CalWild: Protecting California's Wild Places

CalWild was founded in 1976 to utilize the novel “Wilderness” and “Wild & Scenic Rivers” designations to permanently protect lands and waterways in California from commercial development, extraction of natural resources, destroy cultural heritage sites and other factors that would disturb wildlife and ecosystems throughout the state. We worked through the core principles of the nonprofit, its nearly 50 years of conservation wins, and current campaigns. We distilled it into a single document to share with potential partners and collaborators to quickly communicate CalWild’s mission and history to support future campaigns. It also incorporates the recent rebrand created by R.J. Rabe.

Check out how CalWild is protecting and restoring California’s wildest natural landscapes and watersheds on public lands, and please consider donating to support their work: CalWild.org

Bags for Off-Planet Research for NASA

Words by Evan Dudley, Video by 100 Grade / Blake Kimmel, Photos by Evan Dudley and Jenny Sathngam

In 2016, a conversation between Mission Workshop designer Mark Falvai and NASA engineer Michael J. Miller led to making bespoke backpacks to support simulated extravehicular (EVA) analogs, or field tests, of development of conceptual operations (ConOps) of how to merge the expertise in fields like geology, biology, and other related sciences with the primarily aerospace and engineering teams in the first manned missions to Mars. The NASA mission Miller supported was BASALT, which stands for Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains. In other words, this team seeks answers to the questions regarding potential evidence of life that could be found in volcanic materials in Mars’ geology. Over email, phone calls, and a handful of meetings, Falvai worked through what was needed to carry specialized communication equipment for NASA’s BASALT team in their analogs. Below are the published sketches from Miller’s report in Astrobiology Magazine: 

(Miller, 2019)

Utilizing the Arkiv® modular system and ideas from past sketchbooks, Falvai developed a new adaptable backpack harness system for BASALT’s research. The new modular telecommunications carry system provided a backpack that fits each team member, allowing for repair disassembly and providing access for efficient charging of the BASALT telecommunications system inside.

The final pack designs were made to carry specialized communication equipment and to survive the brutal conditions in the testing grounds of the harsh volcanic environments. There was no option for backpack failure, so we used our Arkiv® modular system and a combination of Dyneema and Challenge Ultra 400 fabrics and AustriAlpin hardware. Pictured below: 

Mission Workshop was allowed access to several field tests to see how the bags were utilized. The simulated mission accounted for three teams: the astronauts on the ground (EVA), who communicated in real-time with the astronauts in an orbiting spacecraft (intravehicular or IVA), and mission control, where a team of scientists was observing and analyzing all information and video collected by the EVA team.

(Lim, 2019)

The backpacks were needed to host three roles on the ground, each with a corresponding color. Each backpack is adaptable to various sizes for different team members. The modular Arkiv® accessories can be swapped around, even in the field, to allow maximum flexibility during the simulated EVA.

“The bags had to protect sensitive electronic equipment responsible for relaying BASALT-OnSight: an immersive, three-dimensional (3D), XR terrain modeling tool, HoloSkype: an AR technology that enables the drawing of virtual annotations on top of the real world by EV and IV crewmembers and facilitates real-time communication, and HoloSEXTANT: an AR capability that provides real-time navigation and path planning visualization overlaid on the physical world for EV crewmembers.”

— Abercromby et al., 2020

In November of 2017, we went to document the bag’s role in the BASALT ConOps field test with three Dyneema™ made packs. The team was exceptionally hospitable in allowing the team to accompany BASALT into the Kilauea Caldera and allowing the us to interview key players and observe their processes.

First, the EVA team would document a site of interest in detail that would then be relayed back to Mission Control, where specialists could vote on the priorities or actions to be taken on the second pass of that site. The priorities and directives of the Mission Control team would then be translated into specific directions for the EVA team by the IVA team, whose top priority was the safety of the astronauts. The IVA team was the only one in direct, real-time communication with the EVA team on the ground. Then, the team members would switch roles and work through the process repeatedly to help spotlight any inefficiencies or issues in the proscribed process they would present to the eventual ground exploration team. Moving in a circuit, the EVA team would collect the samples they were directed to based on the input of the specialists on Earth, accounting for the time delay and making the best use possible of mankind’s most expensive and risky sojourn to date. 

When Apollo 11 collected moon samples in 1969, the only men in the room were connected to the engineering and aviation aspects of the mission. Those samples resulted in decades of research here on Earth. However, what if other samples were collected? BASALT’s goal is to bring those material and biology specialists into the room without jeopardizing the safety of the astronauts ~34 Million miles away while increasing the chances of getting the best sample for research purposes. Research that may be influential in Mars policy or clues to the formation of the solar system or beyond. 

To learn more about the research supported by these packs, check out the special issue of  Astrobiology magazine dedicated to the NASA BASALT Project here.

Sources: 

Abercromby, A. F., Eppler, D., Litaker, H. L., Abercrombie, S. P., Abercromby, A. F. J., Anandapadmanaban, E., Beaton, K. H., Berner, J., Bowersox, K., Brady, A. L., Carberry, C., Chappell, S. P., Davis, K., Deans, M., Drake, B. G., Frank, J., & Gaines, D. (2020, June 17). Mission enhancing capabilities for science-driven exploration extravehicular activity derived from the NASA Basalt Research Program. Planetary and Space Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0032063320300106 

Beaton, K. H., Chappell, S. P., Abercromby, A. F. J., Miller, M. J., Kobs Nawotniak, S. E., Brady, A. L., Stevens, A. H., Payler, S. J., Hughes, S. S., & Lim, D. S. S. (2019, March). Using science-driven analog research to investigate Extravehicular Activity Science Operations Concepts and capabilities for human planetary exploration. Astrobiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6442238/ 

Lim, D. S. S., Abercromby, A. F. J., Kobs Nawotniak, S. E., Lees, D. S., Miller, M. J., Brady, A. L., & Miller, M. J. (2019, March 6). The BASALT Research Program: Designing and Developing Mission Elements in Support of Human Scientific Exploration of Mars. Astrobiology Magazine. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2018.1869 

Love, S. G. (2019, March 6). BASALT: The Future of Mars, on Earth Today. Astrobiology Magazine. https://www.pyrolab.com/applications/publications/61-http-online-liebertpub-com-doi-abs-10-1089-ast-2014-1197 

Miller, M. J., Miller, M. J., Santiago-Materese, D., Seibert, M. A., & Lim, D. S. S. (2019, March 6). A Flexible Telecommunication Architecture for Human Planetary Exploration Based on the BASALT Science-Driven Mars Analog. Astrobiology Magazine. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/ast.2018.1906 

Eclipse Pilgrimage : Art, Alignment, and Public Lands

Alignment | əˈlīnmənt | noun

Arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions.

