VOLUME XII, NUMBER II— SUMMER 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 1 The Wolf Stamp

waterfowl. For generations, sportsmen First, money will go for public education. Buying the wolf stamp will not stop Main Office Save a Mexican Wolf Today! have used hunting as a vehicle to Groups like the Mexican Wolf Coalition the hate or the violence, but it will 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 fund government programs dealing will be eligible for receiving grants. help us educate people and—we [email protected] • www.nmwild.org By Stephen Capra reintroduction and attitudes here in the Southwest. with habitat restoration, species Also eligible would be a filmmaker hope—combat the fear and the P.O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, NM 87125 SUMMER-FALL 2010 Executive Director protection, and the purchase of working on a documentary about wolves misinformation. It will allow streams Las Cruces Field Office 275 N. Downtown Mall Some ranching families have welcomed the return of the new lands for wildlife refuges, etc. or schools working with students to to be restored, illegal roads used by Las Cruces, NM 88001 The Mexican Gray wolf remains one of North wolf. Some have even begun to profit by opening their With such funding, sportsmen have better educate them on the importance off-road vehicles to be blocked, and, 575/527-9962 The Newsletter of the America’s most endangered species. This beautiful ranches to those who want to view wolves in the wild. garnered great political strength. of wolves to a balanced ecosystem. for our friends in Mexico, it will help Santa Fe Field Office and biologically significant animal was once reduced Second, grants will be awarded to fight back against the same voices of 341 E Alameda St Santa Fe, NM 87501 New Mexico by trappers and hunters to a total of only seven One example is the Double Circle Ranch in the Apache- In the case of the wolf stamp, hunting implement habitat restoration in wolf doubt and fear that we face here in 505/216-9719 animals, all clinging to life south of the U.S. border. Sitgrave National Forest, eighty miles south of Alpine, is not permitted. Rather, the series country on state lands, in conjunction New Mexico. The bottom line is that Wilderness Alliance Mission Statement Arizona, in the heart of the wolf recovery area. Owners of yearly commemorative stamps with the New Mexico Department of your twenty-dollar investment will The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is In 1998, after years of captive breeding, the Mexican Wilma and Doug are encouraging members of the New will be issued to raise money that Game and Fish. Finally, we want to help make clear that people in our dedicated to the protection, restoration, www.NMWild.org wolf got a second chance at life in the wild public lands Mexico Wilderness Alliance to come to their ranch and will be devoted to three areas. help the situation south of the border, state and across the country want the and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s that make up southeastern Arizona and the magnif- It is important to note that 99 percent where funds go the extra mile, so Mexican wolf to survive and thrive in wildlands and Wilderness areas. icent Gila National Forest in southern New Mexico. of all proceeds raised by the New we will extend funds to Mexican the wild public lands of the West.That, NMWA Staff The road to recovery, however, has not Mexico Wilderness Alliance from sales conservation groups like Naturalia for politicians, is frankly priceless. Albuquerque Office been easy. The wolves have faced a number of the wolf stamp will go directly to that are working to reintroduce Stephen Capra, Executive Director Nathan Newcomer, Associate Director of challenges in their recovery. protecting the Mexican wolf. This is Mexican wolves to parts of Mexico. Buy your wolf stamp today. For Tisha Broska, Development Director not a direct fundraiser for the New more information, go to our Web Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager First, there has been very vocal opposition from Mexico Wilderness Alliance but rather Five thousand wolf stamps have been site at www.nmwild.org or call Trisha London, Membership & Grassroots Assistant Craig Chapman, Special Events Coordinator many in the ranching industry and from a small a direct fundraiser for the Mexican specially created and die-cut. With your 505-843-8696 and ask for Roger. Roger Turner: Member and Volunteer Coordinator minority of people in rural communities who have wolf. The NMWA will create a small support, we can raise $100,000 dollars Please help us by sharing this article Leona Morgan, Native Nations Liason seemingly chosen a philosophy of fear when it committee, made up of staff and for the Mexican wolf through the sale of with friends and family and with other Rachael Freund, Bureau Chief comes to Mexican wolves. In parts of southern Board members, that will determine the stamp. As conservationists, we can conservation groups across the country. Carlsbad Office New Mexico, billboards show grisly images of to what organizations or to which also develop the political influence that Money raised goes directly to supporting Steve West, Staff Scientist animals killed by wolves, and children have “wolf proposals the monies raised will go. comes with directly funding important efforts to protect the Mexican wolf. Las Cruces Office protected” bus stop enclosures, which ridiculously wildlife and restoration issues. Jeff Steinborn, Southern Director resemble large chicken coops. Many wolves Nathan Small, Wilderness Protection Coordinator have been shot, while the pressure on elected Santa Fe Office Demis Foster, Community Partnership Dir. representatives by this vocal minority continues Northern New Mexico to hurt recovery efforts and leave politicians wary John Olivas, Northern Director of speaking out in favor of wolf protection. Silver City Office We’ll Miss Governor Richardson Kim McCreery, Outreach Coordinator Instead of a biological debate, this has become a cultural debate, framed by a perceived loss of Board of Directors control or power by some opponents. The radical by Stephen Capra The Governor is a true sportsman, who the political climate was right. You Jim Hickerson, Cedar Crest, NM (Chair) Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM (Vice-Chair) and financially strong Paragon Foundation, based knows how to handle the reigns of always understood this was not about Nancy Morton, Albuquerque, NM (Secretary) in Alamogordo, for example, is an organization For the past eight years, New Mexicans a horse as easily as he pushed forth politics, but more a question of our Nancy Murray, Albuquerque, NM (Co-Treasurer) Tripp Killin, Albuquerque, NM (Co-Treasurer) that focuses on selling off our public lands and have enjoyed a real conservation important legislation in the past eight moral fiber as a community and a Rick C. Aster, Socorro, NM pushes a “sagebrush rebellion” mentality. They champion in Governor Richardson. In years. We can only now say thank state. One thing is clear, you coura- Ken Cole, Albuquerque, NM a state use to the oil and gas industry you Governor Richardson. You have Esther Garcia, Questa, NM have led the charge to eradicate the wolf from geous stances will be sorely missed, Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM our public lands. Many ranchers seem to fear making the rules, Governor Richardson been a real leader; never afraid to and we wish you continued success Brooke Williams, Moab, UT has taken many courageous stands. speak out on important conservation Gary Glenn Hartwick, Roswell, NM financial ruin or increased government control, and hope you will remain a strong David Soules, Las Cruces, NM despite programs designed to provide restitution Who could forget the wonderful day at issues, and never waiting to see if voice for wilderness and wildlife. Doug Chinn, Albuquerque, NM the Kimo Theater back in 2004 when Dave Wheelock, Santa Fe, NM for cattle killed by wolves and the fact that many of have even offered free stays in return for your help Claire Long, Questa, NM them graze their cattle on federally owned land. the Governor made clear that he would with work projects on the ranch. These projects include Read about Governor Richardson’s environ- anything from stream restoration to creating butterfly not tolerate any drilling in Otero Mesa? Advisory Council mental accomplishments on page 20 Phil Carter, Albuquerque, NM Wolves have been part of the Southwest for thousands of gardens. As ranch owners, they have accepted the Dave Foreman, Albuquerque, NM years. It was only after the arrival of white settlers that wolf, and they give us all hope that a middle ground In the following year, Governor Bob Howard, Santa Fe, NM Richardson again stood up to the oil Rick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM they became imperiled. Sadly, Manifest Destiny proved between ranchers and wolves can be found, allowing Randy Gray, Missoula, MT fatal for the wolf. Since that time, with the support of the one to maintain their way of life and the other to live. and gas industry. His administration Jim Baca, Albuquerque, NM worked to pass common sense government, a war has been waged on predator animals, Newsletter Staff regulations, such as the Waste Pit April is a great time to visit Otero Mesa; from grizzly bears to cougars, from wolves to coyotes. More than ten years into the wolf recovery effort, wolves Nathan Newcomer, Managing Editor various yucca, cacti and wildflowers It seems that the myths of killer wolves continue to are being shot—three more in recent times—with Rule. This regulation came about after Joe Adair, Design Editor are in spectacular bloom be passed down from generation to generation. law enforcement seemingly stymied in its attempts the state Oil Conservation Division Hilary Handelsman, Copy Editor to gain information to stop such cruel acts by a small released a report documenting nearly contents Here in the Southwest, cows often spend all year on band of zealots. And the rhetoric continues to sharpen. 1,000 cases of groundwater contami- the range. This is different from ranching in the north, From our perspective, wolves belong in the wild, and nation due to oil and gas operations. What is Wilderness? Doña Ana County Update 04 where harsh winters require that cows be moved we will continue to defend and promote their right Since that time, the Governor has 1872 Mining Act 05 into lower pastures, necessitating more oversight by to coexist. Our public lands belong to all Americans, repeatedly shown leadership in The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness El Rio Grande del Norte Update 07 ranchers. In New Mexico, one can often find a dead helping to protect the Valle Vidal; not just those who raise cattle or mine the ground Preservation System to preserve Get Out There 08 cow on public land where, for weeks, an absentee for oil and gas. Our vote is for the wolf, wild and free water protections for the state and using the bully pulpit to speak out the last remaining wildlands in Let’s Talk 09 rancher has not checked a herd of cows left on the and once again proclaiming the West as home. America. The Wilderness Act, as for wildlife, wilderness and Global Stewart Udall 10 range. The result is that animals, including wolves, feed federal policy, secures “an enduring Climate Change. More than anything Billion Dollar Cure? 11 upon a dead carcass and develop a taste for cattle. Their freedom represents the maturation of people and resource of wilderness” for the the Governor has been open and OMNIBUS 12 There remain solutions, however, including spreading communities and their relationship to the land. Most people. Wilderness is defined as lime on the dead carcass to keep wildlife away. In responsive to the concerns of the an area that has primarily been NM Laws 14 important, it represents a new relationship with wildlife. European countries, where wolves continue to coexist In an effort to combat assaults on the Mexican wolf conservation community. He has affected by the forces of nature with OTERO MESA NATIONAL MONUMENT 15 with humans, owners more closely monitor cows, and its habitat, the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance taken the time to meet with and the imprint of humans substantially All Things Are Connected 19 dogs are used to herd, and compensation is given to decided to use the concept of the U.S. Duck Stamp, a hear our concerns – something unnoticeable. It is an area that offers outstanding opportunity for solitude Governor Richardson 20 ranchers for the number of predators found on their commemorative stamp designed to generate revenue that has been in short supply from Indigenous Connection 22 recent New Mexico Governors. or a primitive or unconfined type of lands. There is thus an incentive to allow even more for wetland habitat and species restoration. Hunters recreation, and an area that contains Missing B 23 predators. Such proven methods could revolutionize purchase the duck stamp in order to hunt ducks and ecological, geological, or other Lighthawk 26 features of scientific, educational, New Staff 26 scenic, or historical value. UNM Wild 27 Page 2 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 3 Securing America While Protecting Public Lands—An Exercise in Collaboration and Cooperation No More Wilderness Excuses

