Page 27 - 2008 DT 12 issues

the Act in 1962. But by 1970, fewer New Board Members Volunteers to the Rescue!
than 500 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles
were left in the lower 48 states. In Rosalyn Porche has by Clara Hatz
1973, the U.S. government issued the been appointed to the
Endangered Species Act, immediately board to fill the vacant ost of us think of Desert
listing the very species whose exter- Treasurer’s position. A Plants as indestructible.
mination it had originally sponsored. graduate of the University MNot illogical; they survive
On July 9, 2007, the bird was removed of New Orleans and a New in a harsh climate that fries humans,
from the Federal Endangered and Orleans native, Rosalyn obtained her and they’re engineered to survive on
Threatened list. The Bald and Golden CPA in 1984 and went to work for a very small amount of water.
Eagle Protection Act, however, con- Freeport McMoRan. She took early One of the surest ways to bring
tinues to cover both species. Eagles retirement in 1993 and moved to Las about the demise of desert horticulture
are also protected under the Migratory Vegas the following year.
Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Since living in Las Vegas, she has is to mess with it. Step on it and it will
In 1986, Congress commissioned worked for Bally Gaming Inc. and be several seasons before it recovers;
the minting of American Eagle gold Arizona Charlie’s. She was promoted drive over it and recovery is unlikely.
and silver coins. On December 23, to Controller for Becker Gaming Moving is dicey, but sometimes neces-
Inc., retiring from that position in sary, so when it is in the way of human
progress, the Caring Ones find a new
July, 2006. She likes to read, garden home and very carefully dig, transport
and hike, and of course, volunteer at and replant.
Red Rock. The cactus perching on the spot
Julia Burke has joined the Friends’
board as a director. She has been a designated for the tent set-up for the
professional photographer and videog- Visitor Center ground breaking cer-
rapher since 1988, winning awards emony are in a new home in the old
for both her black and white photogra- leach field.
phy and her video productions. In 2005 The cliffrose that came up volun-
Julia moved, with her husband Tony tarily by the 9-11 Memorial chose a
Tauber, from Atlantic City, NJ where potentially dangerous place to grow.
she was employed by Caesars Hotel It could end its life
and Casino as a video producer/direc- under a building or
tor. Although retired, she continues to under the wheels of
enjoy the technical portions of her craft construction equip-
and has embraced the digital world of ment, so, on March
th
Bald Eagle and its nest. photography, photo enhancement and 10 a select group of
design. Julia, the mother of three sons, Caring Diggers moved
and grandmother of five, holds a Bach- it to a new home.
2004, the American Bald Eagle Recov- elor of Arts from Rowan University in To save one of earth’s beauties is to
ery and National Emblem Commemo- NJ and has formal training in lighting, bring the good will of the Spirits.
rative coin was commissioned. January set and costume design from Villanova
15, 2008 saw the first American Bald University in Pennsylvania.
Eagle coins released in celebration of Once in Las Vegas, Julia was Thank you . . .
the bird’s recovery from the brink of extinc- introduced to Friends of Red Rock
tion and to commemorate the 35 anniver- Canyon. It was a perfect match and All of the photos of the
th
sary of the Endangered Species Act. she continues to volunteer, using her new visitor center ground
As more wilderness is appropri- skills in design, hospitality and digital breaking ceremony were
ated for development, the challenges photography. During the past few provided, courtesy of
in protecting these majestic birds, as years, she has developed long lasting Mark Rekshynskyj.
well as most other wildlife, will continue to friendships within the organization
mount. At least for now, eagles still reign as and a deep love and concern for the Thanks Mark!
masters of the American skies. q fragile desert.

FORRC/April/2008 Page 3