A photographer is always seeking interesting or unique light. An eclipse of the sun creates both interesting and unique light and shadow. In 2019, Reuben Wu, Matt Lief Anderson, myself, and a couple of other photographers flew halfway around the world to capture a total solar eclipse in Chile for the Circle of Confusion project. This time, the Annular eclipse crossed over our backyard, stretching from Oregon to Texas. Tracing along the moon shadow’s path, many terrains, geologic features, and public lands could suit the task of capturing the celestial event, but where to focus? An initial scouting mission from Lakeview, Oregon, to Denio, Nevada, revealed some promising locations. The latter provided all the necessary ingredients for compelling image capture and became our intended viewing location.

Mock up by Reuben Wu

Plans were made, flights booked, and rentals were in motion.

The 10-day forecast indicated heavy cloud cover for the desert areas around Denio, NV. Instantly, we inspected weather outlooks for hundreds of miles along the eclipse path. Oregon would likely be completely overcast, Utah less so, and a gradient of cloud coverage in between. Scanning the map for public lands and topographies that would provide the additional features to frame the eclipse led us to the Schell Creek Range outside Ely, Nevada. Driving into the area the blue and white weather radio sign recommended 92.7, KDSS. Within seconds of being turned on, the announcer launched into the details of the Ely, pronounced ee-lee, Solar eclipse festival. Worries about being at a crowded location manifested. At least our intended destination was an hour away, chosen based on its proximity to the line of totality and apparent access via forest service roads. However, the remotely chosen location in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest was blocked off by private property from one direction and impassable, weather-wrecked dirt byways from the other. Spotting a brown and white sign indicating public land campgrounds, we sought a place to regroup, only one day away from the eclipse. In addition, the almost 400-mile location change had deterred multiple people in our crew, leaving our capture plans incomplete.

Slideshow images by Matt Lief Anderson

A rehearsal 24 hours out proved the location could work, but we needed one more person. A search headed out to find someone to join us. We were looked at like crazy people; however, a volunteer was found by the afternoon. The day had been spent preparing; the evening was spent sharing ideas, destinations, and snacks around the campfire.

Slideshow images by Reuben Wu

The morning had still to rise when preparations were already in motion.

The hill climbed, everyone in their chosen starting positions,

the moon took the sun.

Photo by Matt Lief Anderson

Each photographer would capture their own alignment of all the elements. Each image distinguished by their choice of camera, lens, settings, and position on the hill below our subject, shooting straight up into the sun. Thanks to Reuben’s direction, Matt’s ability to seek out the right person for the task, and the myriad of factors that gave us a clear sky and mountain framing to capture our own version of what occurred in a shared instant over thousands of miles of earth’s surface. Afterward, time was spent enjoying the surrounding area, looking to understand the area the planetary circumstances lead us.

Followed by a drive home along America’s Loneliest Highway, along with a few detours following other brown and white signs.

Although rarely spoken about in terms of outdoor recreation, art is often confined to schools, community centers, and other buildings designated for such use. Art trends as an urban pursuit, although art, defined loosely as emotive visual or auditory communication, happened outdoors before there were doors. Taken outside, it takes on names like “wildlife photography” or “landscape painting.” Although everyone on this eclipse pilgrimage makes a living from photography, it is a unique opportunity to come together to create. Each person’s perspective and technical knowledge rub off on everyone else in planning. Yet, in the moment, each person is completely on their own to capture their vision of the moment’s circumstances.

Fire Mosaic: Reframing Wildfire in California

Before settlers, indigenous populations managed forest health through ritual burns with an annual average of 3 million acres per year in California alone. Starting with the Spanish Governors in California, European settlement introduced forestry practices that excluded fire from the land. In 1905 the U.S. Forest Service established a nationwide policy of fire suppression. Today, massive fires dominate headlines as climate change compounds the effects of short-sighted forest management, human incursion into the wildland urban interface, and a lack of understanding of the staggering importance of fire for ecological health. The recent phenomenon of Megafires, like the LNU Lightning Complex and the Wragg Fire, ravaged large swaths of land in the Coastal Range in California including University of California’s Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve.

Illustration of the Wragg Fire from The Cold Canyon Fire Journals.

Motivated by the aftermath of the Wragg Fire in 2015, author and illustrator Robin Lee Carlson, began to document nature’s recovery in Stebbins Cold Canyon. Five years of her drawings and observations have been collected and published by Heyday Books under the title, The Cold Canyon Fire Journals: Green Shoots and Silver Linings in the Ashes in 2022. A biologist by training, who has spent many years focusing on stream restoration projects, Carlson sheds light on the less obvious, less talked about benefits of fire.

“California wildfire is like the head of Ouroboros, the world-eating snake: an essential part of a living cycle.”

— Robin Lee Carlson

In “The Cold Canyon Fire Journals” Carlson illustrates why small, frequent fires in landscapes like Stebbins Cold Canyon are vital to the health of the entire ecosystem. Rather than a Megafire which will reduce vegetation to dust and scorch deep below the surface, small fires burn away a portion of overgrown brush and vegetation, provide new homes for certain species and better hunting grounds for others. A patchwork of fire-touched spaces, some with mature growth and some recently tended by flame makes what Carlson has brought together in the “Fire Mosaic” illustration shown below. Within the Ouroboros, there are four general phases where birds lead the way from charred and blackened landscape to lush and leafy forest:

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Hairy Woodpeckers find nesting cavities in charred tree trunks and feasts on insects that were also drawn to the burned wood.