By Don Paterson our border security. Even though the one item ironically saying the Organ man’s staff spent countless hours with Potrillo Mountains are a vast and pristine Mountains and local public lands didn’t each rancher talking about their needs by Ron Colburn have governed, to varying degrees, how the Department of Interior, the Department There can be no compromise in securing It has been five years since the debate ecosystem—not easily crossed by illegal measure up to “pure wilderness.” and, most times, making adjustments federal agencies conduct their missions of Agriculture, and the Department of America against those who would do about wilderness in Doña Ana County immigrants or drug smugglers, Senators Incredibly, they contradicted themselves to the legislation to accommodate their on public lands and federally owned Homeland Security, which was signed in us harm. But commonsense solutions began in earnest. These discussions Bingaman and Udall have taken the extra by both criticizing wilderness as being expressed concerns. In total, the Senators In consideration of the markup of S. 1689, lands. Whether it is a U.S. military base 2006. This document has since served as can be achieved. I believe that the have taken many twists and turns over step of creating a security zone along their too restrictive on ranchers while removed miles and miles of ranching the “Organ MountainsDesert Peaks or a strip of road along the border with the baseline for interagency cooperation collaborative process can produce the years but, thankfully, have resulted southern border that the Commissioner for simultaneously saying, “if only these infrastructure from the bill, even though Wilderness Act,” a bill to be considered Mexico or Canada, these laws apply. among those departments. It took us righteous outcomes in protecting in the development of a sound and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Alan areas were bigger and had fewer roads, wilderness designation would not have widely-supported proposal for protecting Bersin, calls an “enhancement” to the we would support it.” We see this same impacted or impaired their operations. before the U.S. Senate, I want to over two years to hammer out that America while also protecting our sensitive wildands in our community. As a Border Patrol’s current ability to monitor disingenuous double speak today. commend Senators Bingaman and Udall We also must uphold the Immigration and Memorandum, and, while it hasn’t pleased pristine wildlands. In my opinion, S.1689 wilderness supporter, I have been proud to this area. In plain speak, Commissioner Closing Thought for their efforts to forge legislation that Nationality Act, the U.S. code of criminal everyone all the time, it has been essential demonstrates that this can be done. participate in a diverse coalition of organi- Bersin’s comments mean that, if we In what can only be called a revolving works to protect both our international conduct, customs laws pertaining to in working out the tough challenges in zations and citizens who have fought for pass the Organ Mountains – Desert door of excuses to oppose wilderness, I wholeheartedly agree that it would be border with Mexico and our nationally tariffs and trade, drug enforcement laws, effectively administering our nation’s laws. There may be times where Wilderness the central vision of protecting the Organ Peaks Wilderness Act, we are actually it was only relatively recently that nice if all the stakeholders in Doña Ana valuable wilderness resources. weapons trafficking laws, counterter- designation is not the best pathway. Many Mountains and nearby public lands. There improving our current border security. If wilderness opponents have tried to settle County were in complete agreement with rorism laws, and the Homeland Security To deter illicit cross-border trafficking is to of these lands are already well protected has been a lot of information disseminated we don’t pass this bill, we are allowing the on border security as their Trojan horse each other on every single issue, but This bill is clearly the end product of many Act. At times, these national priorities can deter environmental degradation—it’s as by federal regulations yet still provide to the public recently with regard to the objections of an extreme ideological few, to stop wilderness protection for the that is not reality. We cannot control hours of consultative work, numerous come into conflict, and it is incumbent simple as that, in many instances. There access to our ranchers, sportsmen, hikers, Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks legis- like Mr. Cooper, to undermine and prevent Organ Mountains, Potrillos, and other the behavior of others, particularly of meetings, and the collaborative efforts on leadership in these lation sponsored by Senators Bingaman this enhancement to our border security. important public lands. Like the other those who have made an ironclad bond of those who legislate, those who protect agencies, back in DC and Udall—sadly, some has been arguments before it, we should not buy it. to fight any and all wilderness legislation. our precious, publicly stewarded lands, and on the ground, intentionally misleading and misguided Fear Tactics The vast majority of stakeholders are and those who ultimately protect the to coordinate and at best. Given this deluge of conflicting A Story of Compromise in consensus supporting this important homeland. It is apparent to me that collaborate in order both views, it would be understandable if many Since the Border Patrol has said the Organ legislation, and recent polling shows that the people—our American public, that to secure the border and folks are confused about the “real story.” Mountains – Desert Peaks Wilderness Act Since the beginning of this wilderness a very high majority of local residents is—have been the sounding board for protect our treasured will improve our border security, why are protection effort, middle ground has been are comfortable with the proposal. the intended positive outcomes of S. natural resources. I am writing to address key facts about the opponents of this legislation still trying sought, concessions have been made, By any standard, this is as high a 1689, and all walks, “both sides of the the legislation, S. 1689, specifically to convince us it will lead to mayhem? As and compromises have been achieved. threshold of support as any wilderness fence”—no pun intended—have been When I began to meet comments made in recent op-eds talking the old saying goes, “consider the source.” Important agreements were reached with bill passed across our great country, consulted, including the ranching and frequently with our about border security and wilderness. sportsmen regarding roads and access agricultural community; environmental partners from state and Recently, at several forums, wilderness throughout the protected lands. Compro- I am proud to say this has been an and wildlife conservationist nongovern- federal land management Since the beginning of this debate, opponents stated flatly that “we should mises were made and a subsequent incredibly inclusive process that has mental organizations (NGOs), and staunch entities in the late 1990s, wilderness opponents have used every not have any protected lands within 100 agreement was reached with the former brought about important compromises supporters of protection of our borders I served as a represen- excuse in the book to fight any wilderness miles of the border.” If such a ridiculous Las Cruces Homebuilders Association and historic legislation. Wilderness will and enforcement of our land’s laws. tative of the Department protection in our county. Now, even as one size fits all policy were enacted, Board of Directors that their press release be one of Doña Ana County’s best and of Justice and later the the head of the U.S. Customs and Border our country would immediately have to at the time called “historic.” Through most enduring legacies. As for border I have been reflecting recently on the Department of Homeland Protection has issued a letter stating close White Sands National Monument, Senators Bingaman and Udall, extensive security, this bill will make things better. progression of public and interagency Security. I am now retired, that the Organ Mountains – Desert the Gila Wilderness, Big Bend National outreach, collaboration, and compromises Don’t take my word for it, listen to the collaboration and cooperation that I have and in retirement find an Peaks Wilderness Act would enhance the Park, and the Guadalupe Mountains were reached involving everything from words of the Border Patrol’s leadership witnessed during a decade and more of interest in continuing the security on our border, the fear tactics National Park. Have you heard about any flood control to power and gas lines. and local staff: “The provisions in this this kind of much-needed dialogue. During necessary public dialogue continue. It’s time that we understand of these places being illegal immigration bill would significantly enhance the the past thirty-one years, I have served as and supporting ongoing interagency are many miles of publicly stewarded and law enforcement. The one group the real facts about this bill, as well as or drug smuggling corridors? Given Back in 2006, every single affected flexibility of the U.S. Customs and Border a member of the federal law enforcement collaboration. I am happy to borrow a lands that are abutted by and are adjacent that absolutely does not respect laws about the agenda and history of those that this radical position of local wilderness rancher was also reached out by Protection (CBP) to operate in this border community tasked with protecting quote from a top-level border security to the international boundary of the United or the lands that the laws are designed have opposed all wilderness protection opponents, no form of protection of the wilderness proponents. Instead of area” – Alan Bersin, Commissioner of the America at its sovereign frontiers. I have executive who in part recently stated: States. In Arizona alone, where I served to protect is the criminal element—the in this county from the beginning. Potrillo Mountains would satisfy their responding to that outstretched hand, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. learned much from my partners in land as a Chief Patrol Agent, one can find cross-border traffickers; the smugglers. extreme argument short of defeating this opposing ranchers and off-roaders called stewardship, such as the Department of With regard to … concern for Senate national monuments, national wildlife They will do whatever it takes to further Border Facts legislation in its entirety. Of course, this wilderness supporters “eco-terrorists” It’s time we move beyond the revolving Interior’s Bureau of Land Management, Bill 1689, the Organ MountainsDesert refuges, Native American tribal lands, their criminal schemes; deterioration is the ultimate goal of this fear tactic. and attempted to spread the same door of excuses and fear, and all get the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish Peaks Wilderness Act, please know that U.S. military training ranges and bases, of public lands and resources does not First off, it’s vitally important that Doña malicious and unfounded innuendo about behind this historic legislation. and Wildlife Service, along with the U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman’s staff made federally protected riparian areas, water enter their equations. In this, we can be Ana County residents be presented A History of Excuses our support for wilderness designation Forest Service of the Department of significant efforts to incorporate the needs boundaries, federally leased farmlands, united, and in this we can find balance. with a few basic facts about the border. that they are now spreading about Don Patterson, Vice-President of Back The most important is that we have The wilderness opponents’ organization, border security. Their choice then, Country Horsemen of America, Lower Agriculture. Most important, I learned of the Border Patrol and national security and U.S. forest lands. Over 90 percent relatively little illegal immigration that People for Preserving Our Western as it is now, was to fight and to call Rio Grande Chapter. Mr. Patterson that when we all worked together into the maps and verbiage associated of the sector in which I served as Chief, I look forward to further pursuit of this occurs in the county and, specifically, Heritage (PFPOWH), had a very different people names. In spite of their often has been a registered Republican constructively, we were able to get with the bill. We believe that it is now the Yuma Sector, contained federally noble cause: the interagency process of very little that entails crossing the tone for much of this five-year debate. belligerent behavior, Senator Binga- since President Eisenhower. things done and serve our country well. crafted in such a way as to allow good stewarded lands along the border. collaboration and cooperation achieving Potrillo Mountains, one of the proposed For most of this time, their total visibility of the border and installation access and balance in securing our wilderness areas. This has been opposition to wilderness was In reviewing the proposed legislation, of technology and tactical infrastructure In order to accomplish this dual task, we border and our natural heritage. repeatedly established by the Border reflected in their proposed plan to and its most recent amendment (s), I where needed proximal to the border. need to keep in mind the importance of Patrol. The landscape is very rugged REMOVE wilderness protections from am pleased to see how the leaders of “access” and “balance.” In short, the U.S. and unforgiving and there is no water. EVERY Wilderness Study Area in Doña the various entities have recognized “Collaboration” and “cooperation” are Border Patrol needs access to the border- Note: Ron Colburn is the former national Ana County including in the Organ the shared interests and even parallel, two words that I rely on heavily when it lands and beyond to protect the American Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol; Secondly, the Potrillo Mountains are Mountains. Their plan also mandated shared missions of protecting public comes to protecting America, and they people, infrastructure, and public lands. he retired in November 2009 after over already a Wilderness Study Area (WSA) a SELL-OFF of 65,000 acres of land lands while protecting the border- are especially applicable in regards to Section 287 of the Immigration and Nation- thirty-one years of service. He represents and, as such, have been managed as if a for “community growth.” PFPOWH’s lands. While it is not a perfect world, the great debates on wilderness versus ality Act provides language allowing law the third of four generations in his wilderness area since 1980. This desig- main partner at the time, the Las and pleasing everyone all the time is non-wilderness restrictions at and near enforcers to go anywhere, within twenty- family who chose a career in protecting nation and the area’s management have Cruces 4 Wheel Drive Club, even improbable, I can see the “stretch” that the borderlands. I am pleased to have five miles of the border, in the conduct of America’s borders. He also served never been stated to be a detriment to went so far as to publish a list of leaders are making, in order to do more observed the missions of the individual their duties. In turn, this must be balanced as the Director for Law Enforcement, our border security by either the ranchers all the reasons wilderness was bad to understand each other’s missions. agencies evolve over the years, as they with the Wilderness Act requirements that Homeland Security Council, Executive or the Border Patrol. Only after every for our county, stating comically recognize where their interests actually prohibit motorized vehicular access on Office of the President, the White other argument failed, are the wilderness that “we don’t need wilderness on The unintended clash of our federal laws meet and even overlap in some places. certain lands along and near the border, House. He now serves as a consultant opponents trying to fabricate this concern. both sides of our community.” has proven at times to be a challenge over which can be challenging to national with the Command Consulting Group, the past couple of decades. The National I am proud of the fact that I played a security needs, if not addressed in a delib- Washington, DC. He resides in Arizona. Finally, according to the head of Border For their part, People for Western Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered leadership role in drafting the national erate, intelligent, and cooperative manner. Patrol, the Organ Mountains – Desert Heritage also published their own Species Act, and the Wilderness Act Memorandum of Understanding between Peaks Wilderness Act will actually improve anti-wilderness laundry list, with

Page 4 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 5 Rio Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act

