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Trance Formation c. Asante RiverwindNatural Ecosystem Advocacy
Located in the eastern Cascades region of Central Oregon, Gaia Ki embodies "think globally, act locally" covering significant ecological issues throughout the region, helping bring cognizance of both the local and global consequences of societal activities and choices, while sharing information and allied action with others across the Earth.
Nature Rising c Asante RiverwindWe cover the public wildlands of our region, with particular emphasis on Central and Eastern Oregon National Forests and adjoining BLM lands, including wildlands connectivity and salmonid watersystems. Advocacy involves monitoring public agency projects, participating in the National Environmental Policy Act public process; coordinating activity with allied conservation, recreation, tribal, and community interests; endeavoring to protect and restore the integrity of natural ecosystems, recover and maintain native species biodiversity, distribution and abundance; bring greater community awareness of ecological issues and the interconnection of human society with wild wonderful nature. We train and coordinate volunteers in effectively survey documenting projects of concern, utilizing area-specific information throughout the NEPA process for public lands projects to bring needed changes, and when necessary to halt harmful projects. Efforts addressing public lands ecology and management additionally help inform and influence the direction of society as a whole, bringing greater awareness of both individual and societal impacts and lifestyle choices more in balance with nature.
Bear Wonder c Asante RiverwindThe ecological functioning, continuity, and integrity of our region's ecosystems have been dramatically altered and disrupted over the course of the past one hundred and sixty years; as have most of the natural ecosystems across the Earth. Societal development has fragmented once connected ecological landscapes, depleted and degraded water resources and altered overall hydrological system patterns. The complex interconnected web of biodiversity has been diminished, with an overall depletion in the diversity, abundance and distribution of native species. There are nearly two hundred recognized species of regional concern, including federal and state listed species within the focal region's public lands ecosystems that are evidencing declining population and distribution trends. Achieving the recovery and long-term viability of these and other imperiled native species requires that public lands management develop a comprehensive vision based upon the ecological needs of the land. Management planning must incorporate relevant scientific research, be based upon an accurate assessment of area conditions and natural processes, monitor imperiled species populations and status, accurately assess the impacts and efficacy of management actions, and revise planned actions to avoid harmful impacts and achieve restorative ecological objectives.
Utilizing comprehensive compilations of existent and new research on the many species of concern and their natural habitats, in combination with research on the interwoven roles of species, ecological functioning, natural cycles, and ongoing climate change; Gaia Ki helps ensure public lands projects are in better accord with credible scientific research and ecological needs. Employing thorough project monitoring and ongoing participation in the NEPA public processes for regional projects of significance, Gaia Ki combines relevant science with localized conditions and the requirements of environmental policy laws. We engage in public outreach and education, NEPA comments, and when necessary appeals and litigation to help protect and restore the ecological integrity of public wildlands.
En-Trance c Asante RiverwindContemporary industrial societies across the Earth alter and consume natural environments, referring to nature as "resources" to be utilized in the exponentially increasing expansion of corporate-directed societal pursuits. Considerations of climate change and finite resources are bringing increasing awareness of the need to reign in unchecked energy use, and develop energy sources that are environmentally sustainable. While the awareness of this paramount need has grown, purported "renewable" energy methods are not absent considerable environmental harms. Many self-proclaimed "green" energy sources remain embedded in a technological foundation that has yet to develop the environmentally benign or harmonious production methods and reduced impact scale requisite to be in accord with "green" renewable energy objectives. Additionally, many renewable energy sources expand societal impacts into previously undeveloped natural environments. Issues of location, production methods and scale, transmission routes, energy efficiency and use patterns, and cumulatively affected resources all play important factors that need consideration. Gaia Ki utilizes information from ongoing assessments of environmental track records and impacts, pioneering scientific research, grid system operation and location, effective energy efficiency and use-reduction measures, and existent and project energy needs to help influence the development of more truly "green" environmentally benign, sustainable energy methods.
