We Are Guahan and Dave Lotz with Ray Gibson
Interview between Ray Gibson, Dave Lotz and members of We Are Guahan about the Guam Boonie Stompers cleanup and hike to Pagat and Marbo Caves. They also talked about the military buildup Draft EIS.
Click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100215_083736.mp3
Part 2 - Interview between Ray Gibson, Dave Lotz and members of We Are Guahan about how there is still time to present testimony concerning the Draft EIS. They also discussed upcoming activities of the Guam Boonie Stompers including a hike on Naval Station at Orote Point.
Click here to download the entire podcast.
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/images/stories/k57podcasts/feb10/100215_090556.mp3
Showing posts with label Boonie Stompers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boonie Stompers. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Holiday cleanup shows Pagat some love
Holiday cleanup shows Pagat some love
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • February 15, 2010
They could have been at home enjoying breakfast in bed with their sweethearts.
Instead, they came bearing trash bags to show some love for their island.
The Guam Boonie Stompers Association and We Are Guåhan arranged a hike and cleanup of the trail to Pagat Caves yesterday.
According to the two groups, the hike was more than just an opportunity to inform the public on how the area will be affected as a result of the military buildup. It also was a demonstration of the different groups of people who care about their island.
"One of the things I do know is growing up here, every weekend there are a lot of formal hikes organized and which are led, and usually a very specific demographic goes on those," said Desiree Ventura of We Are Guåhan.
"With me and my friends and family, I know that sometimes we just roll down in groups of ones or twos or threes and we don't really get to see the other groups of people who enjoy it," she said. "So there's a big misconception about who's using it, and I thought this was a great opportunity to show that we all value it, and we can all take care of it and work together."
The Pagat caves once were a source of fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and are now one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and latte stones dating back over 3,500 years, according to the two organizations.
But access to the caves may soon be limited if the Defense Department places a firing range on part of it -- one of the options outlined in the department's draft Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.
That's one of the reasons 45-year-old Roy Geary of Tamuning was out cleaning the trail on his way down to the caves yesterday. He hadn't visited them before but had always wanted to, he said.
"This is kind of like payment for the hike," said Geary, as he stacked wood strewn across the trail into a pickup truck.
Sonny Cruz, 41, of Sinajana said it was his first trip to the caves as well. He hadn't been to the Pagat caves before and wanted to explore them with his kids while he still had a chance.
In response to those who may have said it's too late to be cleaning up the trail now -- just as access is on the cusp of being restricted -- Cruz said he feels the cleanup hike actually demonstrates local residents' desire to keep their natural sites clean and that they do care about it.
"I guess they want to do this to try and clean it up and show that we're trying to take care of this area so that they can keep doing their boonie stomps," he said.
Plus, according to Dave Lotz, a hiker with the Guam Boonie Stompers, this isn't the first time his group has orchestrated a beautification project like this.
"The Guam Boonie Stompers has had an interest in the Pagat Cave area for some time and has been doing regular cleanups on the island," he said.
"We've cleaned up the area, trying to concentrate on the trash in the cave area and also in (the) Chamorro village, but with increased usage and with illegal dumping, we feel we need to make a major community effort to cleaning up the area that goes through one of our major cultural assets on the island," Lotz said. "(It's) certainly received increased attention with the possibility that this could be closed due to the military buildup, and we just want to show that there's community support for this, which is what we're seeing right now on a Sunday morning."
In the meantime, the Guam Preservation Trust is trying to get Pagat on a list of the the country's Most Endangered Historic Properties, a designation program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which could possibly prevent the Defense Department from constructing the firing range there.
By Amritha Alladi • Pacific Daily News • February 15, 2010
They could have been at home enjoying breakfast in bed with their sweethearts.
Instead, they came bearing trash bags to show some love for their island.
The Guam Boonie Stompers Association and We Are Guåhan arranged a hike and cleanup of the trail to Pagat Caves yesterday.
According to the two groups, the hike was more than just an opportunity to inform the public on how the area will be affected as a result of the military buildup. It also was a demonstration of the different groups of people who care about their island.