By John Olivas Northern NM Director

The campaign to designate the El Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Representative Luján and his staff have Drowning in the Area has been ongoing for a number met extensively with local ranchers, of years, and after much groundwork, conservationists, and other constituents things are moving forward in a very from traditional communities to ensure Nineteenth Century positive direction. The idea of protecting that the land and its traditional uses the vast landscapes of north central are honored and preserved for future New Mexico, which contain one of the generations. The legislation will protect By Nathan Newcomer first National Wild and Scenic Rivers (the tribal and traditional economic rights, Associate Director It would seem like common sense to Rio Grande), has been around since the including New Mexicans’ access to the reform this Civil Warera law so that it late 1980s, when Bill Richardson was land for grazing and the harvesting of It’s hard to imagine what the American reflects the common concerns of those a congressman. It is often the case in piñon nuts, wild herbs, and firewood. landscape would look like today who live in the American West today. But conservation and wilderness work that The bill also limits motorized vehicles without Stewart Udall, the legendary efforts to drag this nineteenth-century legislation to preserve our most majestic to designated roads, which can be interior secretary who recently passed way of thinking into the twenty-first places can take several years, and expanded if necessary. away after a lifetime of championing century have often collapsed under sometimes, decades. conservation. Well before the modern the pressure of the mining industry. Through this legislation, a major environmental movement came of age, Today, that idea is one step closer section of public land in northern New Udall was responsible for scores of new Over the past five years, mining claims to being realized. On May 18, 2010, Mexico will take the next step toward national parks and wildlife refuges, as for uranium, gold, and other metals on Congressman Ben Ray Luján introduced becoming permanently protected. well as laws that remain fundamental to public lands have increased almost 50 a bill in the House (HR 5334) to protect Neighboring public lands that are known public land protection today. Upon his percent. Many of these new claims— must next go through committee and When he introduced the Rio Grande 235,980 acres in northern New Mexico. to many, including the Latir Wilderness, departure from the Cabinet in 1969, Mr. staked largely by foreign-owned then through markup. The New Mexico del Norte National Conservation Area The El Rio Grande del Norte National the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, the Udall wrote, “After eight years in this companies—lie near national treasures Wilderness Alliance is working closely Establishment Act, Congressman Luján Conservation Area Establishment Act Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study office, I have come to the conclusion such as the Grand Canyon, as well as with New Mexico congressional staff and stated that “New Mexico’s culture, is a companion measure to legislation Area, the Pecos Wilderness, and the that the most important piece of highly populated urban areas and sacred Washington DC staff to make sure that tradition, and land are parts of our introduced last year by Senators Jeff famous Valle Vidal, remind us that we unfinished business on the nation’s lands like New Mexico’s Mount Taylor. these two things happen. At that point, unique history that we must pass on to have a proud tradition in our state of resource agenda is the complete Bingaman and Tom Udall. HR 5334 the bill will be packaged into a National future generations. Today, I’m proud to conserving our wildest landscapes. replacement of the Mining Law of 1872.” During the last Congress, updating was introduced to protect a huge Omnibus Lands Package Bill, which we take another step towards preserving The protection of the Rio Grande del the measure seemed close at hand area in north central New Mexico that are expecting will occur in late 2010. A our culture, tradition, and land while Norte National Conservation Area would 1872 was a time when the country when the House passed a bipartisan encompasses the Rio Grande Gorge, similar bill, which protected the 16,030- ensuring that New Mexicans can enjoy add to a chain of public lands that will was expanding west. Cattlemen, reform package. Hopes were dimmed, Cerro del Yuta Mountain (Ute Mountain: acre Sabinoso Wilderness (located in the bounty of the land for generations to be preserved and passed on to future prospectors, and those seeking to however, when a handful of powerful proposed Wilderness—13,415 Acres), eastern San Miguel County), was passed come.” generations. start a new life set out across the vast mining companies derailed it in the and the Rio San Antonio Wilderness by Congress and signed by President prairies of the heartland and began Senate. This time around, the heads Study Area (proposed Wilderness—7,992 Barack Obama on March 24, 2009. Congressman Luján’s bill (HR 5334) settling in the Rocky Mountains. It of both natural resources committees, acres). was a year when President Ulysses S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Grant enacted the General Mining Act Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV), of 1872, which encouraged citizens to are trying once more to modernize stake claim to the land and flourish. the law, each with his own proposal to require the industry to pay royalties May 10 marked the 137-year anniversary and address abandoned mine cleanup. of this archaic mining law and the lack of any sensible policy provisions Not surprisingly, the Bingaman bill Bent Wildlife Retreat that will ensure the preservation of enjoys the backing of Senator Tom New Mexico’s wildlands, wildlife, and Udall (D-NM) and Senator Mark Udall water quality. Of all the states in the (D-CO)—Stewart’s son and nephew, Bent Wildlife Retreat is nestled in the Author, naturalist, and environmental West, New Mexico is one of the most respectively. Yet this may not be enough. tiny hamlet of Bent, New Mexico, 6,000 activist Steve West was delighted to heavily impacted by the 1872 law. feet above sea level in the Sacramento hear that the Retreat has a distinguished Senate majority leader Harry Reid, who Mountains overlooking White Sands resident—a Crucifixion Thorn. In his The United States of America is the only represents Nevada—home to one of National Monument and the Tularosa wonderful book, Northern Chihuahuan country in the world that does not tax the largest producers of gold in the Basin. Situated in a rich transition zone, Desert Wildflowers, West states that the mining industry a royalty fee for world—recently said that, while he the Retreat is a mixture of piñon- this shrub “seems to be in decline, juniper woodland and plains and desert with the generation of young plants developing our public lands. Taxpayers favors reform, there is not enough time grasslands; it also shares the pine rare.” The giant Crown of Thorns at face a $50 billion cleanup bill from this on this year’s congressional calendar forests of the Mescalero Apache Indian the Retreat is birthing babies that industry, which releases more toxic for its consideration. The Obama admin- law into the twenty-first century, and Reservation and Lincoln National Forest. bloom with flowers and berries. pollution than any other. Today global istration, which declared last summer New Mexico alone has over 21,500 to bring about real changes that secure Its diversified terrain of rich bottom The Retreat is a unique alternative to a bed industries reap benefits while paying that updating the mining law is one of its active mining claims, in addition to an our future quality of life. The American land, meadows, ridges, and mountains and breakfast, and its proprietor, Styve the preservation of Otero Mesa. virtually nothing for what the Congres- top conservation priorities, also appears and is eager to share this enchanted estimated 15,000 abandoned mines. West can ill afford another year of the boasts over 125 types of wildflowers, Homnick, will be donating a percentage There is room for two to four volunteers sional Budget Office estimates is $1 reluctant to tackle the issue right now. Most of these abandoned mines have spot with those who can appreciate it. mining industry continuing to take cacti, trees, and grasses and numerous of the proceeds to the New Mexico The Retreat offers food and accom- at a time, year-round. The accom- billion worth of precious metals taken not been inventoried to document priority over our wildlands, wildlife, animals, including ringtail cats, deer, Wilderness Alliance. Styve is a native modations in return for several kinds of modations are artful, comfortable, each year from public lands in the West. Almost a quarter of our nation, or some potential threats to water quality caused and water. Stewart Udall had it right elk, coyotes, and mountain lions. This of New York City, who came across the work, which include soil conservation and newly renovated, with three guest 270 million acres, is open to hard rock by toxic leakage, in spite of the fact that back in 1969, when he said that we land was once part of a famous ranch, country forty years ago to live and work by removing invasive weeds, restoring rooms and plenty of bathrooms. Meals Put plainly—the interests of mining mining claims. Public land is in jeopardy 40 percent of Western watersheds have need “complete replacement” of the established in 1865 by Andrew Wilson, with the neighboring Apache for five years. native grasses, posting fences with are not only delicious but healthy, trump those of water, wildlife, and as never before, due to soaring mineral been contaminated by mining activities. General Mining Act of 1872, and his which hosted Billy the Kid and Apache Moving back to New York was a blessing No Hunting signs, house renova- too. (Styve is a culinary artist.) wilderness, and the taxpayer is stuck prices. In the past six years, gold prices words still ring just as true today. leaders and was a secret distillery and a curse. He was an eyewitness to Call Styve at 575-937-8044, or e-mail with footing the bill for cleaning up any have doubled, and the global demand tions, photo documentation, creating It is time for New Mexico’s congres- during the prohibition era. Even the local 9/11, since he lived only several blocks a map of trails and landmarks, and, him at [email protected] and let him messes left behind after the industry for nuclear fuel has spiked the price sional delegation to lead the country folk describe this place as magical. away. Knowing the healing powers of last but not least, campaigning for know you are a NMWA volunteer. has pulled up stake and left town. of uranium ore by a factor of ten. on dragging this archaic, Civil Warera nature, he escaped the wilds of Manhattan

Page 6 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 7 Big Bend was the NMWA’s first event ecotourism works. These are good people of 2010 and our first ever in Texas. But who care for the land because, pure and the story I remember was about the simple, they care. They are doing a great people of Boquillas, Mexico. Ever since job in a beautiful place. But the real reason the creation of the park in 1944, part of to go is that Wilma’s stories are a hoot. the richness of visiting the park was to have a resident of Boquillas row you to their quaint little village across the river. There you would enjoy a homemade taco Pecos Wilderness by Craig Chapman a few observations about some and an ice-cold Corona and buy some —A Letter from the Range— of the people we have met, and trinkets (scorpions, cacti) handcrafted Backpack We are over halfway finished with the potential alliances we have by the residents. Since 9/11 the border June 23–26, 2010 the year and over three-quarters developed, and some we may has been closed, even in Big Bend. The finished with our projects. The New develop further. The following are residents of Boquillas now shout “hola” First I need to thank the Backcountry Dear New Mexico Wilderness and quantity of our water good and the soil are raising a generation of people with Just come with an open mind, plenty of Mexico Wilderness Alliance does just a few stories from this year. and wave sadly from across the river. Horsemen Association (BCHA) for taking Alliance Members, healthy, the diversity of plant and wildlife no connection to the land. Why would questions and (we hope) some answers, projects for a variety of reasons. Not only is there a financial impact (the in all our food on Tuesday and then will be there. Since we have eliminated someone whose closest wilderness and work gloves. It certainly isn’t going There is land protection and village is becoming a ghost town), but, as returning on Sunday to remove our stuff. I am about to upset some of you—I run some species, like wolves, we may have to experience is watching Wild Kingdom to hurt either ranchers or environmental restoration, and wildlife inventories. the park rangers told us, border security They did this with a smile and a slicker. CATTLE on PUBLIC LAND. Furthermore, reintroduce them into the ecosystem. All on television have the same love of the groups to work together. Really, we are But building alliances—after all, it Big Bend January 22-26, 2010 has suffered. The locals from Boquillas It may be hot and dry everywhere else, I have talked a perfectly good husband parties concerned in the reintroduction of land and desire to preserve and protect it a lot alike. Let’s combine forces and see is part of our name—is at the very used to tell the park rangers anything and but it will rain in the Pecos Wilderness. into joining me, and I have collaborated a species should be able to express their possessed by those of us fortunate enough what good we can do for the environment. top of the list. The following are everything. If anything out of the ordinary Wednesday it poured, but thanks to Sara with our ranching neighbors to the views and have their concerns addressed to live or spend time in remote areas? We surely can accomplish much more on happened on their side of the river, they let Naegle, most of us were warm and dry in north, Jim and Clarice Holder, in running respectfully. There is no reason that Remember, these couch potato folks do the ground working together than in some it be known, to protect the tourist trade. Beatty’s Cabin. Sara works for the Forest these cattle on almost 48,000 acres people and other predators cannot coexist. vote. We must build on the innate need stuffy courtroom. Besides, Double Circle That exchange of information no longer Service, and at 5’2” and 110 pounds, of predominantly United States Forest We need to find a way to make this coexis- of humankind to be in the wild places of Ranch is right in the middle of some of the happens. Maybe in the future we will do she will out-carry, out-hike, and do more Service land. But don’t quit reading. tence the rule instead of an abnormality. the country. People need to see the value prettiest country in the United States. It a fundraiser for the folks in Boquillas? work than you when she gets there. She But we just concentrate on soil and water. of a beautiful forest and the wildlife it is a page from the past with 100 percent Otero Mesa I is amazing, and she is the future of the Every inch of this land is special to us. As my partner, Jim Holder, said in a recent supports as tangible and worthwhile— off-grid, close-to-Ma-Nature living. We are September 24–26 Forest Service. It was pouring down rain We use our Texas longhorn herd as an erosion control workshop at the ranch, not just a potential subdivision. proud to live and work here. And we know one afternoon. All the teams had returned environmental tool. We herd almost daily. the soil is our wealth. The roads may cost that we will leave this landscape in better On this visit to Otero Mesa, we will be joined by grasslands photographer Michael because of the weather, except for Sara. Berman. We will be exploring several of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance’s Birding in We monitor our forage production and more if proper drainages are installed, Thanks for reading the whole article. shape than it was when we came here. It was getting dark, and we went to utilization, and the amount of ground but that is only money. The wealth is Double Circle Longhorns, LLC is a work Wilderness Inventory areas within Otero Mesa, documenting the various animal and Catron County look for her. About a mile into the trail, plant species that occur within these roadless units. We will also be taking many cover and diversity of plant species on the dirt. Without soil, we have nothing. in progress. We are always learning and [email protected] May 7-9, 2010 we saw her coming down, whistling. the ranch. Our cattle live out their natural open to suggestions. Come visit—stay photographs through the weekend and participating in discussions about land She is in her element in wilderness. photography with Mr. Berman. lifespan free and are not raised for beef. In case you are wondering how we make a and help if you can. When something We did the first North American migration Wilderness is in her soul, in her heart. They are our soil improvement team. Their living ranching without selling beef—well doesn’t get done as well as I would like, it count ever done in Catron County. Helping Meet her, and you will understand. Fall is the perfect time of year to see Otero Mesa’s grasslands blooming. job is to get rid of old grass, permitting ,sometimes we wonder, too. We have is generally due to having more work than with this project were fourteen girls and new, healthy growth; to break up crusted a small-scale ecotourism business, daylight. We have room in our bunkhouse their teachers from Zuni High School. On The project Sara and the NMWA We will provide breakfast both Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast will consist of fruit, soils, allowing for water percolation; and we conduct classes in birding, art, for two people and can use a hand. Chores that day we compiled a list of over one volunteers were working on is wilderness and to fertilize and till the ground, photography, erosion control, wilderness here include recycling old pipe, removing granola, and yogurt. We will also be providing dinner on Saturday. Dinner will consist hundred species. They were very well stewardship. This project is ongoing. of green chili chicken enchiladas prepared in a Dutch oven. encouraging plants to cover bare soil. survival, etc. Plus we can do custom ranch old barbed wire and other metals, never- informed. Some of them had tabbed all There are three components: vacations, trail rides, cattle drives, team- ending trash pickup, herding cattle, adding the species we were looking for in the Contact: Our job is to herd the cattle, increase building challenges, and family retreats. solar, wind, and hydro power, checking Peterson Field Guide. Their enthusiasm 1. Campsite inventories. You carry public awareness and involvement in This not only helps pay the bills, it fence, building erosion control Nathan Newcomer was palpable. Picture fourteen future one of our Trimble GPS units and [email protected]. conservation issues, and to make gets people involved and structures, doing invasive conservationists, binoculars pressed to record the campsites you find. our rangeland healthier every learning. We as plant studies, adding to their eyes, eagerly scanning the trees Driving distance: 5½ hours from Albuquerque year. We strive to be a model a culture the bird list—there is looking for birds. From memory one 2. Invasive plant inventories. Clip of sustainable agriculture and no end of projects. young woman did a perfect imitation of a sample; seal it in a plastic bag; education. Our cattle are part of a Western meadowlark, and for once write the GPS coordinates on the our workforce. Herding means Otero Mesa II Steve West was speechless. On Sunday bag; return it to the Forest Service October 15–17 that we keep our longhorns in a Steve and I were compiling the totals or the NMWA for verification. group and move them regularly from the sheets the girls had handed in. Please join us for this very dynamic trip to Otero Mesa as we collaborate with to new areas. It is a full-time job In the comment section at the bottom 3. Solitude surveys. Keep track of what year-round. By herding we have artists, scholars, and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance team, in examining and of one amazingly detailed sheet, one you run into on the trail. Example: man, evaluating the extraordinary inventory of rock art found there. We will be shooting a accomplished several things. Our with all the blanks filled in, was written, woman, and a dog off-leash. This is useful predator loss is small, and we have documentary video featuring renowned rock art expert Jerry Brody, who along with “Penguins, too many to count.” information on all trails, all the time. his former University of New Mexico colleague, John Wenger, will discuss and develop never had a confirmed wolf kill on themes concerning the importance of this site and how these cultural aspects fit into the Double Circle. We are with the There are trails still left to do herd almost every day, so we know the ongoing efforts to establish a National Monument for this exceptional, southern in the Pecos. They are: desert grassland. We will also be joined by Jane Brody, an expert in Botanology. where the grazing is too heavy or too Double Circle Ranch, light. We move the cattle to graze for Bordio del Medio optimum range health. Range that is This pristine area will be lush and inviting at this time of year and we plan to celebrate Alpine Arizona Valdez the occasion with great Dutch oven meals and lively interaction with the various over or undergrazed loses vigor. We April 16-18, 2010 Valle Medio are out on the land and are actively environments around Alamo Mountain. Our guide, Nathan Newcomer, along with Hermits Peak resident plant specialist Steve West, will also be helping us realize certain relation- working to make it as productive as I would strongly encourage all NMWA Poreviner Divide possible for wildlife as well as livestock. ships about the plants that are current vestiges of these earlier visitors to the Alamo members to visit this ranch and get to Hollinger mountain complex. We will also be looking into the mysteries of the rock rings found know these folks. Doug and Wilma Jenkins Chaves Since I have potentially offended some of there and perhaps speculate as to their importance and place in our larger mission to and Jim and Clarisse Holder are partners Beaver Creek preserve this extraordinary area. you, I may as well upset some ranchers, in the Double Circle Ranch. They have too. I am pro-wolf. We feel that losing any a very strong land ethic. I have seen it It is mostly hiking. Let me know if you species—whether predator, prey, bug, Contact Nathan Newcomer for further information ([email protected]) firsthand and cannot do it justice with are interested, have training, will travel. And bring your art materials. or plant—will have repercussions for the words; let the ranch speak for itself. These whole ecosystem. But we don’t manage folks are wolf/predator friendly and are Contact Contact for wolves. We manage for overall health. willing to speak out publicly on the issue. If Craig Chapman Good water and good forage mean more Nathan Newcomer we want ranchers to accept conservation [email protected]. 505-843-8696 prey species, which can support more ethics, then we need to support them [email protected] predators. And we must remember that when they do. This is where any and all of Driving distance: 5½ hours from Albuquerque people are one of the animals who live in us can have an impact, an impact for the this ecosystem. If we can keep the quality wolf. Help us to show their neighbors that

