ABOUT the Zion Canyoneering Coalition

The ZCC was founded in October 2002 in response to proposed Interim Use Limits for the Spring 2003 season in Zion National Park that we felt were blatantly unfair. Part of the unfairness was the lack of public process in development of these limits.

Members of the Board of Directors include:

Jane Arhart
Alicia Scotter
Shane Burrows
Steve Ram
Charly Oliver
Kris Nosack
Brian Cabe
Hank Moon
Tom Jones (chairman)

Dues are set at a low 5$ for two years because we want to encourage membership.

What do I get as a ZCC Member?
The ZCC will fight for the interest of recreational canyoneers in development of the Backcountry Management Plan in Zion National Park. We will negotiate with Park Management and keep you informed of what is happenning.

What are my obligations as a ZCC Member?
As a member, you are expected to WRITE LETTERS to the Park Superintendent. We will provide you with information and suggestions for writing letters, and call for specific letters from time to time. The MOST effective tool we have in the process is individuals writing letters to the Superintendent.

What else?
The ZCC is meant to represent recreational canyoneers. In order to do so, we will, from time to time, poll the ZCC membership to see how you feel on the issues. Please participate in these polls so we can learn where you stand on specific issues.

What if I disagree with the ZCC on specific issues?
If you generally agree with us, I suggest that you join the ZCC, then participate in the discussion about where we stand on that particular issue. Our positions are not set in stone, and are subject to adjustment. Our general stance is that the Technical Backcountry of Zion should be managed with the desires of the majority of users of this specific area in mind. We are not against Use Limits, we are against unfair use limits imposed on the public without a public process. We value solitude as a Wilderness Value, but we do not think that the entire Zion Technical Backcountry should be managed for strict solitude in all canyons at all times.

How does the ZCC stay in touch with it's members?
The ZCC has a ZCC Membership E Group on Yahoo Groups. This group is reserved for ZCC members. We will also make announcements to the Canyons E Group.

What does the ZCC do with my money?
The ZCC does not need a lot of money at this time. Some things the ZCC does or might need money for:

  • Buying books, journals and paying for FOIA requests;
  • Potentially for legal action, lawsuits (though this is a "last resort");
  • Donations to the Park to support impact mitigation;
  • Donations to the Park to improve the permit system;
  • Donations to support the Search and Rescue Team at the Park;
  • Incorporation fees.

Website services are donated by Payroll Perfect.

Is the ZCC a 501(c)(3) incorporated charity?
Not yet, though we plan to be by February 1, 2003.

How is the ZCC organized?

We are working on establishing By-Laws, and expect to have them ready about February 1, 2003. Our intention is to be substantially democratic, to have a large board of directors elected by the membership, and a chairman elected by the board.

Where can I get more information?

Read through the archives at the Yahoo Group mentioned above. Or you can email tom at: tom at jrat dot com.