Spotted Owls thrive in a patchwork of habitat where more severely burned areas alternate with less- or unburned patches.

California quail need cover of regrowing shrubs to hide from prying eyes of predators.

Anna's hummingbirds require high nesting sites in trees with plenty of leafy cover.

Spotted Towhees forage in leaf litter on the ground and require some vegetation to have regrown for cover.

Western Tanagers forage high in the foliage of trees and shrubs.

Mountain Bluebirds use nesting cavities created by woodpeckers and look for open habitats in which to find food.

Red-tailed Hawks hunt prey in the open spaces between regrowing trees and shrubs.

This illustration was made into a limited production run of bandanas that were gifted to Heyday book club members and is exclusively available for purchase at CalWild.org/FireMosaic for a limited time. Find out more about Carlson and her work at Robinleecarlson.com

“Familiarity tends to breed affection, and when we are attentive and curious, our growing knowledge ties us to the cycles of life in this place.”

— Robin Lee Carlson

Collaboration Creates Opportunities: The Inaugural Denver Media Show at The Outdoor Market Alliance

The Outdoor Market Alliance (OMA) is a collective of 25 independent sales agencies representing over 175 brands in the outdoor, active lifestyle, resort, run and bike markets in the Rockies. OMA lives in a 32,000 square feet showroom and community meeting space near Golden, Colorado. Individual agency showrooms look and feel like a trade show booth or retail environment for their respective clients, with entire lines of next season’s gear ready to be shown for their appointments with retailers from across the Rockies. This set up makes OMA an ideal venue for media to check out next season’s gear en masse, and the why and how the Denver Media Show came to be. 

“The roots of the OMA concept is that we can do more by coming together. While we typically host specialty retail buyers, this week we hosted media from top-tier publications that are looking for stories not only about the gear, but about the people and businesses on this side of the outdoor industry, that they can then pass along to consumers. The community spirit of the outdoor industry has always been really strong. To see other groups in our industry collaborating in this space and within the concept of what we’re creating is exactly as intended, and adds to our excitement of possibilities moving forward.”

— Axel Geittman, President and Founding Board Member of OMA

Thanks to this collaborative spirit, Exact Change and the PR partners of brands represented in OMA were able to create a new opportunity (see below for list). Unlike large multifaceted trade shows, the Denver Media Show allows the media to own the floor. Without the distractions of having the entire brand ecosystem on-site, PR reps are able to spend the time needed to convey the stories, features, and purpose of their clients' latest offerings directly to the media. Feedback from attendees reflects the event’s success in accomplishing its mission.

“The first OMA Denver Media Show was reminiscent of the old days of trade shows...lots of excitement, plenty of time for full line presentations, as well as the camaraderie and socializing that build lasting relationships. The ease of access and scheduling not only made this a no-brainer, but led to many conversations about how it can grow and be even more inclusive and valuable.”

— Aaron Bible, Contributing Editor, Elevation Outdoors

The Denver Media Show leverages the energy and resources already spent by the sales agencies and is located at what is arguably the center of the western US’s outdoor economy where many media call home. Every season, sales samples will show up at the Outdoor Market Alliance with their respective sales agencies. The seasonality is inevitable and predictable. The process of getting these samples into the hands of media can be done as part of this same cycle. No trade show hall, significantly reduced shipping and travel logistics, and reduced event costs thanks to the DIY nature of the event makes this a truly sustainable model with room to grow.

“The Outdoor Market Alliance and its Denver Media Show are fantastic examples of collaboration, community and innovation within the outdoor industry, bringing valuable additional exposure and business to Colorado’s robust multibillion dollar outdoor recreation economy. We look forward to continued partnership with the OMA and the new Denver Media Show.”

— Conor Hall, Director of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation

Looking forward, the Denver Media Show is expected to occur twice a year for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter events and will continue to evolve as a “community-driven and community-led event, something created by the participants for the participants,” as the initial email from Dave Simpson from Verde said, when he first reached out to gauge interest from his competitors about collaborating, six weeks prior to the inaugural event held on September 29-30, 2022.

Fall/Winter ‘23: February 22-23, 2023 & Spring/Summer ‘24 July 26-27, 2023

For Show Details & Registration: https://www.outdoormarketalliance.org/denver-media-show

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Participating PR Agencies:

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Participating Brands:

Ubiquitous Energy : Truly Transparent Solar

We worked with Ubiquitous Energy to create a new library of media to document their lab in Menlo Park, CA, their process in creating transparent solar cells, and produce a set of videos, motion graphics, and images to support the transition of a technology company in becoming a brand soon to be found in homes and offices worldwide. Look for more from ubiquitous.energy in the years to come. Video shot & edited by Brandon Moore, music by EDBL Music Collective. Photos below by Evan B. Dudley:

What will UE Power™ make possible?

UE Power™ harvests energy from infrared and ultraviolet light, while visible light passes through. UE Power’s™ selective harvesting of sunlight makes it possible to invisibly generate electricity. The transparent solar coating is made from light-absorbing dyes, sourced from non-toxic, earth-abundant materials, similar to the pigments found in fabrics and paints. This allows Ubiquitous Energy to integrate power generation into windows and the surfaces of everyday objects without compromising their aesthetic or functionality. Motion graphics by Artyom Egorov.

CalWild Merced Wild & Scenic River Corridor Signage & Community Needs Report

Focusing on USFS day use and campground areas along CA 140. Prepared by the California Wilderness Coalition & Exact Change with a grant from River Network in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, April 2022. On the ancestral land of the Southern Sierra Miwuk. More information here to support their federal recognition: www.southernsierramiwuknation.org

INTRODUCTION

The California Wilderness Coalition (CalWild) is a statewide, membership-based nonprofit that protects and restores the state’s wildest natural landscapes and watersheds on public lands. Since 1976, CalWild has worked to protect over 13 million acres of California’s wildest remaining lands and more than 1,500 miles of wild and scenic river segments using legislative, legal, and advocacy strategies.

