January Program - Bob Brister Outreach Coordinator for the Sierra Nevada Protection Campaign Monday, January 18th, 1999, 7:30 PM, Chico Creek Nature Center 1968 East Eighth St., Chico, 95928 Come and see slides and engage in discussion on our neighboring mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. Only 13% of the original forest remains today; learn about both pressures and protection measures that are occurring here. You will surely enjoy and be moved by this program. President's Corner The Central Valley Bird Club Symposium that took place in Stockton at the end of November was an incredibly wonderful birding event! Unfortunately, some of the participants had their cars broken into and their optics stolen. Included in these thefts were the Corning High School Science Department's Bogen Tripod (purchased) and Bushnell Spacemaster Field Scope (donated). Two of the Corning High School Science Club members were attending the symposium with their Science Club Advisor/Teacher (me). The current replacement costs (from the ABA catalog) are $206 and $257, respectively. If anybody were interested in making a donation, to be put towards replacing these 2 items, it would be a great help and greatly appreciated! These items were used often by these and many other students. Donations can be made out to Altacal Audubon and sent to our address in this newsletter Attention Treasurer OR made out to CUHS and sent to 643 Blackburn Ave, Corning, CA 96021 Attention David Tinker. In the memo, be sure to write "Donation for (stolen) tripod and scope". Thanks for considering this matter. As this New Year comes about, there are many excellent opportunities for you through Altacal. Everything from great field trips (with our helpful and knowledgeable members) to being involved in a host of different projects (chapter needs, education, conservation, etc....) to our informative monthly meetings. I encourage you to consider these opportunities. Last thing, have a great New Year and good birding to you! - David Tinker

Altacal Audubon is considering the idea of teaming up with the Sacramento National Wildlife Complex. Their need is to stop the damage to the kiosk at the Llano Seco Unit of the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. They hope that by locking the gates at dusk that this will alleviate the ongoing and horribly expensive damage that is taking place. The other side of the coin is that the locked gates need to be unlocked in the morning. This would only be on the weekends. We are seeking out any volunteers or those who might be interested in helping to be part of this GATEKEEPER TEAM. Let us know!