Sierra Club
Redwood Chapter Newsletter
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Volunteers Sought to Help Clair Tappaan Lodge Ernie Malamud | |
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To save Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL), the Sierra Club's much beloved rustic lodge near Donner Summit, $126,305 has been raised, exceeding the $100,000 challenge from the Board of Directors. Now the many supporters of CTL must turn their attention to increasing use of the lodge. The future of Clair Tappaan Lodge is not assured until it can reach the breakeven point of 15,000 visitors. Historically, the Lodge has attracted about 12,000 overnight visitors per year. Increased day use and fundraising events can also improve the bottom line. Clair Tappaan's success is due largely in part to the dedication of volunteers. A substantial influx of new volunteers is needed. There are jobs with all levels of time commitment: Look at the Activities Calendar at www.ctl.sierraclub.org. We need people who can write press releases and communicate information about these wonderful events. Enthusiastic volunteers can contact groups that might like to stay at the Lodge, making phone calls to hiking, biking, nature groups, scouts, and others to acquaint them with what the lodge offers and suggest that their group can use the lodge as an outing base or place to hold an event. The CTL web page describes a marvelous range of recreation possibilities for all seasons. Could you lead a hike, snow shoe or bike trip using CTL as your base? To volunteer, contact Tony Loftin at hikingtony@earthlink.net. There is an ongoing effort to acquaint people with the lodge. Could you visit local sporting and ski shops, talk with the manager, and leave brochures for them to |
distribute? There are many fun and rewarding ways to help. If you want more information on any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Ernie at 530/470-8303 or malamud@foothill.net, or Claudia at claudiahilligoss@netzero.com. And finally, use the lodge! Consider visiting during the week when you can avoid the traffic and get a discount as well. Consider day use - drive up for breakfast and then go snowshoeing. Or go skiing and stop on your way home for a hearty nutritious meal. Or consider using the Lodge as a base for a summer vacation in the mountains. For information about staying at the Lodge, visit www.ctl.sierraclub.org or call 800/679-6775. The exploration and enjoyment of the magnificent wild areas in our nation is intimately connected to the protection of the planet, the Sierra Club's conservation mission. The use of the Clair Tappaan "flagship" lodge and all the other components of the Club's extensive and multi-faceted outings program connect to its conservation mission and relate to the history of the club, why it was formed, and how it has evolved over the years. It is a serious mistake to think that eliminating the "explore and enjoy" from the Sierra Club motto will benefit the overall mission of the club. Some dollars might be saved, but the Club will lose members, will lose advertising, will lose credibility and influence. In fact, the Club will have lost its way. It is important that the Clair Tappaan Lodge remains a part of the Sierra Club. |