Flowing west from the Sierra Nevada crest in Yosemite National Park (YNP), the Merced River is perhaps best known for its unique and beautiful setting in Yosemite Valley. In 1987, Congress added parts of the Merced and the South Fork Merced in YNP  and the Sierra National Forest (SNF) to the federal Wild and Scenic River system. From its sources in YNP the Merced flows past exceptional scenery and rugged foothill canyons. The river provides a wide variety of recreation in YNP and along the downstream SNF and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Trails along the lower Merced are particularly popular for their springtime wildflower display and whitewater boating, while the summer and fall months are frequently besieged by algae blooms and wildfires in recent years. The river supports native wild trout, many threatened and endangered species, and the only known populations of the limestone salamander. Because much of the river flows through existing wilderness and roadless areas, it possesses a high degree of biotic integrity.

CAUSE FOR INQUIRY

The popular Merced River corridor alongside CA Route 140 (the corridor) is one of the three year-round gateways to YNP. The segment between Briceburg and Redbud (see map on next page) is managed by the SNF Bass Lake District and in part by the BLM and features some of the area’s most accessible picnicking, swimming, camping, hiking, and boating opportunities. The immense popularity of YNP and the corridor was on full display as the COVID-19 pandemic made YNP reservations a requirement, significantly limiting visitors to one of the state and country’s most beloved landscapes. Anecdotally, stories began to emerge of non-English speakers being turned away at the YNP gate, unaware of the recent changes to the reservation system. 

“Reservations Required”  from YNP Facebook Page

Well before the pandemic, many users of the corridor were unaware of the proper restrictions or regulations regarding daytime use, campgrounds, trash disposal, available restrooms, and use of campfires/backcountry stoves in the nearby Stanislaus and Sierra National Forests. Historically it is also an area besieged with wildfires dating as far back as records have been kept. More recently the corridor was plagued by algae blooms due to low water flow and high temperatures during the summer and fall months. These are issues that all visitors to the corridor need to be aware of. YNP visitor statistics show that Latinx and Asian community members are the largest demographic users of YNP outside of Caucasians, making Spanish and Asian languages (likely Mandarin or Hmong) signs potentially very helpful for improved visitor services, recreation, and public education in the greater Yosemite area. 

With California’s ethnic diversity growing, there is considerable potential for more outdoor enthusiasts – non-white residents of California currently make up ~40% of the state’s population, totaling over 15 million residents. Without proper attempts to communicate to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) users in their preferred languages – and respecting their cultural perspectives – we miss an opportunity to cultivate responsible, equitable advocacy for California’s public lands, which make up 44% of the state. Proper education on how to utilize public lands is essential to their stewardship. Access to open space for BIPOC communities is a key goal of environmental justice. The results of future development of the corridor’s public spaces furthers that goal. 

CalWild and our partners see a clear need for improved signage along the corridor that reflects these needs. Further, sign improvements should convey basic interpretative and safety information that is currently lacking.

Process

To better understand the area and its surrounding community, CalWild and partners first contacted local stewardship voices like Yosemite Conservancy, Latino Outdoors–Fresno, Mariposa Trails, and the local SNF Bass Lake Ranger District office. Over several months, we engaged in conversations with civic groups, planning committees, local/county government, and local BLM staff – the latter of which operate in the same river corridor and have joint responsibility of the developed recreation sites. 

It is our intent that this report act as a blueprint for improving interpretative signage in the corridor, and as a toolkit for community stakeholders to utilize in seeing this vision through to its completion in the near future. Ideally, this report can spark investment, advocacy, and collaboration among local partners who want to see the corridor enjoyed equitably by a diverse set of users for many more generations.

Meeting with Bill King of Mariposa Trails

Existing Signage

Besides basic roadside signage, there are twelve community boards roughly 4’x4’ at the various sites. These community boards have not been updated in some time with the exception of the emergency alerts regarding the algae bloom in the summer of 2021. Now that those signs have been removed the boards are mostly bare or have older signage that has started to deteriorate due to exposure. 

Community Input

For feedback and ground-truthing, our team contacted local recreation and stewardship voices like Ryan Kelly (Yosemite Conservancy), Latino Outdoors–Fresno, Bill King (Mariposa Trails), and established a working communication with the SNF Bass Lake Office. Over the fall and winter months, we also engaged in conversations with: Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, El Portal Planning Advisory Committee, Mariposa County Planning Department, Upper Merced River Watershed Council, Michael Martin (Director of Merced River Conservation Committee), Beth Pratt (California Regional Executive Director for National Wildlife Federation), Ralph Medershausen (local and historian), Art Baggett (local river advocate), and local BLM staff.

In addition to several field trips to the corridor with some of these partners, CalWild hosted a community phone conference in February 2022 and spoke at the El Portal Planning Advisory Committee Meeting twice, once in November 2021 to introduce our efforts in brief, and a second time in February 2022 to further engage with El Portal Community members. We also held an in-person event, Map Your Interest, which took place on March 13th in El Portal. The event as well as its accompanying digital promotions helped individuals understand how signage connects to improved landscape and watershed health  (our promotions read “Signs are the beginning of stewardship”). 

During the event, our project was validated by a current resident who lives and works in El Portal; they said there is a clear need to address who is getting turned away from the gates of YNP (non-English speakers) and what happens after (e.g., they recreate on the corridor without signage that helps facilitate responsible recreation and fire prevention).

Suggested Visitor Communication Needs

The information CalWild collected made it clear that four main topics needed to be better conveyed in the corridor’s signage, including:

Leave No Trace

Even in the low season of winter, we repeatedly saw bathrooms and beaches overcome with trash and human waste. Since traffic is exponentially higher in the high season, there is an obvious need to remind all visitors to “Pack it in, pack it out.” This message could be applied to not only the community information boards, but also at popular parking spots along the corridor.