Within our focal region (as elsewhere across this Earth), unbridled energy development plans are outpacing environmental safeguards, scientific and informed public knowledge, energy efficiency measures, and exploration of more environmentally appropriate alternative energy methods. In pursuit of new energy sources the overall development footprint of contemporary society continues to expand rapidly; irretrievably altering remaining natural areas, diminishing the ecological integrity of interwoven ecological systems. Gaia Ki endeavors to educate affected communities and our increasingly global scale society on the actual ecological impacts and consequences of current and proposed energy sources and use patterns; and feasible alternatives that evidence potential for ecologically sustainable energy. We advocate for the protection of remaining natural wildlands and treasured ecological locations from irreparably harmful development; while working towards the reduction of energy use and the development of methods that are more truly ecologically balanced and beneficial.
Raven Triad Mandala c Asante RivrerwindCreative arts embody inspiration surpassing the limitations of defined words, predictable intent, entrenched patterns, and expert knowledge. Physics reveals a fledgling grasp of awareness beyond measurable space-time continuums. Dreams and visions evidence inherent depths of being much as the utilization of invisible energy waves evidences dimensional complexities beyond what can otherwise be seen and confined in objective matter. Gaia Ki encourages the creation and enjoyment of arts that celebrate the interwoven connection of nature and spirit. In public educational events, outreach publications, and regional venues, we include the use and promotion of creative arts in efforts to protect wild wondrous nature and bring society into more harmonious balance and celebration of this living Earth.
Encouraging the creation of art, music, and creative expression inspired by and directly related to specific imperiled places, species, and natural ecosystems helps increase public awareness. Creative arts speak to the inner depths of the human psyche, reaching broad spectrums of the public across otherwise often entrenched societal divisions of beliefs, occupation, status, and culture.
Cougar Moon c Asante RiverwindConnection with nature, awareness immersed within and part of nature's inherent interconnected wonder, is paramount to inspiring the changes necessary in bringing human societies towards balance and harmony with living Earth. Urbanscapes and technological enticements dominate the living hours and experiential parameters of many people. Removed from spirit rejuvenating wild nature, people lose appreciation and awareness of the myriad species and ecological systems upon which our existence and well-being depend. Absent such innate understanding and connection, development incrementally and exponentially spreads the impacts of industrial technology further diminishing the natural landscapes of Earth.
Located in an inspiring comingling of natural ecosystems spanning volcanic alpine peaks, jeweled mountain lakes, ancient wild forests, carved river canyons, and sculpted high deserts; Gaia Ki helps connect people and communities with wild nature, holding events, outings, and teaching the skills necessary to effectively document conditions and influence public lands projects and management. We bring people to specific public lands project locations, helping people experience directly the ecological conditions and consequences of proposed and implemented management actions. We provide people with opportunities to interact with nature and view the region's imperiled species in their natural habitats.
Human Societies and Corporate Dominance
Corporations once were limited in longevity, function, and scale. At the onset of this nation, corporations were licensed for five year periods, and restricted to the performance on one type of enterprise, and in operation to only the locale in which they were licensed. They could not own other corporations and had no political legal rights. They had to operate for the good of the community in which they were licensed, were held accountable for any harms incurred, and could have their corporate charter revoked for violating the well being of the community or the terms of their license.
Coming to the fore with the removal of the absolute authority of monarchies, corporations represented a renewed metamorphosis that over time has allowed continued concentration of wealth and power to dominate human society. Whittling away public oversight, licensing restrictions, and regulatory laws, today corporations exist in perpetuity - far longer than multiple human life spans. Corporations amass financial resources and real property holdings that exceed the wealth and resources of many nations, facilitating the direct and covert domination of local, national, and global politics. Absent effective public oversight and regulation; corporations foment wars, degrade the natural environment, pollute the planet with myriad carcinogenic toxic compounds, hinder and suppress public dissent and the exercise of democratic power, unduly influence public politics and governance, and set the parameters of education and achievable ambition that define societal choices and placement.
Yet as a species, we too are bound by the finite realities of nature and Earth. Despite corporate financial baselines, it behooves those in positions of wealth and power to maintain sufficient solvency of the natural environment that the viability of life is at least feasible. At present, most conservation organizations operate within societal corporate parameters determined by what is considered reasonable and realistically achievable. Incrementally over time, the natural environment is degraded and diminished until a society ultimately collapses, is conquered, and/or a new one rises elsewhere in its stead. Rome before it collapsed was concerned about deforestation and recycling, as were others before it. The rise and fall of various nation states is ultimately tied to the abundance of natural resources within its ready grasp.
