Rock the Earth Newsletter March 2014
Rock the Earth Defends Public Lands:
Opposes Plan to Expand Off Road Vehicle Access in Glen Canyon Recreation Area
(Photo:Glen Canyon)
This past month, Rock the Earth strongly opposed the preferred alternative cited by the National
Park Service (NPS) for the Glen Canyon Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) – an alternative which would allow for expanded off-road
vehicle (ORV) usage within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) is a recreation and conservation unit of the NPS
that encompasses the area around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon in Utah and Arizona,
and covers approximately 1,254,429 acres. The recreation area borders Capitol Reef National
Park and Canyonlands National Park to the north; Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
on the west, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the northeasternmost reaches of Grand
Canyon National Park to the southwest; and the Navajo Indian Reservation to the southeast.
The Glen Canyon NRA was established in 1972 "to provide for public use and enjoyment and to
preserve the area's scientific, historic, and scenic features." The stated purpose of Glen Canyon
NRA is for recreation as well as preservation.
Currently, limited use of ORVs is allowed. RtE comments to the DEIS opposed the NPS-preferred
alternative, which would designate a mixture of opportunities for motorized recreation on park
roads and designated ORV routes, as well as remote shoreline areas, while prohibiting such uses
in areas where resources and values may be at risk. The “environmentally preferred alternative”
(as deemed by the NPS) that RtE supports would not designate any new ORV routes or areas,
and would allow motorized vehicle use only on existing park roads.
With the philosophy that RtE members regularly seek the peace, quiet and solitude of the national
park system for reflection and spiritual inspiration, we believe RtE members will be directly
affected by the Preferred Alternative chosen by the NPS, and feel the decision by the NPS to
allow ORV usage within the new areas will diminish visitors’ ability to experience the area in its
natural state, thereby reducing visitor enjoyment as well as being contrary to the laws and
intentions establishing the National Recreation Area.
RtE cited several grounds for concern on the NPS chosen alternative, including that there is
currently no shortage of ORV routes, and that continued use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in
these pristine areas will devastate the naturally wild environment, resulting in degradation of
natural soundscapes, visitor experience, and inappropriate use of wilderness areas. The cited
Organic Act, 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4 states: “The NPS… purpose is to conserve the scenery and the
natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same
in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future
generations…” The NPS Preferred Alternative also proves to be inconsistent with ORV
regulations on adjoining lands.
Further information on the Draft EIS is available on the Glen Canyon Recreation Area NPS site,
and an electronic version of the Draft ORV Management Plan can be downloaded at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/glca-orvplan.
What YOU Can Do?
Join Rock the Earth in opposing expanded ORV usage in this national treasure by sending
comments to:
Office of the Superintendent
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 1507,
Page, AZ 86040
Suggested comments regarding ORV use include:
 No Shortage of ORV Routes: There are thousands of miles of off-road vehicle routes on
public lands managed by the BLM and U.S. Forest Service in southern Utah that provide
ample motorized recreation opportunities. There is no compelling need to authorize offroad vehicle use in the GCNRA.

NPS must comply with Executive Order 11644: Prior to authorizing ORV use on routes or
in “open play areas” within the GCNRA, NPS must comply with the requirement of
President Nixon’s Executive Order 11644. The Order requires NPS to: protect the natural
resources and public lands from ORV impacts; promote public safety of all users of those
lands; and minimize impacts to natural resources and the conflicts among various users
of those lands.

Additional Executive Order Requirement: NPS can allow ORV use (including street legal
ATVs) only after it has determined that such use will not affect the natural, aesthetic or
scenic values of the lands and resources, and will minimize conflicts with other users.
However, NPS’s own Draft Environmental Impact Statement acknowledges that
authorizing street-legal ATV and off-road vehicle use in the GCNRA will have direct and
indirect impacts on its sensitive resources, including soils, vegetation, wildlife, and
cultural resources.

NPS should preserve Glen Canyon’s scenic landscape and cultural history rather than
authorize off-road vehicle use.
A full copy of the RtE comments can be viewed HERE.
Amazing Rock the Earth Race
(photo: Race photo)
Wanna celebrate Earth Day in Denver this year with a fun, day-long competition that will result in
over $4,000 being given away in prizes? Inspired by the popular television show, The Amazing
Race, this charity event to benefit Rock the Earth will take participants to some of the most noted
music and entertainment venues and natural places on Colorado’s Front Range. Be ready to be
mentally and physically challenged with clues and tasks, but come dressed for fun as we’re also
giving away prize money for the best-dressed team. Sign up NOW! We’re limiting the
competition to the first 40 two-person teams this year, increasing your chances to win big!
Finally, we’d like to thank our Sponsors: Ameriprise (Billingslea & Associates), Steele Street
Bank & Trust, Sports Authority, Marley Coffee Company, and El Dorado Water.
If you would like to be a sponsor of the Amazing Rock the Earth Race, more information can be
found HERE.