Fire Prevention

According to the National Park Service, Nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. In recent memory, the corridor has experienced devastating wildfires like the Ferguson (2018) and Rim (2013) fires. Going as far back as 1908, the area has been prone to fires that travel up the river valley. With the ever increasing risk of wildfire, it is imperative that every visitor understands the risks of reckless behavior and the correct way to keep fires contained.

Human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and even intentional acts of arson. Our meetings with Forest Service (USFS) staff conveyed a very understaffed, underfunded, and overworked local office (and federal agency). This is clearly due to their limited resources being focused primarily on fuel reduction and wildfire prevention. It should be noted that USFS capacity to help with signage will be very limited if current conditions persists. Further, we found signs of multiple unauthorized fire rings, as pictured in the above lower left image at Indian Flat Day Use area. 

Wildlife & Ecosystem

The corridor is an area of high biotic integrity and there is no shortage of ecological information to share, including resident flora and fauna, important ecosystems, watershed maps, and safety concerns. Consultation with local biologists, ecologists, and artists will be important to conveying this data. Some common species in the corridor include mule and white-tailed deer, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, Pacific fisher, coyote, California red-legged frog, peregrine falcon, Sierra mountain kingsnake, yellow-billed magpie, Sierra fence lizard, Steller’s jay, rainbow trout, and black bear. Endemic, rare, threatened, and endangered species like the golden eagle, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, willow flycatcher, and spotted bat also make this their home. Hazards that should be pointed out and explained include poison oak, algae blooms, and what to do if you encounter animals like mountain lions and black bears.

Heritage

The Yosemite area has a long, rich heritage of people living in accordance with the land beyond the well-known history of European settlers. Mariposa County and Yosemite Valley are the traditional and ancestral lands of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation. The first white settlers to enter Yosemite Valley were led in 1851 by a gold-rush merchant named James Savage (see above sign). This was followed by the people-free preservation ideas pushed by John Muir to conserve the valley at which point the Miwuk went from being called “killers” to “tourist attraction.”

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No really, click to read the sign.

In the 1960s the Park Service stopped allowing tribal members who were not employees to live in YNP. Miwuk practices of controlled burns are spoken about more in recent years by environmentalists and park staff – a window into their influential vantage to speak about holistic ecological health in California. The corridor’s day use areas even have remnants of their existence (such as grinding stones) that, with the right signage, could help new visitors understand the Miwuk’s place in the corridor’s history. Later, black men serving as Buffalo Soldiers were some of the first rangers of YNP, charged with evicting poachers and extinguishing fires. Often occupying lower economic classes, their positions of authority led to a delicate balance of enforcing laws with diplomacy. Ranging from European immigrants looking for a way to escape the wars and poverty of the 19th century, to the mistakes of the 20th, improved signs could shed a light on what is possible in the 21st century by working with all communities on how to better live in accordance with the Merced River. To learn more and support the Miwuk’s federal recognition, visit: www.southernsierramiwuknation.org

Looking Forward To Next Steps

Ideally, a coalition of community stakeholders can take our above findings and the following information to formulate a plan to improve signs along the corridor. The USFS, as a mandatory party to any such projects, is facing critical capacity issues. As of 2022, any new sign installations will be further delayed due to long federal and state permitting processes like the National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and coordination with CalTrans – along with the required archaeological and ecological surveys (overall a 5-8 year process by one estimate). However, by leveraging and improving upon the existing infrastructure, durable, accurate, and welcoming signage could be installed without any additional permits. This streamlined approach has the potential to positively impact visitor experience within 1-2 years. Additionally, the reservation system at YNP will begin again in May 2022, providing an opportunity to witness the effects of YNP visitor overflow and document who the visitors are in more detail. 

Bilingual Signage : Example

Found in Golden, CO, these signs made for Jefferson County Open Space provide vital information for visitors whose primary language is either English or Spanish. Jefferson County is only 15% Hispanic or Latinx, which is only marginally higher than Mariposa County’s 12% Hispanic or Latinx community, and significantly lower than adjacent Madera County’s nearly 60% Hispanic or Latinx community according to 2020 Census data.

Recreation-centric Brand Support

Ranging from REI to Walmart, Merrell to Mountain Hardwear, or Osprey to JanSport, retailers, lifestyle brands, and outdoor gear companies have a vested interest in preserving, promoting, and protecting natural spaces. To better support their audiences, brands – especially those for climbers, hikers, kayakers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts –could invest in a program to support better stewardship, raise awareness about environmental impacts, and better prepare visitors through online campaigns in association with the nonprofits and community organizations already working to improve the corridor and the experience for all visitors. This could be done collectively with The Conservation Alliance or 1% For The Planet, or one-to-one with a like-minded brand with the right audience.

Brought To You By Cooperation

This report comes thanks to you by the connections made through our participation as members of both The Conservation Alliance and the 1% For The Planet network. Exact Change is a proud Group Member of The California Wilderness Coalition.

A Well Worn Life with Kenny Arimoto

Featuring Kenny Arimoto / @arimotosurfboards with SurfPedals.com

Video Shot by Arthur Alvarez / @arthuraphoto

Edited by Ryan Baxley / @ryanbaxley

Soundtrack by Brandon Schwartzel / @_dontfeartheweird_

Photos & Production by Evan Dudley / @evanbdudley

Production Greg Weissel / @spaceman27

Products / LIVSN, Mission Workshop, Bandits Bandanas, Castillo Knives, Ragproper Flasks

"Foreshore" EDC Collaboration: Marketing, Artifact, and Advocacy

Castillo Knives, purveyors of heritage pocket knives, teamed up with BANDITS, an artist-driven, socially-conscious bandana brand, to create “Foreshore”, a limited edition EDC collaboration with original artwork by Ty Williams. Williams’ whimsical artwork can be found on these two timeless everyday carry essentials, the knife and the bandana, with 10% of sales benefitting the California Wilderness Coalition to support protecting coastal tributaries in California from harmful runoff that affects wildlife and beach goers alike.