Those aware of such historical patterns, and the full circle global scale of human societies and populations, realize that repetition of this past pattern cannot continue without dire consequences for not only humans, but many of the other species and ecosystems with which we evolved.
Gaia Ki endeavors to candidly acknowledge the substantive changes necessary for our species. In this era of global scale ecological degradation and rising climate change, such changes are of paramount importance. Seemingly insurmountable challenges have incrementally achievable steps. Gaia Ki educates on the need for proactive environmental protections. We utilize the societal legal and educational systems to achieve measureable results across the scope of relevant issues. By helping protect the remaining pieces of tattered nature; increasing human understanding and awareness; actively involving people and communities; celebrating wonderful living Earth in art, music, adventure, and cause celebre`s; we join in the societal rising tide toward an evolutionary paradigm upon which the quality of life, and ultimately our survival as a species depends. By letting the needs of the living Earth inspire and define our actions, instead of the ephemeral corporate-sponsored illusions of political feasibility, we chart course towards what is actually needed in this era. We welcome all to join as they may, for ultimately we are all connected; there is no "us vs. them." All people - and "all our relations" - all species of this living Earth are in this transition time of changes together. Ultimately this is about societal evolution, a healing change bringing harmony and balance for the generations yet to be.
Measureable Metrics
Measurable steps include:
• the extent and quality of the remaining natural wildlands protected;
• restoration of ecological systems, continuity, connectivity, and hydrology;
• public outreach and educational events that increase awareness of projects of concern, address underlying societal issues, and offer achievable solutions;
• helping empower people with the knowledge and motivation to come more fully into their raison de etre,` and participate actively in the decisions charting the course of democratic society;
• identifying more ecologically balanced alternatives to current societal practices, products and needs;
• encouraging inclusive conscious awareness and ecologically balanced wisdom in societal practices, products, resource and energy sources and use; promote local energy efficiency, local organic agriculture, ecological restoration, ecologically responsible economies and enterprises, and empowered informed communities;
• building effective active alliances with institutions, agencies, enterprises, arts, organizations, and individuals helping pioneer needed changes;
• monitoring the consequences of actions, assessing alternatives, and holding accountability to ecological goals and needs;
• celebrating our innate connection with all beings and ecosystems on this living Earth through arts, music, education, action, adventure and creative exploration.
Immediate Threats to Wild Nature
The region hosts a number of public lands projects that are serious threats to ecological integrity and imperiled native species. At present, most existent financially solvent conservation organizations in the region have become little more than ancillaries to government agencies and/or financially-vested corporate interests. In a growing trend, former conservation allies have instigated, endorsed, and obfuscated the growing harms of industrial activities degrading natural ecosystems, further jeopardizing already imperiled native species. There exists an emphatic need for ecological activism based not on political and financial contrivances; but based instead as Gaia Ki - on protecting and restoring the ecological integrity and flourishing biodiversity of the land.
