From: Dwight Whytefeather <djw1@humboldt1.com>
Date: Thu May 15, 2003 22:48:24 US/Pacific
To: rainbowsfbay@yahoogroups.com
Cc: redwoodrainbow@yahoo.com
Subject: [rainbowsfbay] Group Use - Gathering Impact Planning Elements
Reply-To: rainbowsfbay@yahoogroups.com

Here is the list that finally was given to me today, based upon previous conversations with people who have had environmental impact concerns. This list was brought up with genuine concern for "forethought" and "proactivity" in Gathering; and giving credibility to the REAL reasons for permits, versus being discretionary. By staying positive, and giving consideration to these concerns with positive vibes, many problems could be avoided, while also being "respected" by offering a plan. This information comes from people whom many have enjoyed camping or Gathering themselves, and whose concern is the Environment.

Perhaps these planning elements can also be discussed this weekend.

Peace/Love/Ecology, Respectfully,
- D'Whytefeather

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GatheringPlanning_elements.doc

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
(e.g.: Remember forests and grasslands are agricultural resources; AND will there be any advance sprout gardens for growing food resources for this gathering?)

AIR QUALITY
(e.g.: This also ties in with traffic and circulation element. How much soot will be generated from campfires and bonfires? What sort of effects based upon given historical weather conditions of the area might this bring?)

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
-WETLANDS & WATERS
(e.g.: Are there any wetlands in the area that could be silted or receive a negative impact, including aquifiers – see also Hytrology-Flood Plain element; are there spawning grounds, marsh or bogs in the area?)

-VEGETATION & WILDLIFE
(e.g.: try and find documentation or observations for the area, and any baseline comparisons. They may also be needed before and after.)

-SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES
(e.g.: Are there any endangered or threaten species, both flora and fauna, in the area?)

IS IT COASTAL ZONE?
(i.e.; There are very few places in the US where this is applicable, but the Mattole Regional was an example.)

COMMUNITY IMPACTS


ECONOMIC IMPACTS


CULTURAL RESOURCES
-ARCHEOLOGICAL
(i.e. This can be very significant, and local tribes should be consulted. Any identified spots need to be noted to prevent both theft and vandalism, as well as any disrespect for ancestrial rites.)

-HISTORICAL
(i.e.: similar comments)

ENERGY
(e.g.: This can also tie in with circulation and traffic, as well as noting methodology for cooking and other camping needs – such as will there be generations (including RV generators), solar, amounts of biomass burned or consumed? Will burning of downed vegetation be useful in fire prevention or fire risk? Will there be impacts on demand and supply for local community's gasoline, diesel, propane, etc.?)

GEOLOGY, SOILS AND SEIZMIC CONSIDERATIONS
(e.g.: Soil types are significant for numerous reasons varying from permeability to aquifier, and scarring of the land from fire pits, - including silting in future rains or “cratering”. Seizmic can be significant if any portion is near a hill where the rock could unexpectedly slide, or tsunamis at flat coastal sites; fishers might also be significant as well. Is the soil highly permeable, or imperimable capable of riparian conditions after rains).

HAZARDOUS WASTES, MATERIALS AND SANITATION
(e.g.: How will medical needs be met – see also emergency services, including sanitary waste, recycling, and general garbage removal; additionally in siteing parking areas what are the odds and risks of toxic spills or run-offs from petroleum or other such products?)

HYDROLOGY, WATER QUALITY, and FLOOD PLAINING
(e.g.: What are the potential impacts to ground water, what sources will be provided for potable drinking water; waste water run off affecting flora/fauna and downstream communities; are there risks of creating turbidity and proposed mitigation methods; also – are there areas on the site subject to intermittent flooding, marsh or riparian conditions thereby requiring no tenting or paths to cross the area? And are there risks of new water courses or erosion being created; if so what will be the mitigation?)

LAND USE & PLANNING
(e.g.: Consult county, state, and land agency comprehensive plans and maps for pre-established uses or restrictions on site; enquire on local land or tribal management plans for the site area)

NOISE
(e.g.: Will proposed events or the activities of the gathering/event have impacts heard in nearest towns, impacts on wildlife – requiring baseline tracking before/after event; and impact on fellow campers, so that there can be quiet areas not impacted from sites where sound is least likely to carry?)

RECREATION
(e.g. Will the event provide recreation opportunities, or detract from existing ones, and will the forms of recreation carry their own impacts?)

TRAFFIC & CIRCULATION
(e.g.: What criteria is being given to crowd control, impact on local towns or infrastructure, including road grading, dust reduction, routing of large vehicles such as busses or trucks, and choice of parking sites).

UTILITIES & EMERGENCY SERVICES
(e.g: Are there any utility services in the area, or be needed, including for sanitation and generation? And what methods of communication and emergency preparedness will be implemented, trial-tested, or be available?)

VISUAL RESOURCES

***NEW ADDENDUM & REVISIONS July 2006 (Following Colorado Gathering)


FIRE Evacuation Plan? (Evac) How flammable is the area, including canopy and ridgeline? How will fire permits be given? Do kitchens need propane or similar? Can fire pits with screens and metal barriers be used?


RECYCLING What are the nearest recycling facilities and what will they take? Plan to set-up recycling BEFORE the Gathering starts so that it is active, participatory, and minimizes clean-up time.


PARKING AND EVAC Can signs be made and placed in advance to keep parking clear at ALL TIMES from one side of the roadway? If there is to be parking along the roadway, make sure it is off the roadbed and only on one side to allow bus and emergency vehicle passing. Consider how quickly and safely a CALM MedEVAC patient could be taken to the nearest emergency facility. Is there a back gate and access road as alternative for such emergencies?