007. If they implement the Preferred Alternative unchanged, they will close over half of the roads currently inventoried as accessible to 4 wheeled drive vehicles. And this does not include ones not even on the inventory.
Most of the other California National Forests have a completed inventory and have or will be shortly publishing their Notice of Intent/Scoping Document for the EIS. This is about equivalent to 9 or 10 PM on a 24 hour clock of the process. You can still make impacts but only by quick action.
If you have collecting sites in any National Forest which you want to access, you need to contact that Forest now and:
If you work on the Internet, you can go to www.fs.fed.us/r5 which will take you to the Region 5 site. From here you can work to the individual forests and look for Route Designation information. I have also had luck adding /forest name/ after r5 to get to the individual forests. I have not looked at every site and the ultimate contact is a meeting or call to the forest supervisor or his designated route manager.
(Note: This was written from a California perspective, so other areas may have to adjust accordingly.)
By Name, Dick and Betty Pankey
The show packets were distributed at the Directors' Meeting at Visalia in November, if your director was there he or she has it. If your director wasn't there maybe a director from a nearby club picked it up for your club (and probably your meeting packet, too.) If not, both have been mailed to your club. The show packets have the information and forms for all that is going on at the 2008 CFMS Show in Ventura. Your meeting packets have the reports and forms important to your club for the business and activities of the Federation. Your director or a designate should copy the forms and give them to all members interested in attending and exhibiting at the show. The forms will also be available on the CFMS web site.
There are 2 exhibit forms: Competitive entry form and a Non-competitive form. The Competitive form should be completed and mailed to Tom Burchard by June 5th. The Non-competitive form is for use by individuals and society case entries. Complete this form and mail it to us by June 13th. But please don't wait until the last minute to enter. All entries will receive a postcard within 14 days of receipt of the entry form confirming your entry. All exhibitors will receive two 3-day Guest Passes.
We are really hoping for big participation in exhibiting at our 2008 Show. We have arranged for ample space and display cases. We encourage clubs and individuals to bring their own cases; but cases will be available. Unfortunately CFMS does not have display cases, so we have to rent some from the Fairgrounds and borrow the rest from a generous club. However, the Show has to pay the transportation expenses. Therefore, we need to charge a $10.00 rental fee for "borrowed" display cases. If you need to rent a display case,
Please include a check with your entry form made out to CFMS.
Details on case dimensions will be provided in a future Exhibiting article as soon as we can get them and no later than the May issue of the CFMS Newsletter.
This is the Federation Show, hosted and put on by the Federation; your club and your members are the Federation. This is your show and every club should want to participate and be represented in the show.
By Name, Dick Friesen, CFMS Rules Committee
Even if you are not interested in becoming a CFMS Judge you might like to know more about how judging is done and how the rulebook is used in the judging process. Knowing what judges look for can help you improve your exhibit even if it is not going into competition.
Consider volunteering as a clerk. The clerk's job is to record the Judge's comments and scoring for a competitive entry. You will be told everything to write and where to write it. If your handwriting is not too good, no problem, printing is preferred anyway. While the Clerk's position is used as a training step for prospective Judges, not all Clerks are interested in becoming a Judge and we all most always have more openings than volunteers.
A judging team is normally made up of two Judges and one Clerk. The Rules Committee will review the competitive entries and match the Judges to them based on experience, skill, and interest. This is done, when possible, prior to the Judge's meeting. Clerks are assigned to the Judging teams at the Judge's meeting.
The Judge's meeting is normally held on Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. somewhere close to the competitive exhibit area at the annual CFMS show. At this meeting the final Judging teams selections are made and the teams are assigned the entries they will be judging. While there are exceptions, the teams are usually finished before noon.
If you think you might be interested in taking part in this interesting process, contact anyone on the Rules Committee or just show early on Friday morning and let someone know you are interested in clerking. We will do our best to match you with a team that is working on a category that you are interested in. However, even if we can't match you with the category you would prefer, you will find that the categories are really all interesting and what you learn will help you understand the judging process better and that information will help you improve your own exhibit.
By Elizabeth K. Myers,
CFMS Membership Committee, ad hoc
Imagine a world where everyone has an opportunity to have his or her opinion heard. In this world you can interact directly with the governing body, speak up, be heard and vote. It's the CFMS Business Meeting world. Where representative's from every member club has a voice and a contribution to make. CFMS is you and you are CFMS. I would encourage you to understand the importance of having a voice and a vote on the proceedings done in your name.
From the Illustrated Oxford Dictionary (I like the pictures):
Witness: n. a person present at some event and able to give information about it.
Sanction: n. approval or encouragement given to an action, etc., by custom or tradition; express permission. v.tr.1 authorize or agree to (an action, etc.), 2 ratify, make binding.
As you can see from the above chart an average of 38.10 % of the member clubs witnessed and sanctioned the actions of CFMS. There are at this writing 115 member clubs with a combined membership of over 9, 473 people. It would be beneficial to all if each could send a Federation Director (or alternate) to the business meetings.