Page 8 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 9 An Ounce of Prevention The Legacy of —or a Billion-Gallon Cure?

Stewart Udall By Jon Goldstein (such as BP in the Gulf) would by the oil and gas industry – 421 of as in neighboring states, all of which Former Secretary, have to pay to clean up spills. those cases were caused by waste-pits. correlate to the price of the resource. You have often heard that the idea and signed into law. New Mexico’s NM Energy, Minerals and Natural The Pit Rule is designed to prevent any And drilling activity in New Mexico has of wilderness needs no defense; Gila was the first area placed into the Resources Department When you get the oil changed in your future groundwater contamination by actually increased significantly this year it only needs more defenders. new National Wilderness Preservation vehicle, whether you do it yourself or all types of oil field pits and also to according to the Baker Hughes rig count, This truism came to mind in System. Mr. Udall also played a central The Gulf oil disaster puts a new spin on take it to a shop, the used oil should protect operators from the potentially with 65 operating rigs reported on June March of this year, when we role in establishing the National Trails Ben Franklin’s old adage: “An ounce of be carefully drained, managed, crippling liability of major environmental 25, 2010, compared to 38 operating found ourselves humbled by the System, the Endangered Species Act, prevention is worth a pound of cure.” and containerized. Whether it’s a impacts like BP faces in the Gulf. rigs a year ago on June 26, 2009. passing of Stewart Udall. the Land and Water Conservation Fund, In the case of BP’s Deepwater Horizon do-it-yourself or professional oil and the Wild and Scenic River System. well it appears that some relatively change, you don’t just dig a hole in In fact, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Stewart Udall, secretary of the During his time as interior secretary, small environmental safety measures has followed New Mexico’s Apache Corporation is an independent Department of the Interior during the Mr. Udall also developed the National upfront could have helped prevent lead and announced that energy company that explores for, Kennedy and Johnson administra- Seashores and Lakeshores as part or at least ameliorate the millions of the Department of the develops, and produces natural gas, tions, passed away peacefully with his of the National Park System. He and gallons of oil that now foul the Gulf of Interior’s Bureau of Land crude oil and natural gas liquids. It children by his side on March 20, 2010. his son, Tom (now a senator from Mexico from Louisiana to Florida. Management is reforming recently announced that it expects to Mr. Udall was a driving force in helping New Mexico), took an epic raft trip its oil and gas program drill in excess of 200 new wells during to define and cultivate a conservation through Glen Canyon just before a In New Mexico we know that it is always to improve environmental 2010. Of the 200-plus wells expected ethic in the modern-day American dam was constructed, decimating less expensive to prevent pollution protection of important to be drilled, 100 new wells will be consciousness. He was a consistent an iconic American river. Please join us in sending our from occurring than it is to clean it up natural resources on U.S. drilled in New Mexico, representing advocate for the preservation of condolences to Senator Tom after the fact. That is part of the reason public lands while aiding in the most wells drilled by Apache wilderness and a leader who stood In 1963, Stewart Udall wrote a Udall and in saying thank you that our Oil Conservation Commission orderly land leasing and the Corporation in the state in any year. up for the land, recognizing that landmark book, The Quiet Crisis, introduction to our 2009 Wild Guide, as for his father’s remarkable adopted an ounce of prevention in the balanced development of future generations can only inherit which studied the tortuous history well as helping numerous conservation and selfless career in form of new environmental rules in the nation’s energy supply. The price of oil and gas fluctuates, but what we pass on to them. of the relationship between our groups with fundraising efforts. fighting for the land. June 2008, to prevent contamination companies are finding and producing nation’s people and its land. Senator Tom Udall generated by the oil and gas industry Local Bureau of Land oil and gas more efficiently and in Stewart Udall lived a life dedicated to We may have lost a defender of from polluting our water supplies. Management staff an environmentally friendly manner public service. From 1955-1961 he was Mr. Udall retired to Santa Fe and wilderness, but the idea lives on, 202-224-6621 recently stated that new using new technologies contemplated a congressman from Arizona. During remained active in many conservation and the movement for wild lands We also know that there are some federal guidelines will not by the Pit Rule, such as directional his tenure at the Department of the efforts, including writing editorials of protection will be forever indebted to areas that are just too precious to be significantly impact local drilling, utilizing existing well pads Interior, the Wilderness Act was passed support for Otero Mesa and penning the the perseverance of Stewart Udall. turned over to energy development. producers in New Mexico for new wells, and using closed loop Spoil them and our natural heritage, as because of the Pit Rule and systems to manage their waste. well as the ecosystem we hand down some of the other more to future New Mexicans will be forever progressive measures the Good environmental regulations diminished. One of these areas is Otero state has already taken protect our water while wise land Mesa in southern New Mexico. That the ground, pour it in and bury it and to protect groundwater. New Mexico use decisions protect our pristine is why Governor Bill Richardson has walk away. There are rules governing may become one of the only places in areas for generations to come. These stood with the Wilderness Alliance to disposal of this waste to make sure the west where industry will be able decisions will always come with some carefully safeguard Otero Mesa from that the groundwater we all share is to drill while the other states play degree of controversy but history will harmful development since 2003. It protected. The Pit Rule is no different. catch-up with new federal regulations. show them to have been the wise is the last remnant of the Chihuahuan and diligent course. It is better to Desert grassland ecosystem in the One of industry’s claims is that the The industry has also claimed that the have prevented catastrophe through “Why did I do the ‘Walkin’ Jim Stoltz’ concert United States and is home to rare rule is not based on sound science. desert grasses, herds of pronghorn Contrary to this claim, the state for the NM Wilderness Alliance, and why do and mule deer, aplomado falcons, and conducted a scientific pit sampling more than 345 of the world’s 1,500 project in 2007 where each sample I care about the NM Wilderness Alliance?” cacti species. Governor Richardson was split and shared with industry for recently redoubled these efforts the Pit Rule hearing. Documentation by supporting consideration by the of the test results conducted by both U.S. Department of the Interior for parties showed the presence of dozens Before answering the above two normally attract the attention of a permanently protecting Otero Mesa of contaminants in pit contents, questions, I need to back up. In late local promoter. This includes Walkin’ through National Monument status. including heavy metals, chlorides, and 1996, when I was 49, I went through a Jim Stoltz. I saw Walkin’ Jim several hydrocarbons. The public is invited to life simplification process along with years ago at a hiker gathering and was Our efforts are working. Since the review the state’s scientific findings at: developing skills that I already had completely blown away by his concert. adoption of this new precautionary rule, http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ocd/ to make my life a balance between I had expected another hiker with a commonly known as the Pit Rule, there environmental.htm#environmental. income producing activities and more guitar, and instead I was treated to a has not been a single reported case of personally fulfilling activities. To start passionate and positive celebration of groundwater contamination caused by The Pit Rule was created in a I left the work world completely for our wild lands through a multi media a drilling pit. However, some in the oil constructive, coordinated, and two years to thru-hike the Appala- concert of song, poetry and photog- and gas industry have criticized the cost completely public process with chian Trail and to pursue other raphy. The concert is perfect for anyone make this event available to the Alliance and kept intact. There is plenty of of these environmental regulations. the input of industry, the environ- goals. After the trail, I moved to New who loves music and the outdoors. membership and at the same time help land in this country available for mental community, and many Mexico. Now I have a mixture of raise money for the Alliance. On all development and there is no reason The Pit Rule is about properly managing other stakeholders, including a spending time in the backcountry, When the opportunity came to bring fronts the concert was a success, and to extend new development to places contaminated oil and gas waste 23-day public hearing and public working on business related projects Walkin’ Jim to New Mexico this spring, I I believe that everyone who attended where it is now quiet and at peace. to protect New Mexico’s precious comment, which generated nearly from my home, and pursuing other immediately thought of the New Mexico was as blown away as I was. groundwater – the primary drinking 14,000 pages of transcript. Pit Rule has driven business out of the diligence than to foolishly cross our items that seem interesting. Wilderness Alliance. Both Walkin’ Jim David Ryan is a member of the water source for 90 percent of New state. The fact is that production of oil fingers and hope for the best. After all, and the Wilderness Alliance share the As for why the Wilderness Alliance Wilderness Alliance and author of Long Mexicans. These rules do cost Prior to the Pit Rule, the state and gas and rig counts in New Mexico as Ben Franklin also said, “Diligence One of those items is occasionally exact same message – cherish, enjoy is important to me, it is very simple. Distance Hiking on the Appalachian money to implement, but the costs documented 800 cases of groundwater experienced the same highs and lows is the mother of good luck.” sponsoring a musician who might not and protect our wild lands. I wanted to Our wild lands need to be protected Trail for the Older Adventurer. are far less than what companies contamination that was self-reported

Page 10 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 11 New Mexico Deserves an Omnibus Lands Bill