At present, over 168,337 acres of logging are planned across Oregon's eastside public lands, directly affecting well-over 603,906 acres of forest in the focal national forests and BLM lands covered by our organization. The Umatilla, Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests are developing a revised Forest Plan that will set the direction for public lands management across these national forests' combined 5.5 million acres for the next 15 to 20 years. Travel management plans are being developed in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, affecting ORV use and impacts across over 9,000 miles of roads and trails, and are being contemplated in the Malheur National Forest. Livestock Grazing continues to be a major cause of environmental degradation, including diminished habitat and biodiversity throughout most of the region's public lands ecosystems. Excessive road densities, habitat fragmentation, and the cumulative incremental industrialization of public lands ecosystems remains a core concern needing significant curtailment to protect and restore the integrity and ecological functioning of nature. Among these current public lands issues being addressed by Gaia Ki through participation in the NEPA process, community education and involvement, judicial challenge, and/or post-project monitoring are:
• Regional logging projects:
o Deschutes National Forest: Ogden, Popper, Rim Paunina, Glaze Meadows, Flank, Deadlog, Junction, West Tumbull, Five Buttes, and EXF;
o Ochoco National Forest: Howard Elliot Johnson, Canyon, Spears, East Maury, and Upper Beaver;
o Umatilla National Forest: Wildcat II, Cobbler II, Mirage, Farley/Bruin, Potamus; S. George;
o Fremont and Winema National Forests: Deuce, Fort, Coyote;
o Malheur National Forest: Soda Bear, Damon, Jane, Galena, Dads Creek, Starr;
o Prineville BLM: Rudio Highlands;
Together these affect hundreds of thousands of acres of forest and salmonid watersystem habitats;
• Monitoring the consequences and impacts of previous recent logging and other management projects. By documenting the actual results of projects comparative to purported management objectives and rationales, we can help hold agencies accountable to their stated project goals and prevent similar harms in subsequent projects;
• Regional ORV systems and Travel Management Projects:
o Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest, and Crooked River National Grassland: the overarching Travel Management Plan affecting over 9,000 miles of roads and trails across the entirety of these public lands; Lava Rock (144,000 acres), Three Trails (93,000 acres), Meadow Lakes (9,500 acres and over a dozen lakes and wetlands), and Summit (164,000 acres) proposed ORV trail systems; and ongoing ORV impacts and issues in area recreational and community locations (McKay, Anne's Butte, etc.); the Travel Management Plan, and accompanying proposals for additional ORV trail systems would allow unmanageable ORV use resulting in extensive harms across much of these national forest lands;
o Umatilla National Forest: volunteer monitoring the implementation and impacts of the West End ORV system;
o Malheur, Fremont, and Winema National Forests: the need for Travel Management Planning NEPA process; addressing unchecked impacts of ORVs including the lack of effective enforcement on public lands, and needed restoration of impact harms;
o BLM: ORV impacts harms and lack of enforcement and restoration throughout the region's public lands;
• Regional Wilderness Integrity:
o Wilderness lands are overburdened with high recreational use due to management harms outside of limited protected areas, a scarcity of natural trails outside of wilderness, unmaintained and/or inaccessible wilderness trails, and conflicts with ORV use and degradation of natural experience outside and adjacent to wilderness;
o The need for additional wilderness designations in ecologically significant roadless and natural areas;
o The need to provide for ecological connectivity, viable biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity linking wilderness and adjoining public lands systems;
o The need for effective protection and restoration of low-land natural ecosystems to help alleviate recreational stresses on wilderness areas, and to address the seasonally limited accessibility of current wilderness designated areas - most of which are located in high elevation terrain;
• Regional Public Lands Livestock Grazing: Much of the region's public lands are grazed by livestock, causing significant harms to natural integrity, hydrology, native biodiversity, aquatic systems, and numerous imperiled species from salmon to rare plants;
• Roads: Ecosystem and habitat fragmentation due to excessive road densities, poorly maintained road systems, old logging skid trails and openings, development, and ongoing management disturbance;
• Science: Scientifically unwarranted alteration of natural disturbance patterns by ecologically inappropriate management projects. Such projects include excessive logging-thinning, unnatural burning, biomass removal, road construction, foundational soil community damaging heavy machinery, and other disruptive actions;
• Energy: Energy production inappropriately planned in ecologically significant locations, including industrial scale EGS geothermal production at the edge of Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and a number of utility and natural gas transmission routes proposed across roadless wildlands and salmonid waterways;
• Natural Sovereignty: The overall usurpation of the public NEPA process by federal agencies and authorities. This effectively precludes meaningful public and community involvement, undermining the Congressional intent of the NEPA and the ecological well-being of public lands. The arbitrary selective misuse, manipulation, and/or exclusion of relevant scientific research by federal agencies undermines the scientific integrity of agency projects, violates federal environmental policy laws, and jeopardizes regional and global ecosystems, biodiversity, and the "Gaia Ki" life force of this living Earth. Together we have the choice to aikido the domination of corporate profits and policy above the inherent natural birthright of current and future generations and species, bringing needed societal healing and a return to balance with this living wondrous Earth.
