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Conglomerate Mesa Outing – 4/27
April 27, 2018 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Experience Conglomerate Mesa with Executive Director Wendy Schneider and Policy Director Jora Fogg. Conglomerate Mesa is a unique roadless landscape under review for exploration by a large mining company. Friends of the Inyo continues to challenge mining in this area after rising development interest in 2008.
Rich History
Waves of colonization by Europeans brought the first mining conflicts in this area. You will see their signature in charcoal flakes made from pinyon pine carried to ore processors at Cerro Gordo. The same forest provide local tribes with pine nut harvesting sites and hunting grounds. Today Friends of the Inyo advocates for the continued protection of the mesa- providing habitat for wildlife, wilderness for future generations, and the preservation of sacred tribal grounds.
The mesa rests between the Inyo Mountains and Malpais Mesa Wilderness areas, and is close to Owens Lake for migrating birds. On past trips birds such as White-throated Swift joined us gliding the breezy saddles and high ridges. Habitats include stands of Joshua trees, pinyon-juniper, and desert hillsides. Breeding bird specialities include Scott’s Oriole, Bendire’s Thrasher and Cactus Wren.
Trip Details
This vehicle and hiking tour explores ridges and washes of the Conglomerate Mesa area. You will learn about the current proposal to drill seven exploratory holes to locate gold. The BLM recently designated this area “California Desert National Conservation Land.” Jora will explain policy updates, designations power under changing agency priorities, and answer questions about solutions. This tour offers an immersive experience to learn about threats to public lands while experiencing the irreplaceable animals, plants, and history of Conglomerate Mesa.
The trailhead is approximately 2 hours driving time on rough dirt roads. Hiking time and distance are based on interest and ability, but expect moderate difficulty.
Please RSVP to info@friendsoftheinyo.org , space is limited so act now!
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Conglomerate Mesa with Beautiful Pictures from the CA Wilderness Coalition