By Nathan Newcomer the legislation that will protect the Associate Director bill has emerged to shepherd public eastern plains of the state, there were four local elected governments, wild lands and quality of life in lands laws through the current many other deserving wild lands left two local Chambers of Commerce, Taos County. We have worked hard If there is one lesson we have learned mélange and acrimony of Congress. out of the omnibus bill. However, a lot half a dozen local sportsmen to educate the community about in the course of our wilderness can change over the course of a year. organizations, community groups the benefits of this proposal. We work, it is that passing legislation In March of last year Congress New Mexico is primed once more to and conservation organizations. have worked directly with the local to permanently protect our state’s passed, and President Obama signed permanently protect some majestic Land Grants, local ranchers and wildest public lands can take years, into law, the Omnibus Public Land parts of our natural heritage and These areas offer much to explore: the Acequia communities to build sometimes, even decades. This Management Act of 2009. This bill, continue the proud legacy of from the granite peaks of the Organ support and gain the maximum isn’t to say that there is a lack of which took several years to pull the birthplace of wilderness. Mountains; the cinder cones, lava amount of input for our proposal. public will to protect these lands. In together, designated hundreds of flows, and increasingly rare grass- The El Rio Grande del Norte fact, the majority of the American miles of wild and scenic rivers, lands of the Potrillo Mountains; to the National Conservation Area public wants more wilderness, expanded national parks, created The Organ Mountains – caves, limestone cliffs, and winding Establishment Act is an example wild and scenic rivers, national new national monuments, and Desert Peaks Wilderness Act canyons of the proposed Desert of strong community collaboration. parks, and national monuments. protected more than 2 million acres Peaks National Conservation Area. This bill exemplifies the power Ken Burns’ recent film on national of wilderness throughout the country. The Organ Mountains contain some that local interests can achieve parks underscores the principle that Surprisingly, the bill received a of the most scenic landscapes in The campaign to protect these lands when working together for a the Broad Canyon area are now Further south, at the New Mexico The El Rio Grande del Norte National Americans from all walks of life enjoy modest amount of bipartisan support. Doña Ana County; landscapes that in Doña Ana County started in 2005 common goal, and rightly so, this bill proposed for NCA designation instead state line, the gorge is 150 feet across; Conservation Area Establishment Act and have an affinity for preserving define southern New Mexico and the when the New Mexico Wilderness deserves to be passed this year. of wilderness, to ensure that Border the river 200 feet below. As the gorge would protect approximately 300,000 our country’s crown jewels. The inherent genius behind an rich culture of its people. The Organ Alliance began spearheading local omnibus bill is that it contains so Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness efforts. These local efforts have Patrol can prevent the avoidance of continues south, west of Questa, it acres of land in Taos and Rio Arriba Valles Caldera National Park a checkpoint near Radium Springs. expands to over a half mile wide, Counties, including designating However, with the escalation of many pieces of legislation from both Act was introduced in the United brought diverse partners to the table with the Rio Grande appearing as a 24,000 acres of wilderness for Ute bitterness and partisanship in our sides of the aisle. Generally the bills States Senate on September 17, 2009 in support of a rich wildlands diversity The first calls to bring the Valles To accommodate concerns within the glinting green ribbon 800 feet below. Mountain and Rio San Antonio Gorge. national politics, it has become enjoy some level of bipartisan support by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), that includes petroglyph-filled Caldera into the National Park System ranching community, 100% of the increasingly difficult, if not impossible back in the home districts that makes and was originally co-sponsored by canyons, soaring mountain peaks, occurred back in 1899, before New roads leading to water wells, troughs, From the edge of the gorge, vast More than 100 local business support to pass wilderness legislation on its it easy for elected officials to vote yes. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM). The bill and expansive Chihuahuan Desert Mexico formally became a state. In and corrals, and the vast majority grass – and sagebrush covered – designating the area, as do the Hondo own. There are a myriad of other Needless to say, the public reaction passed out of the Senate Energy grasslands. With eight Wilderness four separate studies throughout of pipelines will be excluded from mesas mix with forested slopes of Mesa Community Association and issues, like energy, the economy, to passage of the 2009 Omnibus and Natural Resources Committee Study Areas, Doña Ana County is the following century, the Park wilderness to ensure adequate access volcanic intrusion, where pronghorn Latino Sustainability Institute. The and appropriations, amongst others, Bill was overwhelmingly positive. with broad support on July 21, 2010. filled with many wild treasures. Service found that the area was to these improvements. Roads will be and elk can often be seen. Eagles, proposal also has the endorsement of all vying for time on the House Senator Bingaman’s outstanding Over 300,000 acres are proposed suitable for protective status under excluded from wilderness areas where falcons, and hawks make the walls the Taos Chamber of Commerce, the and Senate floors. It makes sense, While New Mexico was afforded leadership, combined with Senator for wilderness designation, with its management. But it wasn’t ranchers require frequent access, and of the gorge their nesting areas. Mora Valley Chamber of Commerce then, that a relatively new form of several new protected areas, including Udall’s strong support has built a bill nearly another 100,000 planned to until 2000 that Senator Bingaman, the grazing language in the legislation Ospreys, herons, sand hill cranes, and the Taos County Commission. legislation known as the omnibus the Sabinoso Wilderness on the north- supported by thousands of citizens, be part of a National Conservation former Senator Pete Domenici and was strengthened to read: “The hummingbirds, avocets, merlins, Area (NCA). New Mexico’s second then-Representative Udall were Secretary shall permit grazing within and willets are also common here. Wilderness and protected lands largest city, Las Cruces, is successful in acquiring the property the Conservation Area, where estab- Meadows of blue grama, western are part of the fabric that keeps surrounded by two of the three from the Baca ranch for $100 lished before the date of enactment wheatgrass, and Indian ricegrass lead north-central New Mexico’s economy main wilderness complexes, million. The law also established an of this Act, subject to all applicable up to piñon, as well as ponderosa, going. Not only do these protected offering unparalleled opportu- experimental management framework laws (including regulations), and aspen, white pine, and Douglas fir. lands provide valuable water supplies nities for wilderness experiences in which a Board of Trustees would Executive orders; and consistent with for acequias, they also are prized near a population center. manage the Valles Caldera Preserve the purposes described in this Act.” Some 30 miles northwest of Taos for their outstanding opportunities as a working ranch with public lies Ute Mountain, a scenic icon of for hunting and fishing. Hunters and When crafting the Organ access, with the goal of becoming At present, there isn’t a single acre of New Mexico. This forested extinct anglers alone contribute $326 million Mountains – Desert Peaks financially self-sustaining by 2015. Wilderness Act, legislators listened wilderness designated on Bureau of volcano rises 2,600 feet above the annually to the local economy; their Land Management land in southern surrounding sagebrush plain and is sports support some 8,000 jobs. to the concerns of locals and Not surprisingly, the U.S. Government New Mexico. By passing the Organ the highest point on BLM lands in the The bill limits motorized vehicles to a made numerous compromises. To Accountability Office reports that the Mountains – Desert Peaks Wilderness state, topping out at 10,093 feet. designated road system that can be facilitate Border Patrol monitoring Preserve is at least five years behind Act, we will not only be recognizing expanded if necessary to protect the and enforcement along the U.S.- schedule in the development of an our state’s strong conservation The El Rio Grande del Norte National land for preservation and traditional Mexico border, over 16,000 acres effective management control system ethic, but also advancing our Conservation Area Establishment Act uses. Furthermore, the legislation of Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and that the requirement to achieve southern communities by providing was introduced in the Senate on April represents the first wilderness bill along the southern boundary of financial self-sustainability by 2015 is them and future generations with 23, 2009 by Senator Bingaman and in U.S. history to contain language the West Potrillo Mountains WSA the Trust’s biggest challenge and will an unparalleled quality of life. originally cosponsored by Senator recognizing an international treaty will be released. Approximately be difficult to achieve. It also notes Udall. The bill passed out of the – The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 8,000 acres south of the East that the revenue enhancement study Senate Energy and Natural Resources Designating this spectacular stretch Potrillo Mountains are excluded commissioned by the Trust estimated The El Rio Grande del Norte Committee on December 16, 2009. of country as a National Conservation from this proposal in order to the need for at least $21 million National Conservation Area will also allow for continued facilitate enforcement at the for infrastructure improvements to Area Establishment Act Subsequently, Congressman Ben collection of firewood and piñon nuts, border, in addition to specific sites support greater public access. that were excluded from desig- Ray Lujan (D-NM) introduced as well as grazing where it now exists. nation to accommodate future Just above the Colorado border, the companion legislation in the House NMWA has done much to bring diverse border security infrastructure. Rio Grande cuts into the Servilleta lava of Representatives on May 18, 2010. members of the community together Furthermore, 33,600 acres of flows that make up the Taos Plateau. and promote their concerns in crafting continued on page 21

Page 12 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 13 New Mexico Laws Need to Protect our Fragile Environment from Fed’s Heavy Footprint

by Judy Calman impacts depending on whether the NEPA requires federal agencies to Staff Attorney land in question is state or federal. complete at least an environmental Many states have State Environmental assessment, and sometimes an environ- Policy Acts (SEPAs), which are usually The Wilderness Alliance recently began New Mexico is a patchwork of state, mental impact statement, whenever modeled after NEPA, but require state OTERO MESA investigating the process the state private, and federal land. There are the agency is planning a “major federal agencies to complete environmental goes through when building roads and vast amounts of oil and gas here, and action significantly affecting the quality assessments before proceeding with AMERICA’S NEXT NATIONAL MONUMENT pipelines associated with oil and gas an incredible amount of drilling occurs. of the human environment.” Through major projects. There are sixteen states leases. Through a bit of digging, we Scattered throughout these disturbances this process, the agency is required to which currently have some version of a uncovered evidence reinforcing the are pristine open spaces, often centered consider and evaluate all reasonable SEPA (California, Connecticut, Hawaii, suspicions we already had that New around a few desert rivers which are alternatives to the proposed plan, and Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Massa- to provide reasonable chusetts, Montana, New York, North justification for the Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, plan it chooses. Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming).

In New Mexico, New Mexico lacks such a law, and would there are only a few benefit tremendously from one. It would environmental laws at require that state agencies take a step the state level, none back when proposing projects on state of which are remotely land to look at potential environmental as far-reaching as impacts—a consideration which is not NEPA. The result is currently part of state policy. Regarding that state agencies oil and gas specifically, had New Mexico are not required to been equipped with a SEPA law, the consider environmental leasing of eighty thousand acres of state impacts when they act, land to oil and gas development in Otero and often when the Mesa in 1998 could not have occurred impacts are negative, without environmental impact review, the state cannot be public participation, and some amount held accountable of justification. Several state SEPAs since there is no (Montana’s for example, a comparable legal framework for state both in open space and in oil and accountability. gas development) require an environ- mental assessment for every well drilled. Several of the Mexico state environmental law is in vastly important to local ecosystems. environmental laws which are in There is an incredible opportunity urgent need of a major overhaul. place explicitly exempt the State here to change the direction of state The federal government has fairly Land Office, which grants leases on law towards sustainability and care Unfortunately, environmental organiza- extensive environmental laws, the state land (used for oil and gas wells), when developing on public state tions are often forced to focus on the cornerstone of which is the National from compliance. The right to build lands. New Mexico should seriously actions of federal agencies simply Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). roads and water lines across state consider passing a comprehensive because there are more regulations NEPA’s purpose is “To declare national lands is automatically incorporated state environmental policy law which in place at the federal level. Because policy which will encourage productive into the leases, meaning the specific would put us on the same footing as states generally have significantly and enjoyable harmony between man environmental impact of such roads other environmentally progressive fewer environmental laws, there is no and his environment; to promote efforts and lines is not considered, even when states. New Mexico is an amazing legal mechanism in place to hold them which will prevent or eliminate damage the roads go through open spaces and place, and its open spaces should be accountable for allowing ecological to the environment and biosphere and riparian areas. Even further, the money its greatest asset. But that will never degradation. The federal government stimulate the health and welfare of received from the leases goes to New be the case as long as there are no is therefore held to a higher standard man; to enrich the understanding of Mexico schools, which can create the meaningful laws requiring environmental simply because there are laws in the ecological systems and natural clever impression that desiring fewer impacts to be considered when the place to do so; a situation which often resources important to the Nation”. leases means desiring less education. state approves projects on state lands. results in different environmental