The concept is rather straight forward; Federation Director's share with their club what CFMS is doing or not doing as the case may be. The club members share with their Federation Director what they think CFMS should or should not be doing. The Federation Director takes this information to the Business meeting, making their club's opinion heard. And while there, can participate in discussions on the topics and exchange ideas. From this process CFMS has grown and is providing timely, pertinent information and aides for the benefit of all.
In the Society Aides Manual titled "What Does the Federation Do For Your Club" you will find information on the AFMS (American Federation of Mineralogical Societies) Membership, the CFMS Newsletter, Earth Science Studies, Slide and Video Programs, Speakers and Program Aides, the Insurance Program, Public Lands Advisory Committee, Museums, Media Publicity, Workshops (Field Trip Workshops, Judges', Exhibitors' and Clerks' Workshops, Editors Workshops, Many Other Workshops), Education Thru Sharing Awards Program, All American Club, Bulletin Aids, Junior Activities, Rules - Competitive Displays, Show Coordinators, Show Consultant, Bylaws, Historian, Long Range Planning, Nominating Committee, AFMS/CFMS Scholarships and Tax Advisor.
These services don't spring up over night. There's a wealth of history and experience shared here that developed as a result of the participation of Federation Directors representing societies like yours. More services are under development all the time, like the "Demonstrator's Directory" that lists talented people who are willing to teach their area of expertise to others in classes and workshops.
- Appoint or elect a committed, active Federation Director to represent your club and bring your opinions and good ideas to the Business Meetings.
- Make sure CFMS has your Federation Directors mailing information to assure they get the information for the spring and fall Business meetings.
- Support your Federation Director with guidance, encouragement and help to cover the expense of attending the spring and fall business meetings.
You deserve to be heard - you are what has made CFMS what it is today and what it will be tomorrow. Our future depends on it.
The fall 2006 California Federation of Mineral Society's Business meeting in Visalia, CA was my first opportunity, and privilege I might add, to represent our rock club as an alternate Federation Director. The weekend after the CFMS business meeting Dick and Betty Pankey attended our club's annual rock and gem show. While conversing with Dick, he spoke fondly of his first federation director experience expressing what a wonderful group of people the directors are. A sentiment I share wholeheartedly, for they are you. And you are there to witness and sanctify the full spectrum of what constitutes CFMS - Our Federation.
By - John Martin, CFMS PLAC South
WASHINGTON - It could get tougher to mine for gold and other hard-rock minerals near Joshua Tree National Park if legislation passed by the House on Thursday becomes law.
The 244-166 vote on the Hard-rock Mining and Reclamation Act was hailed by environmentalists and others who have been pushing for decades to reform the 1872 mining law governing the mining industry.
Unlike the coal, oil and gas industries, mining companies don't pay royalties on minerals extracted on federal property. Mining also takes precedence over ranching, hunting, fishing and recreation on public lands.
"It brings us one step closer to repealing one of the most antiquated, anti-environmental laws on the books today," said Jane Danowitz, who heads the Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining.
Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm Springs, voted against the bill. She was among 163 Republicans who voted against the legislation, opposed by the mining industry.
The bill would impose a 4 percent royalty on existing mines and an 8 percent royalty on new mines.
It also would set new environmental standards on hard-rock mining and create a fund to clean up abandoned mines. Abandoned mines dot the West, including at least 130 hazardous mine areas within the Joshua Tree National Park, according to Paul DePrey, the park's resources chief.
The sites pose a safety hazard for visitors on public lands who could fall to their deaths if they drop into historic shafts dug up by gold prospectors.
No deaths have been reported in the park, DePrey said. But officials there have been working to secure the sites to prevent that from happening in the future. They have been able to secure about 20 sites in the past 15 years, he said.
Environmentalists are also concerned about the skyrocketing number of mining claims near public parks as the price of gold and other minerals increase.
Gold is now at $800 an ounce.
Here are the numbers
There are 525 claims within 10 miles of Joshua Tree National Park, 207 of them staked within the past four years, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group.
"What we've seen is a modern-day land rush," said Dusty Horwitt, a public lands analyst for the organization.
Bullion River Gold Corp., based in Reno, Nev., holds 71 claims within five miles of Joshua Tree National Park. On its Web site, Bullion River Gold Corp. says it is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and mining gold and silver in the West.
Riverside County has gold, iron and gypsum deposits, according to Marc Springer, a geologist for the Bureau of Land Management in California.
There are six authorized or pending gold mines on public lands in the county, he said. But it doesn't mean they are currently operating.
Most of the mines in the region are not, he said. There are 26 authorized or pending hard-rock mining operations in the county.
Water, air issues
DePrey said mining operations near the park could create issues with water and air quality.
It could also create unwanted noise for visitors who go to parks to experience peace and solitude, he said.