"One of the things I do know is growing up here, every weekend there are a lot of formal hikes organized and which are led, and usually a very specific demographic goes on those," said Desiree Ventura of We Are Guåhan.
"With me and my friends and family, I know that sometimes we just roll down in groups of ones or twos or threes and we don't really get to see the other groups of people who enjoy it," she said. "So there's a big misconception about who's using it, and I thought this was a great opportunity to show that we all value it, and we can all take care of it and work together."
The Pagat caves once were a source of fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and are now one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and latte stones dating back over 3,500 years, according to the two organizations.
But access to the caves may soon be limited if the Defense Department places a firing range on part of it -- one of the options outlined in the department's draft Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.
That's one of the reasons 45-year-old Roy Geary of Tamuning was out cleaning the trail on his way down to the caves yesterday. He hadn't visited them before but had always wanted to, he said.
"This is kind of like payment for the hike," said Geary, as he stacked wood strewn across the trail into a pickup truck.
Sonny Cruz, 41, of Sinajana said it was his first trip to the caves as well. He hadn't been to the Pagat caves before and wanted to explore them with his kids while he still had a chance.
In response to those who may have said it's too late to be cleaning up the trail now -- just as access is on the cusp of being restricted -- Cruz said he feels the cleanup hike actually demonstrates local residents' desire to keep their natural sites clean and that they do care about it.
"I guess they want to do this to try and clean it up and show that we're trying to take care of this area so that they can keep doing their boonie stomps," he said.
Plus, according to Dave Lotz, a hiker with the Guam Boonie Stompers, this isn't the first time his group has orchestrated a beautification project like this.
"The Guam Boonie Stompers has had an interest in the Pagat Cave area for some time and has been doing regular cleanups on the island," he said.
"We've cleaned up the area, trying to concentrate on the trash in the cave area and also in (the) Chamorro village, but with increased usage and with illegal dumping, we feel we need to make a major community effort to cleaning up the area that goes through one of our major cultural assets on the island," Lotz said. "(It's) certainly received increased attention with the possibility that this could be closed due to the military buildup, and we just want to show that there's community support for this, which is what we're seeing right now on a Sunday morning."
In the meantime, the Guam Preservation Trust is trying to get Pagat on a list of the the country's Most Endangered Historic Properties, a designation program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which could possibly prevent the Defense Department from constructing the firing range there.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup
We Are Guahan leading Pagat cleanup
Posted: Feb 12, 2010 6:18 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The We Are Guahan Coalition is inviting the public to take part in a cleanup for Valentines Day tomorrow at the Pagat Caves in Mangilao. Coalition member Victoria "Lola" Leon Guerrero says because it's a day to celebrate love, the group decided to show to others how much they love their land and that cleaning it up will benefit the people of Guam.
The organization is partnering up with the Guam Boonie Stompers. "We really are doing this in direct response to a quote from a JGPO official that says if they put a firing range there, that they will actually clean up the site and we want to show them that we can clean up our own land and that we don't want Pagat to turn into a firing range and we want to appreciate the ancient Chamorro villages, the fresh water caves and that's also what we'll be doing tomorrow as well. After the clean up, everyone that shows up we'll go down to the caves and swim and just enjoy the beauty of the area and pay tribute to the historic significance of it."
The group is scheduled to meet at the trail at the back road to Andersen AFB at around 9am tomorrow morning.
Posted: Feb 12, 2010 6:18 PM PST
by Michele Catahay
Guam - The We Are Guahan Coalition is inviting the public to take part in a cleanup for Valentines Day tomorrow at the Pagat Caves in Mangilao. Coalition member Victoria "Lola" Leon Guerrero says because it's a day to celebrate love, the group decided to show to others how much they love their land and that cleaning it up will benefit the people of Guam.
The organization is partnering up with the Guam Boonie Stompers. "We really are doing this in direct response to a quote from a JGPO official that says if they put a firing range there, that they will actually clean up the site and we want to show them that we can clean up our own land and that we don't want Pagat to turn into a firing range and we want to appreciate the ancient Chamorro villages, the fresh water caves and that's also what we'll be doing tomorrow as well. After the clean up, everyone that shows up we'll go down to the caves and swim and just enjoy the beauty of the area and pay tribute to the historic significance of it."