MW BAR RANCH • PO Box 57, 993 NM 196 (Taos B-060), Amalia, New Mexico 87512 (575) 586-2054 • [email protected] • www.MWBarRanch.com Page 14 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 15 (Canyons of the Ancients National National Monument would ensure the Monument, Proclamation No. 7317) long-term protection of this magnificent landscape and all its resources. The Furthermore, when it comes to prospect of oil and gas drilling or mining grazing in national monuments, would be off the table for good. Finding the Heartbeat this practice is generally allowed to continue. It is important to under- The sheer fact of this area having been of America’s Next Great National Monument stand that monument designations recognized as a monument and given are not a one-size-fits-all approach. that title would elevate its status not The establishment of most national only nationally, but around the world, monuments on BLM lands has as a place to visit and recreate in. That involved numerous public meetings, would translate directly into real dollars By Nathan Newcomer lumber in position too much longer. construction industry, getting yelled at and is currently being conducted by as well as extended discussions for local communities. New businesses Associate Director and having doors slammed in my face the U.S. Geological Survey and the New with local governments and other in the town of Alamogordo could thrive With my Makita drill in place, I throw actually emboldened me to work harder. Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. interested parties, plus the Resource on an influx of tourism, bringing in It was the fall of 2001, and I had just my whole back into it and grip the wood As fate, or luck, would have it, the New Preliminary findings suggest that there Advisory Councils that include income from horseback riding trips, arrived at the job, familiar and rough as it with my palm. The metal of the bolt Mexico Wilderness Alliance showed up are at least fifty-seven million acre-feet of representation from economic devel- birding, hunting, bed and breakfasts, was. The day began like any other, where grabs, sinks, and splinters through. A at the canvassing office and wanted us groundwater and that, due to the fractured opment and conservation interests, plus much more. Outdoor tourism in you go in beforehand, knowing what lies second later, the drill bit spins off the to knock on doors for this little-known nature of the geology, the aquifer could be as well as local government. An New Mexico already contributes $3.8 ahead. You see, a carpenter measures screw and stabs through my right hand. place in the southern part of the state vulnerable to the rapid spread of contami- example of monument language billion dollars to the state economy twice and cuts once. If you screw up, you that the Bush administration had slated nation. The analysis also concluded that that relates specifically to annually. There’s certainly no reason are sure to hear about it, and trust me Although I didn’t know it at the time, this for full-scale oil and gas development. further study is imperative to define grazing reads as follows: why the Land of Enchantment could not when I say the fallout is as windswept as a was the beginning of a journey that would the location and characteristics of the promote our special places more actively, spring afternoon in southern New Mexico. set me on course to help save a wild and The rest is history. groundwater. A final report is expected Making the short list of potential new Otero Mesa and how that could impact “Laws, regulations, and policies and Alamogordo could benefit directly beautiful grassland known as Otero Mesa. to be issued sometime later this year. monuments was our very own Otero Mesa. people’s quality of life. And in some followed by the Bureau of Land by being the gateway community for I was pouring cement into the cavity of I used to think that there was something cases, this misinformation is being used Management in issuing and admin- America’s largest and wildest grassland. a banco wall on top of which we would * * * magical about Otero Mesa, but now In the spring of 2009, the 10th Circuit The memo went on to say that “Otero for political grandstanding, rather than istering grazing permits or leases lay wood, wire, and stucco later in the I know better. Otero Mesa is just U.S. Court of Appeals issued a landmark Mesa is one of the last remaining for engaging in a constructive dialogue. on all lands under its jurisdiction While tourism sectors—lodging, afternoon. There was a small radio in the Not too long after my trip to the emergency simply—wild. This land of rolling hills, decision in a lawsuit brought by the state vestiges of grasslands—America’s most shall continue to apply with regard restaurants, guide services, etc.—would hallway that our foreman would play every room, I was having a conversation with undulating black grama grass, and of New Mexico and the New Mexico endangered ecosystem,” and that “these to the lands in the monument.” benefit, economists and researchers day, usually dialed into an NPR broadcast a neighbor of mine on my front porch. endless sky embodies the intoxicating Wilderness Alliance against the federal vast desert grasslands of Otero Mesa, This is Not a Federal Land Grab (Carrizo Plain National Monument, note that special places like Otero that would later transition into tapes of Marcus was a middle-aged man, addicted spirit of freedom. It is a land that government over its plans to open once found throughout the region, have Proclamation No. 7393) Mesa also attract a diverse spectrum of the Rolling Stones. I was staring up at the to hard drugs, and, more often than not, he speaks to the soul, and it is a land that Otero Mesa to full-scale oil and gas disappeared or been reduced to small Opponents of national monument revenue flows generated by second- ceiling, immense as it was, the freshly was incoherent and difficult to be around. deserves to be permanently protected. development. The court found that the patches unable to support native wildlife.” designations like to use the sound bite Hunting and fishing are also permitted, home owners, retirees, and “foot-loose installed insulation snugly tacked between Bureau of Land Management’s drilling “federal land grab” for one primary and state responsibility for management entrepreneurs” who have the financial each trellis, and then the radio went silent. The old saying, “Don’t judge a book by It is a place that captures the imagination plan failed to provide an option that The fact that Otero Mesa is actually reason—to stir up fear that the federal is often specifically highlighted, as in wherewithal and the freedom to live its cover” still rings true, however, for and refuses to let go. Put plainly, New would have closed the mesa to drilling being considered for national monument government is coming after you. Quite the following proclamation language: where they desire and telecommute. This was my September 11 moment. during our conversation that evening, he Mexico’s Otero Mesa is the largest and and that environmental safeguards in the designation is nothing short of tremendous frankly, it is a very effective slogan, posed a question to me: “If your heart’s wildest Chihuahuan Desert grassland left plan were wholly inadequate. This court news. Tens of thousands of New Mexicans but it is in no way based in reality. “Nothing in this proclamation shall In addition, local communities that protect Two months later, I’m standing on not into it, then why are you doing it?” on public lands in the United States. decision essentially quashed the agency’s have written letters to elected leaders, be deemed to enlarge or diminish the wildlands reap measurable benefits scaffolding with a ragtag group of It sounded cliché at first, but it sunk in, plans, and today, oil and gas drilling in attended public hearings, donated time, When a national monument is created, jurisdiction of the State of Arizona with in terms of employment and personal men, suspended twenty feet from the much like the drill through my hand, and Located southeast of Alamogordo and Otero Mesa is suspended indefinitely. money, and energy to the campaign, the land that is affected is already federal respect to fish and wildlife management.” income. For instance, a recent report ground, all of us stressing to hold up that question began stirring deep inside west of Carlsbad, and straddling the visited the famed mesa, and poured their public land. The designation merely (Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, by the Sonoran Institute found that: a thirty-foot beam that we have to me, until I knew that I had to take action. Texas border, Otero Mesa rises up off the After working for nearly ten years to courage and resolve into the effort to ensures that the federal land is preserved. Proclamation No. 7374) hang in order to raise the roof of the Tularosa basin and stretches out over 1.2 protect this wild and beautiful grassland safeguard this land. Hundreds of elected All national monuments protect valid Protected lands have the greatest building. There are nine-inch screws A few weeks later, I quit my carpenter’s million acres. There are over 1,000 native from the oil and gas industry, we officials, from all sides of the aisle, have existing rights, such as previously existing But don’t just take my word for it; influence on economic growth in rural that need to be plunged through this job and began knocking on doors, as a plant and animal species in the region, now stand in a position to take steps supported efforts to save Otero Mesa, oil and gas leases and rights-of-way, and look it up for yourself by Googling isolated counties that lack easy access beam in order to keep it in place. The canvasser, raising money and awareness including pronghorn, mule deer, mountain proactively for the good of this area’s and a handful of real champions in state they do not affect private property, as any monument proclamation. to larger markets. From 1970 to 2000, air is hot at this height, and it’s evident for a campaign that the Sierra Club lion, coyote, golden eagles, ferruginous wilderness, wildlife, and water resources. and federal government have made a stated in all monument proclamations. real per capita income in isolated rural that, as a team, we cannot maintain the was working on. Having worked in the hawks, Aplomado falcons, black-tailed stand when it was necessary to do so. One example of this type of language in counties with protected land grew more prairie dogs, and close to a proclamation is fairly straightforward: What Are the Benefits of a than 60 percent faster than isolated 250 species of migratory With the launching of President Obama’s National Monument? songbirds. The Mescalero Otero Mesa America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, “The establishment of this monument Apache and Ysleta del Sur National Monument which seeks to reconnect the public to is subject to valid existing rights.” First and foremost, an Otero Mesa continued next page people have an unyielding the outdoors and find ways of protecting connection to the area. Back in February of 2010, a draft memo ecologically significant landscapes, we Testimony of their legacy was leaked from the Department of are potentially witnessing a new course can still be found today, Interior that listed possible new national in American conservation – one in which with inscriptions notched monuments that might be designated we hope it will be recognized that some on the thousands of across the country. Immediately following places should clearly be left alone and boulders within the this leak, there were some members preserved for their inherent character. Cornudas Mountains. In of Congress and other elected officials addition there are several from western states who cried foul In March, Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) ruins from the historic and shouted that this was a “federal wrote a letter to the Department of Interior Butterfield Overland land grab!” More on that in a minute. stating that he strongly supports actions Stagecoach Route. the department is taking toward estab- The memo, described by the Interior lishing national monuments, “including Furthermore, the Salt Department as a “brainstorm,” stated Otero Mesa in southern New Mexico.” The Basin Aquifer, which that “many nationally significant governor also wrote that he “has been is suspected to be landscapes are worthy of inclusion in and [will] remain committed to obtaining the largest untapped, the [National Landscape Conservation long-term protection for Otero Mesa.” freshwater aquifer left System],” and that “the areas listed in the state, lies directly may be good candidates for National Of all the elected officials from western under the grasslands of Monument designation under the states who reacted to the leaked memo, Otero Mesa. A multiyear Antiquities Act; however, further evalu- New Mexico’s governor was the only study of the basin ations should be completed prior to any one to react so positively. Unfortunately, has commenced in final decision, including an assessment there are many misconceptions lurking response to a request of public and Congressional support.” in the public’s mind about what a by Senator Bingaman national monument would look like in

Page 16 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 17 produced in the nearby Permian Basin. Making Conservation History

