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
-------------------------------
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?