Ty Williams is a mixed media artist focused primarily on the sea and the coastline as his subject. His work is playfully sarcastic and fancifully sublime with an element of innocence and heartbreak. His work can be found adorning many discerning walls or @tywillyums on Instagram.

Castillo Knives started working with Williams while he was surfing in Maine. As the conversation developed, it was noted that Williams had loved surfing the varied coastal waters of California while living in Los Angeles. “Foreshore” came from this experience and a desire to give back to the waters that have inspired much of his work. Joined on by BANDITS, the knife and bandana set provide two enduring tools for beach getaways. The art reminds us of all those under the surface getting together between tides.

Our Role and Goals For The “Foreshore” Project

The “Foreshore” collaboration was produced by Exact Change and created a template for bringing together like-minded brands, artists, and non-profits to create real artifacts that can carry a story or message. Digital ads are fleeting at best, events may be remembered for years, but an artifact, especially one as durable and lasting as a well-made pocket knife, can last decades. Bandanas act like personal billboards to broadcast style and provide a “word of mouth” opportunity to share the story. These artifacts create moments allowing the owner to pass on the story and inspire others.

About Castillo Knives

Castillo Knives are purveyors of heritage pocket knives, manufactured in Spain and informed by hundreds of years of Spanish knife making history while utilizing modern materials. The result is a stunning blade that is built to be used everyday and handed down to the next generation. The “Foreshore” edition pocket knife utilizes the Navaja silhouette with coastal blue micarta handle that mirrors the resin used in surf.

About BANDITS

Based in Southern California, BANDITS is on a mission to build a better bandana. Featuring exclusive original designs by artists from across the globe, BANDITS bandanas are as impactful as they are eye-catching. With each bandana sold, 10% of sales proceeds are donated to a charity chosen by the design’s artist, transforming this centuries old icon into a platform for positive change. Washable, durable, and ready for adventure, BANDITS bandanas are ethically handmade from sustainably-sourced, 100% Organic Cotton.

About CalWild

The California Wilderness Coalition (CalWild) protects and restores the state’s wildest natural landscapes and watersheds on public lands. These important wild places provide clean air and water, refuges for wildlife, mitigation against the effects of climate change, and outstanding opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal for people. One project CalWild is committed to is the CROP project (Cannabis Removal On Public Lands). These grows undercut the legal market, place rural and tribal communities at risk and threaten natural resource economies, and undermine the original purpose of our public lands. Arguably, illegal cannabis production on public lands may be the largest near-term threat to native species, communities, and ecosystems in much of California.

"California's vast and diverse public lands are a treasure for all to enjoy. Illegal trespass grows on public lands are a scourge that pollutes our waterways, robs native fish of needed wild rivers and streams, and threatens the safety of anyone who wants to enjoy the majesty of public lands." - Chris Morrill, Executive Director, CalWild

Launching REVEAL : Digitally Bridging the Gap For In-Person Media Events

Collaboration is at the heart of our favorite projects. REVEAL embodies that sentiment. Collaboration not only helped us “get through” the early days of the pandemic, but it also led to the creation of an entirely new platform to facilitate the connection between brands and media. Working with our long-time friends at ECHOS Communications, a leader in authentic public relations for active lifestyle, outdoor, consumer technology, and cycling brands, we collectively produced a live broadcast - REVEAL. Reveal captured the core pitch by brands to media but in a new and engaging digital format. This post covers how that all went down and where we landed a year later with REVEAL.

Before COVID, ECHOS’ REVERB event brought editors directly into the elements where the gear speaks for itself as part of the experience.

HOW IT STARTED: First there was a phone call on February 28th with our friends at ECHOS and Justin Curtis. When many in-person events were postponed, and eventually canceled, due to COVID-19 it left a gap for them, their clients, and the media they typically work with to ensure new products get the attention they deserve. Without the usual industry events kicking off the Spring season, we lost those moments with journalists popping by the booth for a run-through of the upcoming gear. Despite the casual tone of this trade show ritual, it is vital to a brand’s success in connecting with the media and their collective audiences. And we got to work immediately outlining a new broadcast concept that replicated those short meetings between brand and journalist.  

Mike Sinyard for Bike Magazine & Mission Workshop’s live broadcasted Ask A Founder event series.

Plan A of what was to become REVEAL leveraged past wins by the team members with projects like ECHOS’ REVERB platform, the Outpost Trade event series, the Ask A Founder Series with Bike Mag, and ongoing webinars through the Zoom platform. With a scenic location and a stable internet connection, we knew we could create a show of sorts that highlighted products and allowed brand reps to speak to the audience. However, as our understanding of COVID and its dangers developed in those early weeks, it became apparent that even with a small production crew, Plan A was off the table, and Plan B (utilizing a studio space in San Francisco) was also too risky. We were down to Plan C - an entirely virtual, completely decentralized press conference. We decided that we would use Zoom as the stage, hosting brands in a talk show-like forum, allowing each to broadcast their news directly to the media, regardless of physical location.  

Outpost Trade events brought together media, influencers, and brands to experience products and create new connections across industries.

HOW IT WENT: Eight weeks after the first phone call, we launched the first REVEAL Global Media Conference. Partnering with Outside PR, our collective clients, personalities known to the industry, and some great brands who were down to jump into the experimental platform, we ended up producing 13+ hours of live programming with 43 brands, two one-hour panels supported by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, and a myriad of leads for our brands with the 300+ journalists who logged in.

The first attempt was a success, with brands seamlessly integrating video, photos, athlete testimonials, and expert demonstrations to create a dynamic storytelling experience. With two following shows in 2020, we refined the REVEAL platform and formula of how brand leaders could work with their respective PR partners to get the word out to journalists in their respective sectors and beyond. It looked like this:  

HOW IT’S GOING: As we kick off 2021, we’ve settled on doing two shows a year, Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Like conventional trade shows, the schedule groups similar activities and gear together so media can tune in for the brands they are aware of and those that may be new to the space. They are also able to tune into the zones that they may be curious about. This allows the brands to get both endemic and non-endemic media exposure.