At one point, New Mexico BLM It is clear that, as this process moves Director Linda Rundell stated, “I forward, the citizens of New Mexico Finding the Heartbeat think there’s a huge question mark will have yet another chance to let “All Things Are Connected”: continued from page 17 about whether there’s ever going to the Department of Interior and our be an economically viable resource congressional delegation know that that anyone will want to produce.... we support protecting Otero Mesa’s Global Capitalism versus Protecting the Earth It’s really pretty small potatoes.” wilderness, water, and wildlife. We have a unique opportunity to be a part When you analyze New Mexico’s gas of conservation history by permanently consumption in 2007 versus total preserving this wild and beautiful place, state gas production, and compare and that is something of which very few By Dave Wheelock crops girded by straight roads, the rare past three decades has unleashed not ingly compromised and cheapened through that with what the BLM thinks could people can say they were ever a part. experience of wading up an unspoiled only a cruel exploitation and oppression seductive (and largely unchallenged) be produced from Otero Mesa, the The following article is adapted stream in Idaho was an epiphany. What of the actual majority—indigenous people technological misrepresentations of reality. findings are really quite shocking. New Mexicans value the history and from the June 10, 2010 made it so was the absence of any signs and “minorities,” wage earners, the The BLM’s figure comes from the beauty of our state’s natural heritage, installment of the biweekly Pencil of human activity, other than the nearby young, infirm, and elderly—but also the In addition to creating more truthful Reasonable Foreseeable Development and we are committed to protecting Warrior series in the Socorro Forest Service road. Only nature was at relentless plunder of the earth’s remaining and democratic media, we should (RFD) scenario, published in their it. Protection of the rare and fragile Mountain Mail. The opinions work here: trout seemingly suspended in wild places. “All things are connected.” make clear the connection between the Record of Decision, and the state gas Chihuahuan Desert and the greater are that of the author and do water so clear as to be nearly invisible, forces and mechanisms threatening figures can be found in reports issued landscape and ecosystems of the Otero not necessarily reflect those smooth stones of endless colors lining History clearly shows that, contrary wild places with those that cheapen by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, Mesa area is an important commitment of the New Mexico Wilderness a streambed free of silt, the mountains to claims about “corporate social responsi- or destroy human life. Conversely, our and Natural Resources Department. on the part of the people of New Mexico Alliance or its members. green all around. This was a place of bility,” humans are not yet (and may never true allies are all those individuals and the entire country. Resolutions consummate beauty and quality, precisely be) equipped to balance the requirements and groups involved with promoting The BLM’s RFD estimates that if calling for the protection of Otero My first act as a brand-new board member because the biological processes at of unfettered capitalism with those of a life and real democracy. We should all wells were drilled and all hit Mesa have been passed by a growing of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance work there ensured that nothing went healthy planet. We fail to recognize that continue to demonstrate to them that we commercially viable amounts of gas, number of local governments, including was to offer a brief self-introduction to waste. This place, and others like it, the market demands it all at the peril understand this fundamental reality. Otero Mesa would produce fifty-four the City of Las Cruces, the Doña Ana to my fourteen new colleagues at our have been my standard of quality and of both ourselves and wild places. billion cubic feet of natural gas County Commission, the Sierra County recent meeting. As I expected, it was beauty—something too precious to lose. I read somewhere that “things that cannot over the course of twenty years. Commission, the City of El Paso, the El a fairly humbling experience to throw And so as would-be conservationists, we last, don’t.” Here lies a fundamental Paso County Commission, and the Ysleta in with a crew bristling with advanced To this day, I find it difficult to accept the find ourselves rightfully involved with more truth and signal for our times. This may counties without any protected lands. is different, addressing specific issues In 2007 alone, however, New Mexico del Sur Pueblo, among many others. degrees and career experience in casual alteration or abuse of wild places. than a series of battles to preserve natural mean that the political economy of relating to the individual place. consumed 223 billion cubic feet These government actions reflect biology, earth sciences, finance and Whether a place fits my preconceived landscapes. A conservation strategy that worldwide exploitation—“a thing that Ultimately, though, the overarching of natural gas. Over the course of the diverse group of citizens across economics, educational outreach, concept of beauty or not, I know that fails to see habitat destruction as a logical cannot last”—is on its way down, not up. benefit of a national monument The Oil and Gas Resources twenty years, assuming consumption the state and the nation who support nonprofit organizing and fundraising, etc. if nature still reigns there, something expression of a system based upon the The landing may be softened somewhat in Otero Mesa would be that New of Otero Mesa levels remained static, New Mexico’s permanent protection of Otero Mesa. vital is lost in its transformation. precept “expand or perish” is doomed to through the actions of involved citizens, or Mexicans helped protect the land for consumption of natural gas would How can a sports administrator and In traditional native communities, marginalization, not least by the power things may descend into chaos. Whatever the land’s sake, and that would be Even though oil and gas leasing exceed 4,500 billion cubic feet. By making Otero Mesa America’s rugby coach at a small college, with building projects, even on apparently over the media that system now has. the outcome, those of us striving “to something we could all be proud of. and drilling has been suspended in next great national monument, we a mere bachelor’s degree in history, “empty” land, don’t commence without protect, restore, and continue to enjoy Otero Mesa, it is important for us Put simply, over the next twenty will ensure that the untamed spirit of help such a highly qualified group a shared pause to show respect for Already the mission of perpetuating natural New Mexico’s wildlands and Wilderness How Is a National Monument to understand that this resource in years, the state of New Mexico this wonderful place stays intact and guide “the protection, restoration, and the land and all its residents, human quality is framed by corporate media as an areas” would be well advised to devote Different from Other the region is fairly insignificant. would consume eighty-two times that future generations will have the continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s and animal, past and present. activity pursued by “environmentalists”— some of our energies to helping shape Forms of Protection? more natural gas than would ever opportunity to set foot in one of the wildlands and Wilderness areas”? an elite “special interest group” with the fundamental changes to come. The BLM has concluded that Otero be produced from Otero Mesa. wildest places left in the United States. There is, or at least there should be, a goals portrayed as competing with those An Otero Mesa National Monument Mesa and the surrounding area do not Presumably some of the sitting board connection between these ancient and of citizens increasingly challenged just Dave Wheelock is a member of the would be managed by the Bureau have the potential to yield significant Or, in plain English: Otero Mesa would For when you step into Otero Mesa members had read an installment or ongoing traditions of respect and this to survive. Meanwhile, the standard of Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Contact of Land Management, and BLM oil and gas. The industry’s purported produce just 1.2 percent of New and just listen, you can all but hear two of this column and thought they confusing, destructive, and seemingly natural quality is him at [email protected]. monuments are not like national interest in developing the area is Mexico’s annual gas consumption. the earth beating beneath your detected something of value. Not that the suicidal society about which I find myself increas- parks. There would be no use fees and belied by these facts. The potential feet; the swell of a drum under you need to protect and restore wild places compelled to write. “What we do to the generally, no major development on yield from development of Otero Mesa building to a crescendo; and the heart has been an obvious thread throughout land, we do to ourselves” is another the designated lands. Like most other is minuscule in comparison to the of wildness flowing through you. 132 issues of the Pencil Warrior. When proverb with literal meaning. What it units of the BLM’s National Landscape substantial amounts of oil and gas I look back through the PW archives, suggests is that, in the absence of Conservation System, I find that most pieces are concerned respect for the earth, we find it monuments don’t have facilities with the issues confronting Homo easy to disrespect ourselves built in them; rather, they are sapiens: the struggle for an equitable and each other. The ability to designed to remain rugged and share of one’s labors, trustworthy kill or maim nature without offer a primitive experience. public information, fair and responsive feeling increases the Visitor centers are often built government, universal access to quality chances of our doing in the communities closest to education and health care, and so on. the same to members the monument, and visitors of our own species. are directed to these nearby Yet perhaps somewhere between the Until we learn as a “gateway communities.” lines of these biweekly attempts to point society to respect the readers to the underlying causes of the earth and ourselves Whereas Wilderness troubles in so many aspects of their voluntarily, designated designation would prohibit any lives, these good people had made the Wilderness, “where form of mechanized travel, connection I always intended to be there. the earth and monuments allow motorized community of life vehicles, though access I realize that the platitude “all things are untrammeled by is generally restricted to are connected” has probably become man” (1964 Wilderness designated roads. Traditional so common as to have lost its meaning Act), remains our uses, such as hiking, hunting, for most aware readers. Yet if any belief most reliable form of camping, backpacking, has inspired and informed this column, protection for the few grazing, etc. are still allowed. it’s this corny-sounding truism. remaining perfect places. It is not coincidence that What’s more, monument As far back as I can remember, I’ve judged people who visit these places proclamations can address quality and beauty in terms of place, experience feelings of peace. specific issues in a variety particularly wild places. As a kid growing of ways. Each proclamation up in a Midwestern town surrounded The so-called “free market” ideology creating a national monument by conscientiously squared fields of gripping our country and the world these

Page 18 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 19 inventory existing water sources and nities throughout New Mexico, Governor Richardson’s supplies and understand what the particularly rural areas. Governor state’s obligations under existing water Richardson directed more than $30 Conservation Accomplishments agreements. The plan addresses water million in emergency federal aid to use across the state, identifies a strategy community water projects, along to find new sources of water, from with supporting and approving surface supplies and from aquifers, nearly $44 million in capital outlay and promotes the use of technology funding for similar projects. to purify, reuse, and reclaim water. Water Strategies Environment was combined at nearly $5 million. National Resource Waters, Climate Change Governor Richardson has ensured Drought Task Force This year the Governor supported New Mexicans value the history • Conservation Funding - Land and that the sources of the state’s Governor Richardson recognizes and signed into law legislation to and beauty of the state’s natural wildlife projects throughout New valuable fresh water resources that climate change is one Governor Richardson signed an executive improve the state’s control over environment. Governor Richardson Mexico have received significant are permanently protected of the gravest threats to the order creating the 12-member Drought water use, recovery, and conser- takes seriously his elected role conservation funding thanks to from future degradation. global environment and to New Task Force in May 2003, to recommend vation efforts. This legislation: as an environmental steward, Governor Richardson. The Governor Mexico’s water supplies and strategies for reducing the state’s and he has served tirelessly to secured over $2.3 million in 2007 • Otero Mesa - Governor abundant natural resources. He vulnerability to drought. The task force is • Expanded the use of the state’s protect New Mexico’s air, water, alone for such projects, including Richardson has led the way on has assumed a leadership role chaired by State Engineer John D’Antonio Corrective Action Fund to allow wildlife, and natural resources for the Circle A Ranch conservation protecting Otero Mesa from oil and in the advancement of beneficial and includes experts in financing, water the New Mexico Environment future generations. His numerous easement, Rio Grande/Tonuco gas drilling. Otero Mesa lies within and ground-breaking climate project construction, water rights, water Department to use a portion of accomplishments include: watershed and wildlife preser- the Chihuahuan Desert eco-region, policy. As part of his “Lead by conservation, and water quality as well funding to protect and improve vation, and the Bottomless Lake one of the most biologically diverse Example” initiative, Governor as officials who understand drought’s the quality of New Mexico’s • River Ecosystem Restoration State Park wetlands restoration arid regions in the world. This Richardson has issued a number impact on agriculture, wildlife, economic water, and to facilitate cleanup Initiative - protects and restores project. In 2010, the appropriation vital area is home to mule deer, of Executive Orders regarding development, tourism, and wildfire. of groundwater sources. river systems across the state. for river ecosystem projects pronghorn, aplomado falcons, greenhouse gas emission As part of Governor Richardson’s and conversation projects was black-tailed prairie dogs, burrowing reductions, energy conservation, Investing in Critical • Gives the State Engineer 2007 “Year of Water” legislative combined at nearly $5 million. owls and other wildlife, and harbors energy efficiency, and renewable Water Projects authority over the use of surface agenda, the initiative was funded under its surface a large freshwater energy development. He has water for livestock purposes, • Natural Heritage Conservation aquifer. It has a rich history, in the amount of $2.35 million called for the following goals Since taking office, the Governor has and eliminates loopholes and Act – in 2010, the Governor signed including being home to Native in order to sustain, re-establish to be met, and has established focused more than $74 million in key gaps that allowed improper use the Natural Heritage Conser- Americans who left petroglyphs on and rehabilitate the integrity and detailed plans to meet them: federal and state funding on urgently of water- such as raising fish vation Act, which established the volcanic rocks and providing understanding of New Mexico’s needed water projects in commu- under “stock tank” regulations. river ecosystems through the a permanent mechanism for a stop along the Butterfield • Statewide greenhouse gas enhancement of physical, chemical funding conservation projects Overland Express stage line. emission reductions: 2000 and biological characteristics. In throughout New Mexico. levels by 2012, 10% below 2008, funding increased to $2.8 • New Mexico – Colorado Wildlife 2000 levels by 2020, and 75% million. 2009 funding was $1.8 • Outstanding National Resource Corridor – In December 2009, below 2000 levels by 2050 million (despite the economic Waters - By designating major Governor Richardson partnered downturn). In 2010, the appro- headwaters through the state with Colorado Governor Bill Ritter • 20% reduction in per capita priation for river ecosystem - including the streams of the to establish a wildlife corridor energy use statewide below projects and conversation projects Valle Vidal - as Outstanding along the shared NM-CO border. 2005 levels by 2020 New Mexico Deserves an The two governors have finalized a • 20% reduction in state Omnibus Lands Bill Memorandum of government fleet and trans- continued from page13 Understanding portation-related activities pledging to work from 2005 levels by 2015 In light of these developments, both years ago. So much lava and ash was Bandelier National Monument, but most with regard to how we view the land and collaboratively to Senators Bingaman and Udall introduced thrown from the volcano and down the are not adequately protected. our connection to it, should teach us all a protect key habitat • Major new state government legislation on May 27, 2010 that would surrounding slopes that the mountain lesson about the role that we as stewards connectivity, travel building construction and transfer the Valles Caldera Preserve to collapsed in on itself, leaving behind excep- Transferring the Valles Caldera to the of the earth should implore. and migration renovations must meet the National Park Service. Just three tionally fertile soil as deep as a thousand National Park Service is a wise idea, which corridors used by LEED standards and achieve short months later, the bill passed out of feet. The eruption was so massive that in will ensure the long-term protection of this However, New Mexico is fortunate to elk, deer, pronghorn significant energy savings the Senate Energy and Natural Resources terms of the debris strewn across the land, magnificent area. have true champions in Congress today, antelope, bighorn Committee on August 5. It awaits final it dwarfed the Mount St. Helens eruption who are working diligently to safeguard sheep and other • State agencies must purchase approval on the Senate floor. by two hundred times. our remaining wild public lands. The key species of 100% green power by 2012 New Mexico Deserves an groundwork has been done, and the wildlife that migrate Governor Richardson has also The Senators’ bill directs the Park Service Today, large herds of elk thrive within the Omnibus Lands Bill foundation has been laid by grassroots across the shared demonstrated his leadership in to take over management in a way that caldera, rivaling even the great herds of activists, local citizens, business owners, border. http://www. co-founding the Western Climate protects the Preserve’s natural and cultural Rocky Mountain National Park in Montana. This is the Land of Enchantment, the state sportsmen, state officials, and our leaders governor.state. Initiative, a regional greenhouse resources. Hunting, fishing, and cattle Eagles and peregrine falcons soar high where wilderness conservation began, in Washington, D.C. nm.us/press/2009/ gas cap-and-trade program. grazing would still be permitted. Measures above, while song birds nestle in the tall but by and large, most of our treasured dec/120409_01.pdf The Western Climate Initiative were added to strengthen protections for grasses, and fish swim throughout the landscapes remain unprotected. At present, It’s been a long time coming – but now was launched in February 2007 tribal, cultural; and religious sites, and numerous streams. roughly 2.2% of New Mexico is perma- we must buckle down, and recommit • State Parks – by the Governors of Arizona, ensure access by pueblos to the area. nently preserved as wilderness, putting ourselves wholeheartedly to recognizing Governor Richardson California , New Mexico, Oregon Human inhabitants have known this us near the bottom compared to other the agreement each and every one of us has led the way in and Washington and now includes The Valles Caldera is an oval-shaped, high- wondrous place for at least 11,000 years, western states. Frankly, that statistic is has inherently made to our beautiful state. establishing several over 10 western states and altitude valley, containing lush meadows worshipping here, hunting here, finding unacceptable. It is a compact ingrained in our values: for new state parks. Canadian provinces. For additional at 8,000 feet. Jutting all around the valley and harvesting edible plants, and later caring for the land, and looking forward to information, please visit http:// floor are volcanic mountains, encircling cultivating crops. For many years, state and national politics how it will be cared for in 50 or 100 years. • Mexican www.westernclimateinitiative.org . the caldera, including Redondo Peak, has lacked the leadership and vision It is a guiding principle that makes us New Wolves – Governor rising 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Under the Bingaman-Udall bill, the Valles necessary to guarantee that future genera- Mexicans, and it – is Wilderness. Richardson has WATER Deep below the surface, a geothermal Caldera will finally be re-united for coherent tions will be able to enjoy and respect long advocated for world steams and bubbles, causing natural public purposes, including honoring the our wild, untrammeled lands. In some New Mexico deserves an Omnibus Lands hot springs to develop throughout the protecting Mexican The Governor directed the religious observances of six pueblos. instances, this lack of political will has cost Bill – and we deserve it now. countryside. Gray Wolves. State Engineer to work with the Along its western and southeastern flanks us and the landscape. At other times, it has Interstate Stream Commission are at least twenty ancient pueblo sites put places like the Valle Vidal and Otero As the name suggests, the Valles Caldera and other agencies to create larger than any in Chaco Canyon or Mesa Mesa straight in the cross-hairs of full- endured great eruptions over a million a state-wide water plan to Verde. Some are now in “outlier units” of scale development. Our past carelessness,