The group is scheduled to meet at the trail at the back road to Andersen AFB at around 9am tomorrow morning.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hikers to mark love day in Pagat Caves
Hikers to mark love day in Pagat Caves
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 03:34
Variety News Staff
(GBM/WAG) -- The Guam Boonie Stompers and the We are Guahan organization are leading the public in a free-of-charge Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Feb. 14.
On the popular holiday associated with romance, the coordinating organizations are encouraging residents to show love to their island and enjoy the diverse collection of individuals in support of efforts in the island's best interest.
Located on Guam's eastern coast, Pagat caves is one of Guam's most significant historical sites. The caves once provided fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and is one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and lattes dating back over 3,500 years.
While organized hikes are often led to the caves, local families and individuals also frequent the site in less formal groups to enjoy the water and take part in one of the many activities that make life on Guam unique. The joint effort to organize the clean-up seeks to provide an opportunity for education, constructive action and friendship.
The draft environmental impact statement plans identify the recreation spot and cultural site as an area needed to accommodate a Marine firing range, which would restrict both civilian and non-civilian access to the site.
Currently, the Guam Preservation Trust is advocating to have Pagat included on the list of the country's most endangered places. Many worry that the presence of a firing range will damage the ancient artifacts, injure efforts to preserve and share Chamorro culture with locals and visitors and will further limit options for outdoor recreation.
Those interested in attending the clean-up are asked to meet at 9 o'clock am, in front of the trail entrance on Route 15 (immediately North of the Anderson South gate).
Hikers and volunteers should bring their own cleaning materials, such as trash bags, gloves or tools. Clean-up organizers welcome volunteers capable of providing trucks, backhoes or equipment that could assist volunteers in removing larger materials.
Those who would like to provide trucks or backhoes in order to remove larger pieces of debris are asked to contact Dave Lotz of the Guam Boonie Stomper's association for additional details. All attending are asked to bring water, appropriate shoes, gloves, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a snack and swimming attire.
Tuesday, 09 February 2010 03:34
Variety News Staff
(GBM/WAG) -- The Guam Boonie Stompers and the We are Guahan organization are leading the public in a free-of-charge Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Feb. 14.
On the popular holiday associated with romance, the coordinating organizations are encouraging residents to show love to their island and enjoy the diverse collection of individuals in support of efforts in the island's best interest.
Located on Guam's eastern coast, Pagat caves is one of Guam's most significant historical sites. The caves once provided fresh water to ancient Chamorro villages and is one of the few places on island where residents and tourists may view ancient pottery, lusongs and lattes dating back over 3,500 years.
While organized hikes are often led to the caves, local families and individuals also frequent the site in less formal groups to enjoy the water and take part in one of the many activities that make life on Guam unique. The joint effort to organize the clean-up seeks to provide an opportunity for education, constructive action and friendship.
The draft environmental impact statement plans identify the recreation spot and cultural site as an area needed to accommodate a Marine firing range, which would restrict both civilian and non-civilian access to the site.
Currently, the Guam Preservation Trust is advocating to have Pagat included on the list of the country's most endangered places. Many worry that the presence of a firing range will damage the ancient artifacts, injure efforts to preserve and share Chamorro culture with locals and visitors and will further limit options for outdoor recreation.
Those interested in attending the clean-up are asked to meet at 9 o'clock am, in front of the trail entrance on Route 15 (immediately North of the Anderson South gate).
Hikers and volunteers should bring their own cleaning materials, such as trash bags, gloves or tools. Clean-up organizers welcome volunteers capable of providing trucks, backhoes or equipment that could assist volunteers in removing larger materials.
Those who would like to provide trucks or backhoes in order to remove larger pieces of debris are asked to contact Dave Lotz of the Guam Boonie Stomper's association for additional details. All attending are asked to bring water, appropriate shoes, gloves, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a snack and swimming attire.
Hike seeks to beautify Pagat Caves
Hike seeks to beautify Pagat Caves
Posted: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM
Updated: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - Guam Boonie Stompers and We Are Guahan will be holding a Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Sunday, February 14. According to organizers, the event is an effort to provide education, constructive action and friendship.