Unlike traditional trade shows, REVEAL is tailored to the journalists’ needs. Brands are given 15 minutes to present their latest, provide insight beyond a written press release, take questions live, and deliver all of their creative assets directly to all of the attending media. The media are given the contact information for the brands if they chose to follow up. And unlike a real conference, all questions are logged so that brands could follow up with anyone directly after the show. 

REVEAL is not designed as a replacement for traditional PR or trade shows but rather provides an authentic experience for brands to tell their stories to journalists that would have otherwise not occurred. In a world of reduced travel and an ecological pull back on flights, REVEAL will find itself at home with journalists who want to tune in for the latest without leaving their desks. And likewise, brands can broadcast their newest without having to leave the office. Less travel, less time spent needlessly standing in lines for event passes or restaurants, just the business of public relations on a digital platform unperturbed by the latest surge or new variant of this virus or new ones to come.     

REVEAL can be counted on by brands and media to support authentic engagement, brand discovery, and product coverage. 

More here: REVEAL.ECHOSCOMM.COM

A Notable Absence: Cycling Brands A No Show At the California Bicycle Summit

Roads are as much a part of the cycling experience as the bike. However, cyclists often spend significantly more time and energy focusing on our own bikes than we do on the roads or their condition. Maybe this is inherent in the nature of cycling. You can fix your own bike. Fixing roads, on the hand, requires the community resources to lobby for change on the local, state, and federal level over hard fought over tax revenue.

Many of our roadways have no place for cyclists or pedestrians. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Working together as a community is difficult stuff. Cyclists are tribal. “Bicycle” as a single noun has produced a myriad of groups who love to fight with each other for superiority of the best ride on two wheels. Individual athletes compete. Brands compete. We compete for use of the roads. We compete for use of the off-roads. All of which evident from the implosion of the only national cycling trade show, Interbike, where the brands themselves could not even share a room. Whether or not the cycling industry caused or placated the tribal phenomenon is up for debate.

As a group of people who like to ride bikes, however, we must speak up in our communities to support the creation and maintenance of bike lanes, separated bikeways, and other infrastructure. If we continue to take our infrastructure for granted, or fail to overcome our differences and work together, then our roads will become increasingly less safe – for us, and for the next generation of riders.

Even while riding off the roads, chances are you rode or drove to the trail via asphalt. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

The auto industry took over the roads from the earliest days of the twentieth century. “Jay walking” only became a crime once pedestrians were in the way of the automobile. Prior to that humans could walk anywhere they pleased without fear of a fine. In places like Los Angeles and Sacramento, General Motors bought and removed public transportation to strong-arm the public into driving as the sole mode of getting from A to B. Public transit advocates have fought long and hard – and continue to fight – to restore and expand public transit. We must do the same for roads and cyclists.

New twenty-first century adversaries to cyclists include the autonomous vehicle (AV) lobbying efforts and delivery services of all sorts that want to own the road for driverless solutions and cargo transport. AVs have a hard time detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. To reduce their liability, these companies are seeking to remove us from the roadways entirely.

Infrastructure dollars are awarded to those who fight for them. Right now, that’s big companies like Amazon who have influence over local government resources. Providing wide trucking lanes to your largest local tax generator is easy for lawmakers to understand. Lawmakers need to persuaded to balance corporate agendas against the public need for with safe cycling routes to schools and for commuters. There’s no short-term gain for government budgets for kids arriving at schools via self-powered transportation. Lot’s more on this topic from Sam Schwartz in No One at the Wheel: Driverless Cars and the Road of the Future - links to NPR interview.

The 2019 California Bike Summit was held at the California Endowment in Los Angeles.

Over 300 attendees came from all over California the represent a selection of those involved in changing our future roads.

Harris County Texas Commissioner Rodney Ellis, relating his experience riding with law makers and improving Houston’s bike infrastructure.

From “Welcome to Intersections: the 2019 California Bicycle Summit” – John Bulinski, Caltrans District 7 Director; Barbara Romero, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition's Executive Director Eli Akira Kaufman; Assembly Member Laura Friedman; Assembly Member Chris Holden; CalBike's Board Chair Cynthia Rose; Harris County Texas Commissioner Rodney Ellis; California Senator Tom Umberg.

From “Climate Crisis and the Bicycle — the Green New Deal” with Carter Rubin, Natural Resources Defense Council; Kristen Torres Pawling, L.A. County Office of Sustainability; Ricci Sergienko, Sunrise Movement; Alissa Walker, Curbed

“Bicycling is Booming in South Los Angeles” lead by Sahra Sulaiman with leadership from Real Rydaz, Eastside Riders and Los Ryderz Bicycle Clubs.

Real Rydaz V. President Henry talking about how he became apart of the South Los Angeles bike club.

From “How to Communicate to Win the Hard Fights” - Peter Flax, Editor in Chief Red Bulletin; Sarah Auerswald, Mar Vista Vista Chamber of Commerce; Dana Variano, Former Director of Communications for Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition and CicLAvia; Alissa Walker, Curbed Urbanism Editor; Matt Tinoco, KPCC Reporter; Zachary Rynew, CiclaValley

“The New Urban Mobility” - Francie Stefan, Chief Mobility Officer, Santa Cruz; Sarah Potts Ashton, New Mobility Policy - US West at Uber; Marlo Sandler, Senior Public Policy Manager, Lyft Bikes and Scooters; Margarita Parra, Mobility Equity Lead, GRID Alternatives

From “Bicycle Activism in Latin America” – Lorena Romero, BiciActiva Radio, Colombia; Frank Aguirre, BCSicletos Baja California Sur, La Paz México; Chris Morfas, former CalBike Executive Director; Areli Morales, LACBC

From ”These DOT Directors Get It. What's Standing in Their Way?” Tamika Butler from Toole Design, moderator; Kome Ajise, Southern California Association of Governments; Ryan Russo, Oakland Department of Transportation

Departure of “LA River Path: Closing the Gap” L.A. Cycling Tour Led by Alta Planning + Design and Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC)

Luckily for us here in California, we have a state-level lobbying group which supports two-wheeled interests - CalBike. Even if you haven’t heard of CalBike, you should know that they have been advocating tirelessly for your right to cycle safely on all public roads for the past 25 years. And every other year, CalBike brings together a wide array of cycling interest groups, local bicycle coalitions, politicians, lawyers, and other players from the entire cycling ecosystem, even CalTrans to their Bicycle Summit.