Now Hiring: Summer Interns
(Photo:Help wanted)
Do you love seeing live music? What about talking about the environment? Well, if you love
seeing live music AND talking about the environment and want to see the country, we have the
Summer internship for you! Rock the Earth is now accepting applications for our annual Summer
Tour Interns. If you think you have what it takes to be an Earth Rockin’ intern, we would
encourage you to apply. Both traveling internships and local (Denver) positions are available.
A Rockin’ 2013
(Photo: Annual Report Cover Image)
The ninth Annual Report from Rock the Earth is complete and can be found HERE. Once again,
we have intentionally decided not to print an annual report. Instead, the report will only be
available electronically.
Highlights from 2013 include:
 RtE legal and technical staff worked on over a dozen substantive matters. Rock the Earth
continued to defend its 2012 Federal Court victory to protect Colorado’s Roan Plateau
and prosecuted another federal court lawsuit to stop a high-capacity powerline
superstructure from ruining epic scenic views of the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area.
 For the second year in a row, through a formal partnership with The Wilderness Society,
we worked to educate and engage thousands of concert-goers to permanently protect
over one million new acres in Colorado.
 RtE had a presence at over 250 concert dates throughout the United States.
 RtE raised over $140,000 from memberships, sponsorships, donations, auctions and
grants.
 RtE successfully established its first signature annual special event: The Amazing Rock
the Earth Race.
 RtE continued its highly successful cellular telephone collection and recycling campaign,
resulting in nearly 1,000 more cell phones being kept out of landfills.
Member Benefits
(photo: MFF logo or guitar photo)
Spring is in the air, and that means it's time for the Mimi Fishman Spring Auction. RtE is offering
up some tremendous VIP festival experiences for Bonnaroo, Summer Camp, Wakarusa,
Outside Lands, and Arise Music Festival. General Admission ticket packages are also up for
the bidding for Gathering of the Vibes, DelFest, FloydFest and Forecastle Festival. In addition
to these wonderful festival ticket opportunities, the MFF will also be auctioning off a brand new
Taylor Acoustic Guitar signed by Trey Anastasio! The auction will start in mid-April, so check
often at www.mimifishman.org/auctions to make your bids and help Rock the Earth!
Calling All Businesses – Help up Rock Earth Day!
Local businesses across the United States are planning on donating to Rock the Earth. So far,
RtE has confirmed the following business partners helping us to Rock the Earth this Earth Day.
For the ninth year in a row (!), Herbs and Arts in Denver (CO) will be donating 20% of their sales
on Saturday, April 19 to Rock the Earth. Herbs and Arts has been serving the metaphysical
community for many years. If you are in the Denver area, please be sure to stop and show your
support at the store, located at 2015 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. If you’re not in Denver, Herbs and
Arts is also donating 20% of all Internet sales on April 19 as well, so shop in the store OR go
online at www.herbsandarts.com and help Rock the Earth!
In San Francisco, leading public relations agencies will band together to support Rock the Earth
on Earth Day. The agencies will send volunteers to The Presidio to work with the National Park
System on clean-up and removal of non-native species plants. The group of agencies will also
donate to Rock the Earth.
Key of Green: Green Your Furniture
(Photo: recycled furniture)
Most of us take the chairs, sofas, nightstands and other furniture we regularly use for granted.
Unfortunately, there is no way around the fact that most of us spend a lot of time sitting or lying
down during the day. Furniture is used constantly, and can have significant environmental
ramifications! Here are a few ways to minimize them:
Look for furniture made with reclaimed materials! There is a great deal of wood out there that
can be used without knocking down more trees. Whether it comes from old buildings, furniture,
docks, houses, logs or simply scraps that are going to be thrown out, reclaimed furniture is an
excellent way to reduce your ecological impact.
Buy furniture made from renewable sources. Hemp, bamboo, and responsibly harvested
wood are all sound choices. The Forest Stewardship Council is a widely used resource in
determining whether forest products are developed in a sustainable matter.
Pick furniture certified for low toxicity. Did you know that furniture can impact the air quality of
your home? Millions of Americans are currently exposed to formaldehyde, chlorinated Tris and
other dangerous chemicals when sitting on their sofas. GreenGuard certifications are a great way
to ensure your furniture is non-toxic.
Finally: buy local, buy recyclable, and sell your furniture when you’re finished using it.
That should go without saying. Happy sitting!
Volunteer Highlight
(Photo: Molly Garvey)
Name: Molly Garvey
Age: 23
City: Ludlow, VT (soon to be Denver, CO)
Volunteer since: August 2013
How did you first hear about Rock the Earth?
I was job searching and came across the summer internship when I searched for my two favorite
things, the environment and music. Once I read the mission statement, some projects, and the
responsibilities of the interns, I knew it was an internship from heaven.
What has been your most memorable moment with Rock the Earth?
It’s very hard to pin-point but if I had to choose, it’s how I felt on my first day compared to my last
day. While waiting in Newark, NJ outside a bus station, I saw at least ten traffic lights in one area!