"There's always the issue of what kind of visitor experience the park visitors are going to have," he said.
Luke Popovich, a spokesman for the National Mining Association, said the mining industry has largely left the state because of state laws and local opposition that made the climate hostile to the industry.
"I don't think it's because there's no minerals there," he said. "It's just not a hospitable environment."
Reprinted from News bytes, issue 306 - BLM California.
This legislation could have an effect on some of our hobby activities. Send your comments to your congress representatives and state your concerns over the pending legislation.
Adapted from El Dorado County M&GS
Please try to follow these simple suggestions to make our field trips fun and smooth running for you, the participants, and for the field trip leaders. These guidelines apply to all outings:
- Be on-time to the designated meeting place and ready to go.
- Sign-in on the sign-in sheet so we know that you have joined us.
- Sign the appropriate waiver form.
- Listen to all instructions given by the field trip leaders.
- Field trip leaders typically use walkie-talkies, CB's and cellular phones. If you have one, too, be sure to check with the field trip leaders to see what channel is being used and/or exchange cell phone numbers.
- When in convoy, follow the vehicle immediately in front of you and keep an eye on the vehicle immediately behind you, do not pass the vehicle in front of you. If you no longer see the vehicle behind you, stop and wait; there could be a problem and they might not have a walkie-talkie/cellular phone that can reach the leaders. By doing this, the chance of having a large "break" in the convoy can be minimized.
- Walkie-talkies CB's and cellular phones should be primarily used for emergency communications or travel assistance, not for unnecessary "chatter."
- Once at our collecting site, a sample of what to find and where to find it should be made available by the field trip leader. It is your responsibility to listen to the field trip leader and view the collecting material.
- If there is more than one site to visit in the day, all persons must be accounted for prior to departing to the next location.
- Remember to keep your field trip leader informed as to all matters of importance.
- Rely upon your field trip leader's directions and guidance; they are more familiar with the territory.
- If you are going to leave the group to make a "side trip" or to explore a surrounding area, be sure to notify your field trip leader.
- If you are leaving the group early, let your field trip leaders know.
Some etiquette and safety tips:
- Do not litter! Pick up all of your cans, bottles and lunch sacks. Always leave the place cleaner than when you arrived.
- Please inform your field trip leader if you intend to take dogs or cats with you.
- Be sure to bury any toilet tissue.
- Try to stay on existing roads when traveling, and park to the side of the road so others can get around your vehicle to pass if necessary.
- Always follow the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies' Code of Ethics.
Equipment Checklist - What to take on your next field trip.
FOR YOURSELF:
- Hat/Head covering with large brim
- Boots/Sturdy footwear
- Insect repellant/tick spray
- Sunscreen
- Food, Water, Drinks
- Toilet Paper
- Towel
- Change of clothing (long-sleeve shirt & long pants)
- First-aid/snake bite kit
- Handiwipes
FOR YOUR VEHICLE:
- Extra Gas
- Spare tire and jack
- Shovel, axe
- Tool Box
- Maps, GPS, Compass
- Extra water
- Rope and tow strap
- Tire repair kit
Knife
FOR COLLECTING: (Some items are optional, depending on the rock being collected).
- Protective eye wear/goggles
- Gloves
- Kneepads
- 5-gallon buckets, tote bags, backpacks (for carrying rocks)
- Small plastic containers for delicate specimens (film containers work great!)
- Old paint brush, toothbrush for cleaning specimens
- Magnifying glass and/or loupe
- Spray - type water bottle
- Paper towels, newspaper and plastic bags
- Magnet; MOHS test kit; hydrochloric acid
- Ultraviolet light
- Knife
- Small or collapsible shovel
- Rock pick(s), garden claws, and long screwdrivers
- Small & large sledge hammers
- Pry bars and gads
- Various chisel sizes
OTHER
- Metal Detector, gold pan
- Binoculars
- Mirror
- Walkie-talkies
- Tent/shelter
By Susan Chaisson-Walblom
Hi, my name is Susan and this year I will be your CFMS Show Dates Chairman. My Family & I are members of the Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, where I currently hold the position of president. My husband, David has a Lapidary Tools & Supplies business. I help him with that when I can. When we are not going to shows, we are very busy watching our Grandkids.
Hopefully, I will get the chance to talk with many of you as we work together to advertise your Club Shows.
Advertisement
This is a very important part of preparing to host a Gem & Mineral Show.
Advertising is a big key!
Did you know that the Dealers check to see if the shows they will be selling at are listed on the CFMS Web site?
So please take advantage of the free advertising that CFMS offers your Club and get your Show information in to me as soon as you can.
The show dates Form and E-Form are located in the forms section of the CFMS web site.
MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO:
Susan Chaisson-Walblom
42122 - 52nd St. West
Quartz Hill, CA 93536
(661) 943-1861
E-mail: SLChaisson@yahoo.com