Pagat Caves is a beloved recreation spot and cultural site that could potentially be used to accommodate a firing range. The Guam Preservation Trust is attempting to have Pagat included on the list of the nation's most endangered places.
The cleanup will be held on Sunday at 9 in the morning in front of trail entrance on Route 15.
Posted: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM
Updated: Feb 08, 2010 3:31 PM
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - Guam Boonie Stompers and We Are Guahan will be holding a Valentines Day hike and effort to beautify Pagat Caves on Sunday, February 14. According to organizers, the event is an effort to provide education, constructive action and friendship.
Pagat Caves is a beloved recreation spot and cultural site that could potentially be used to accommodate a firing range. The Guam Preservation Trust is attempting to have Pagat included on the list of the nation's most endangered places.
The cleanup will be held on Sunday at 9 in the morning in front of trail entrance on Route 15.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Endangered boonie hike trail on Ague Cove
Endangered boonie hike trail on Ague Cove
Posted: Jan 13, 2010 8:32 PM PST
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - For the month of January, the Guam Boonie Stompers are featuring trails that are expected be closed to the public according to plans outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Before the hike began the Guam Boonie Stompers gathered at the Chamorro Village and the hike's leader, David Lotz, asked everyone there to sign a petition against restricting public access to hiking trails.
Ague Cove is property of the Pangelinan family, who granted the Boonie Stompers special access to the trail for this hike. Co-leader of the Boonie Stompers Roger Edson is an avid hiker and works at the National Weather Service.
Edson said, "There are a lot of coastlines that are privately owned, but then you can at least talk to the family. If the military takes it over you have a whole new set of bureaucracy."
75 people came out for the hike, but most hikes attract between 50 and 100 stompers. Aaron Jackson and his girlfriend Mandi Swander are first-timers, with the former saying, "I better go now before I can't."
Robert Mangahas is in the military and works in the laboratory at Naval Hospital. Robert is a frequent boonie hiker. After trekking through the jungle, we finally made it to cove.
A lot of people enjoy snorkeling and jumping off the cliffs and it is also one of the trails that the military listed in the Draft EIS as one they will have to close off to the public during the buildup. The trail is also popular for families.
Sarah Vinch loves that she can bring her little ones along, saying, "The hike coming down here is very doable for families and is one of the most beautiful coves on the island. I love it here. It's my favorite hike; hopefully we can keep hiking down here."
There are three more hikes left in January that are listed on the endangered trail list. Whether you want to see a new part of the island or if you've already been, it's best go before it's too late.
Posted: Jan 13, 2010 8:32 PM PST
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam - For the month of January, the Guam Boonie Stompers are featuring trails that are expected be closed to the public according to plans outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Before the hike began the Guam Boonie Stompers gathered at the Chamorro Village and the hike's leader, David Lotz, asked everyone there to sign a petition against restricting public access to hiking trails.
Ague Cove is property of the Pangelinan family, who granted the Boonie Stompers special access to the trail for this hike. Co-leader of the Boonie Stompers Roger Edson is an avid hiker and works at the National Weather Service.
Edson said, "There are a lot of coastlines that are privately owned, but then you can at least talk to the family. If the military takes it over you have a whole new set of bureaucracy."
75 people came out for the hike, but most hikes attract between 50 and 100 stompers. Aaron Jackson and his girlfriend Mandi Swander are first-timers, with the former saying, "I better go now before I can't."
Robert Mangahas is in the military and works in the laboratory at Naval Hospital. Robert is a frequent boonie hiker. After trekking through the jungle, we finally made it to cove.
A lot of people enjoy snorkeling and jumping off the cliffs and it is also one of the trails that the military listed in the Draft EIS as one they will have to close off to the public during the buildup. The trail is also popular for families.
Sarah Vinch loves that she can bring her little ones along, saying, "The hike coming down here is very doable for families and is one of the most beautiful coves on the island. I love it here. It's my favorite hike; hopefully we can keep hiking down here."
There are three more hikes left in January that are listed on the endangered trail list. Whether you want to see a new part of the island or if you've already been, it's best go before it's too late.
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