My hometown has one that turns off at 9 p.m. I felt scared, anxious, curious and naïve about the
next few weeks of my life. Fast forward eight weeks and I found myself embracing the discomfort
of a new city. On my last day in Chicago, a city that I never thought I would visit in my early
twenties, I realize I am the same person, but my faults have softened and my best qualities have
really come to light.
What do you do when you are not volunteering with Rock the Earth?
I live, work and play in Ludlow, Vermont, which is home to the Okemo Mountain Resort, where I
am a seasonal worker. When I’m not working I’m skiing, snowshoeing, crocheting, playing
volleyball, visiting with friends, and job searching.
Who is you favorite band or musician?
My favorite band is Twiddle. They are a kick-ass band from Vermont that plays jam, funk, jazz
and rock – all the good stuff rolled up into one tasty sounding dance-y high-energy band.
My favorite musician is Jaden Carlson. She’s a 13-year-old musician who plays frequently in the
Denver/Boulder area, and she is absolutely jaw-droppingly talented. She runs around a venue
socializing like a butterfly, but when it comes down to business she will knock your socks off.
What environmental issue is most important to you in 2014?
I am enormously concerned by deforestation, our dependence on oil, and how our fresh water is
abused. I believe the root of all these environmental issues, and what is most important to myself,
is our high human population. Humans are the main cause of major environmental issues and a
lot of that is due to consumption. I think the best way to address the most important issues would
to be address the common denominator of all the problems.
You live in Vermont, so I have one last question: Vermont maple syrup or Ben & Jerry’s?
Agh!! That’s like asking do I like kittens or puppies more! But I have to stick (pun intended) with
my childhood memories and happiness. Vermont maple syrup. Plus I am sure in some flavor Ben
and Jerry’s includes Vermont maple syrup in the ice cream. So that can be the happy medium.
Volunteer Jam
Volunteer Jam provides an outlet to thank non-staff volunteers and supporters who have rocked it
big time during the past month, and who have gone above and beyond in generous support of the
Rock the Earth cause. We want to sincerely thank each of you for giving so generously of your
time, and applaud you for your contributions: Andrew Dudash, Brian Patterson, Brittany Bowen,
Chandler Griffin, Chris DeRosier, Daniel Usem, Eli Biagi-Lee, Elias Marrides, George Jenkins,
James Eichner, Jarod Lueker, Jen Farthing, Justin Marinoff, Kassie Borth, Kevin O'Donohue, Lisa
Shara, Melanie Berrenger, Rebecca Migas, Sam Beatt, Steven Mumblo, Susan Honig, Victoria
Stellato, Lisa Shara, and Sara Walsh.
What Rocks Your Earth: Zia McCabe
Zia McCabe is a keyboard player, percussionist and bass guitarist, and member of American
alternative rock band The Dandy Warhols. She is also a solo DJ, and part of a country music
band called Brush Prairie.
(Photo:Zia McCabe)
1. What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this time?
What's most critical is that we as humans learn to use this planet responsibly, with care and
respect. Educating the stewards of the Earth to produce and reproduce in a way that doesn't
damage our air, our wildlife, our health and our view is more important than any personal gains
we may try to achieve in our lifetimes.
That said, access to clean water has become a personal issue of mine. I grew up using a private
well and now use some of the cleanest public water on the planet. Having an opportunity to keep
it that way was an honor. I have since watched the domino effect as community after community
refuses or revokes the outdated, unsafe, unethical practice of public water supply fluoridation. I
will always carry a sense of pride knowing I helped this snowball take shape and gather
momentum.
There is so much that needs to be done in the way of change and repair, that if something moves
or outrages an individual, it's important they take action. If each of us takes it upon ourselves to
clean up a little corner of the world, then there's hope.
2. What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with music?
When Portland's city council went behind our backs and voted to fluoridate Bull Run after
Portland citizens have voted down this idea every time it's come up in the last 40 years, I was
outraged! I could tell it was a complicated subject and that the corporations and lobbyists
supporting fluoridation had a big head start and a clear advantage regarding funding and
propaganda. Getting this debate out of the fringe and into the mainstream seemed to be the first
step.
Since I had little political experience, I relied on what I did know, live music and event planning. I
figured if I could make a one-day festival packed with musicians, I could get the Portland citizens
at large to notice and get involved in the discussion. It worked! We got our referendum and the
race to voting day began. Over the next several months I held weekly fundraising concerts from
every genre of music. We raised money, awareness, and galvanized the music community into
an even more powerful force than suspected, and we won!
Musicians have a built in platform and if they so choose, a voice. It feels good to put my
resources to good use, and I know I inspired many others to do the same. I'm so grateful my
band supported me through it all.
3. Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?
The Oregon Coast is practically in my back yard. The magnificent power of the ocean crashing
against the shore can wash my worries away faster than anything else on this planet. I spend as
much time there as I can. Yachats, Oregon is my number one choice. I also really enjoy the giant
sand dunes further south in Coos County. You can go out there and not see another human for
hours. These giant forces of nature really put my small problems into perspective.