I attended the October 2019 California Bicycle Summit in Los Angeles. And I noticed something strange and disheartening. With the exception of Specialized, virtually no other bike brand contributed financial support to the conference. No representatives from any bike company sat on panels or networked with lawmakers to support cyclists in conversations to build better, safer roads. Ironically, Uber and Lyft did show up as unlikely allies to push for their micro-mobility solutions in coordination with cyclists.

In my decade of marketing in the cycling space, the road is always a part of the picture. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Where were the representatives from our favorite bike brands? Why would the notoriously litigious and financially robust Specialized, that has been in California since its start in 1974, not have a policy representative attending? Why would the Giant, the largest bicycle manufacturer conglomerate, not be there pushing for safer rural bike lanes for endurance road cyclist die-hards? Why would QBP and their suite of brands not be pushing for more local bike infrastructure in the major cities where they supply a majority of the bike shops? Why would Pon, Merida, Walmart, or the other major makers of bikes not speak up to advocate for a larger venue for people they are selling bikes to? All they would have to do is show up and share their point of view with the rest of us. 

Hit the link for more highlights from the #CABIKESUMMIT.

CalBike’s mission is to advocate for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling helps to enable all Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives. They have provided a mechanism to support all cyclists in California and have been doing so for 25 years. CalBike is making it easier for individuals, companies, and other groups to support state-wide improvements, so if nothing else, consider joining CalBike’s newsletter so you at least know what is going on with the road under your tires. 

Here are some easy ways to support and get involved: 

1. FREE - Tell your favorite bike company to help support @calbike via twitter for better roads to ride on in California. 

2. FREE - Ride your bike and encourage others to replace <2 mile car trips with a bike ride. More cyclists means more voters to support change both large and small. 

3. FREE - Sign up for email updates about what’s going on in California on the CalBike’s website.

4. $1 or more - Make a donation to CalBike.

5. $50 - Pre-Order the new California Bicycle License Plate.

6. Sign up to join the Dream Ride and enjoy the most comfortable 5-day tour in California.

Obligatory sunset shot for good vibes. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Circle of Confusion : An Eclipse Pilgrimage

Full story at Arcalux.co

Exact Change produced the 9 day Arca Lux Eclipse pilgrimage to Chile in July, 2019. This included a photographic diversion to San Pedro de Atacama and the surrounding area to capture its austere beauty and prepare the team for capturing the the total solar eclipse days later, hundreds of miles to the south.

Evan Dudley - What do you feel you can change about your collected audience’s perception of Earth through this eclipse? Or in other words, where would you like to lead people’s beliefs? 

Reuben Wu / @itsreuben - We take our world for granted and this has lead to so many problems; serious problems which threaten our very existence. Astronauts have been known to say that when they see the Earth hanging in space, they develop a cognitive shift in awareness, a new global consciousness. I think experiencing a total solar eclipse has a similar effect to that, when the moon blots out the sun: you instantly perceive your entire existence in a more profound way. By sharing my photos of this event, I hope to show that experiencing this “overview effect,” or planetary awareness, is possible for everyone.

Cody Cobb, Matt Lief Anderson, and Reuben Wu observing totality. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Our pilgrimage was graciously supported by Adobe Lightroom, Mountain Hardwear, Lume Cube and the new Shelter Label brand to be launched later this year. All of whom hope that our story inspire you to chase the next eclipse (Argentina, Dec. 14, 2020) or any adventure that challenges you to connect with this planet and others to add to your story.

Follow Reuben Wu for Arca Lux updates: @itsreuben #arcalux

Photo: Josh Haftel

Present on this Arca Lux eclipse pilgrimage and featured above from left to right: Evan Dudley, Cody Cobb, Josh Haftel, Matt Lief Anderson, and Reuben Wu

Jump to Images for more behind the scenes content.

Social Service @ The ROW DTLA

To support a Sunski pop up at tokyobike and the founder’s love of music that still remained only on the fringes of the Sunski brand image, Exact Change partnered with Olli & Co. and Pure Joy to produce a special Social Service concert on the roof of the ROW DTLA. Mikal Cronin, Bleached, Meatbodes, and Surf Curse, played expansive sets of unreleased and fresh tracks for a sun kissed crowd.

The scene on top of the ROW DTLA. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Social Service is the backyard project of Johnny Katovsich that has turned into a Silver Lake phenomenon that has raised thousands of dollars for a handful of charities since 2015 while getting musicians in front of a wide range of the music industry in L.A. for the purposes of licensing tracks. The rooftop show was the first to bring it downtown and allow Social Service to double the audience size.

Silver Sun Pickup in Johnny’s Silver Lake backyard playing an acoustic set of old favorites and new tracks. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Johnny K and the fundraising jug. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

As with every Social Service show, a non-profit receives donations from the audience in place of tickets. This particular show was dedicated to Free Bikes 4 Kidz, who is aiming to bring their already successful program that has given away over 70,000 bikes to kids in need of two wheeled freedom machines to California. We hit capacity with 300 people who came together for great music, some killer bites from Spitz and chill drinks from Madre Mezcal, Bohemia, Highland Park Brewery, and Ugly Drinks.

Terry from FB4K. Photo: Evan B. Dudley

Founder Terry Esau, came out from Minneapolis to tell the crowd more about the program, some of his plans for bringing FB4K to California, and enjoy an epic sunset over Los Angeles.

Bleached guitarist Jessica Clavin kicking off the set just as the sun hit the L.A. skyline. Photo: Evan B. Dudley