Page 20 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 21 Indigenous Connection

by Leona Morgan The past five months, I have spent learning Canyon, I was told by a Diné Anthro- Sacred Site. “Sacred Sites” or “Places Native Nations Liason about Wilderness and NMWA, as well pologist. In May, I visited Otero Mesa of Prayer” are geographical features or as doing outreach to the Navajo and with a quick hike on Alamo Mountain. locations, which are identified through In my work thus far at the New Mexico Mescalero Apache Nations, regarding Otero Mesa is important for the plants creation stories, oral histories, traditional Wilderness Alliance, I’ve been afforded Ah-shi-sle-pah WSA (north of Chaco it provides, as I have learned from the use and by archeological evidence. By Nathan Newcomer From that moment on, the dog many new experiences. Coming from Canyon) and Otero Mesa respectively. In Mescalero Apache people. Both of these Sacred places are continuously used for formerly known as Baby became an Environmental Justice places left strong impres- gathering medicine, ceremonial purposes, background, my work sions on me. As I walked pilgrimages and so on. Like Wilderness, July 30, 2010 Beta, then Beta Lynn, and, has been based on the around, I could imagine the the TCP is a modern tool to help carry out naturally, Miss B. She was truly protection of water and possibilities of what events those inherent responsibilities. Is it iron It’s raining, and the wind is blowing. a lady, a lover, and an utterly Sacred Sites, focusing may have taken place: clad? No. Is it being challenged? Yes. This loyal friend to the very end. on uranium mining. At Ah-shi-sle-pah with its TCP, initiated by the Indigenous nations, I saw a yellow butterfly this NMWA, my experience dinosaur fossils and Otero is an area where the uranium issues fall afternoon and knew it was you. I suppose that, while she was my She probably saw more of New tunity to live an excellent existence. and perspective as an Mesa being in the midst of into place and land ownership is a huge Mexico than most New Mexicans— Indigenous person (I’m Geronimo’s homelands. part of it. From my perspective, working first companion animal, I was her and, for that matter, more of What she never knew, though, was Diné.) has been integral for NMWA, this example is quite similar When we first met, I was dragged into first real companion. We were, of in approaching this work. It’s been eye-opening, to to the proposal for a National Monument a situation that I didn’t necessarily course, connected at the hip. She America than most Americans. how much she taught me about Some of my goals here are: learn about the different at Otero Mesa. NMWA’s connection to want to go into. For that, I can thank brought such tremendous joy to myself and about how much joy and to start relationships with views of and concerns Otero Mesa is not as a “Sacred Site”, but my sister, and I can also thank her for my life and accompanied me on She explored eleven western states love there is in this world when you the Indigenous peoples for the land, from NMWA does consider it sacred in its own right. giving me the best friend I’ve ever had. countless hikes, backpacks, and by my side—or rather, at the front, seize each day with an open heart. of New Mexico, to initiate to each individual and sniffing the trail. Many streams and possible projects, and agency. Everybody claims Talking with the Native community leaders road trips. In fact, it got to the point lakes, as well as the Pacific Ocean So, if we do anything for Miss. B in informative communication to have a right to own it face-to-face and communicating with She was extraordinarily skinny, where she would come with me to at the very least. My past or to have a say in what medicine people has been an invaluable completely covered with ticks, the office every single day. Christ, have her scent buried in them. I was the wake of her remembrance, let experience has not been happens to it. There are experience. I’ve listened to their concerns and clearly living in an abusive I couldn’t get up from the couch giving surfing a shot one day in sunny us seize the day— adamantly, and so much with Indigenous so many different forms of about everything from changes in land environment. Her puppies were to grab a glass of water from the Ventura, California, and, as I swam with vigor. Let us imagine coming governments, as it has ownership, cultural values status and federal policies to energy just as malnourished, and a kitchen without her shadowing me. out, she naturally ran in to the water from the depths of a horrible world, been with the grassroots communities March, I saw Ah-shi-sle-pah on my first and historical opinions. At the bottom of all developments, as well as Indigenous few of them had “disappeared,” after me, only to be hit with waves— only to see a beautiful rising sun and organizations. However, my intent NMWA excursion. “Ah-shi-sle-pah” is Diné this are the spiritual connections people Peoples’ Rights & sovereignty. I’d say something she didn’t understand. But above the valley, and mountain is to do this work in the most respectful (Navajo Language) for “grey salt” and the have with these places, which make things the most significant part of this job to as it was described to me. There were several songs that manner with great regard for the first engineered spelling for which is: 1sh88h more personal no matter who you are. me is not even part of the duties, but the I would sing or whistle, with she knew instantly that it was the one peaks, and the dawn unfolding peoples and nations of this land. [ib1. It includes an ancient corridor benefits that come from communication We took her, and what remained which she became so familiar type of water not to be swallowed. like a primrose in early spring. known as the “North Road” from Chaco As an Indigenous person, I see the land with Indigenous elders and the experience of her litter, weaning them on the that she would grunt, jump, and as part of Mother Earth which is all of place. Listening to them has opened front porch, where daily poop patrol wag when she heard the tune. The fact that she backpacked fifty Above all, let us follow the trail sacred and nobody can actually own my eyes in a different way than the hikes put the word messy to the test. miles in the Frank Church–River of of life with a huge, beating heart it, but there are certain responsibilities did; yet neither is exclusive of the other. No Return Wilderness in central Idaho and listen to it at every step. everyone has to care for it. Before there I am not sure why she rarely at the ripe old age of twelve tells me Miss. B would be proud. was a need for such policies as NEPA and The challenging part of doing this work After all the pups were given away, I barked, but when she did, the the Wilderness Act, even before there is communicating between different felt, thought, and vocalized my lack of depth and breadth of her baritone that, not only did I give this dog a shot was a United States, Indigenous peoples cultures and perspectives, especially desire to keep her. Boy, am I glad I did. song was kind of frightening. at life, but also that she got the oppor- oversaw the land. Back then, humans when it deals with values of spirituality, didn’t live everywhere; there were places opposing views of history and land that were considered holy, which were ownership. In the end, in order to work left alone out of respect. A few years with anybody involves compromise, but “I’d like my children to be able ago five tribes nominated Mount Taylor that’s a long way from just starting to as a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) talk and understanding one another. to enjoy the beautiful wild because of its spiritual significance as a landscapes of New Mexico.”

To find out how, contact us: Tisha Broska, Development Director (505) 843-8696 or [email protected]

Wilderness Alliance

I’d like to know that as population about what to do with our estate. an example for our family of what it increases and global warming Of course family is first. But, then I might look like to care for our world. changes their world, our realized that there was more too. That is why my husband and I have special wilderness will remain I care about the future of our decided to leave a bequest to New and wildlife will flourish. special places in the world and Mexico Wilderness Alliance. I was thinking about this when my want to make sure my children get husband and I sat down to talk to enjoy it too. Plus, I wanted to set Page 22 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 23 LightHawk Provides A Way for New Mexico’s Second Biggest Industry to Thrive, not just Survive the View from Above By Bev Gabe and Laura Stone, LightHawk clearly illustrate environmental threats and often reveal potential solutions, Soaring in an airplane, the intercon- inspiring people to take action. nectedness of the landscape unfolds. From above, in fact, there’s not much you LightHawk has flown thousands of By Jen Hobson here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In Imagine a Western-style safari, where you government faces great changes in can’t see. In his revered autobiography, flights on behalf of environmental Deputy Secretary, New Mexico January 2009 I worked with Governor are guided by Native Americans as you the near future, tourism continues to Wind, Sand, and Stars, the French causes, thanks to our corps of over Tourism Department Richardson to initiate an ecotourism star-gaze, spot a Mexican gray lobo, or employ over 100,000 New Mexicans philosopher and aviator Antoine de 185 volunteer pilots—a group of highly Ecotourism Director program—the first statewide program observe the ancient pronghorn on some and enjoys an annual economic impact Saint-Exupéry observed, “The airplane skilled, veteran aviators who fly for more of its kind in the country. With support of the country’s widest, most expansive of $5.7 billion. It’s time to be visionary, has unveiled for us the true face of the than 250 partner organizations, donating When I was a teenager, my dad finally from the governor and from legislators, vistas. This is the West at its best—and and, from the grassroots up, show that Earth.” LightHawk harnesses this power their time, aircraft, fuel, and expertise broke down and bought what he needed the New Mexico Tourism Department in order to preserve it, we must promote tourism in quality, not quantity, will be of flight to protect landscapes, waterways, to our aerial campaigns. LightHawk in order to keep track of me. His interest, began the development of a decades- it, though carefully and with great respect the future of the economy in one of the and wildlife from Alaska to Panama. flies carefully selected stakeholders like that of any father, was in making old tradition in this brand of niche for the variety of people and world’s most fascinating destinations. who can affect conservation outcomes, sure I was safe and well-fed, and that I travel marketing (the fastest-growing topographies in this state. In 1979, Michael Stewartt, a young bush encouraging collaborative solutions paid enough attention to my studies. So, of its kind in the industry—at over With its Natives and pilot, former miner, and budding environ- to complex environmental issues. naturally, he bought a triangle dinner bell. 30 percent per year worldwide). cowboys, its alpine peaks mentalist from Santa Fe joined activists and Chihuahuan Desert, fighting the construction of a coal-fired LightHawk in New Mexico Just out the back door of our Hailey, Basing our program on the International New Mexico is primed power plant on Utah’s Kaiparowits Plateau Idaho, home was an artesian wellfed Ecotourism Society’s definition of this type to become a world- that would have impacted air quality Protecting the Valle Vidal: LightHawk creek about three feet wide and half of travel—“responsible travel to natural class ecotourism and views of the plateau and the Grand played an active role in getting the that in depth—and it was full of brook areas that conserves the environment destination. Canyon. Stewartt’s audacious flights Valle Vidal Protection Act passed in trout. I spent countless hours stalking and improves the well-being of the local with reporters through the smoke plume 2006. For the three years leading up live grasshoppers, fly rod in hand, then people”—we are working to develop While oil and of a similar plant made national news to the passage of the Act, LightHawk the fish themselves, marveling at their qualifying criteria for ecotourism outfitters gas prices and ultimately sparked public opposition worked in partnership with the New lavender and orange spots and the males’ and are becoming a portal of information dwindle to the proposal. The power plant was Mexico Wilderness Alliance and the of the pilot, coupled with her knowledge Representative Ben Luján’s office, and big, hooked jaws as they fed in clear, on this type of travel via our Web site, and never built, and LightHawk has been Coalition for the Valle Vidal, providing of the area, made for an informative LightHawk staff and board members. cold water lined by basin rye and willow. www.newmexico.org/ecotourism, state flying for the environment ever since. educational flights to United States and enchanting trip. Since we will be The dinner bell was the only thing I could offering thoughtful, experiential travel congressional staffers from both sides writing about this area for the governor, According to one of the passengers, hear at a distance—and just in time to opportunities for people interested in the The view from above is a powerful tool for of the aisle, as well as local, national, it is most helpful to have seen it.” Kent Salazar, New Mexico State Game jog home for dinner and lights out. wild animals and places here in the Land shedding light on a variety of environ- and international journalists, representa- Commissioner and regional director of of Enchantment. The worldwide trend is mental issues, particularly those that tives of the governor’s office, and local Flying river otters to New Mexico: Light- the National Wildlife Federation, “These My interest in wild animals and places less pool time, more hands-on time in benefit from a large-scale perspective elected officials. LightHawk’s aerial view Hawk’s role in the effort to restore river areas are the jewel properties of the is something innate, and it continues rural communities with local people. such as wilderness protection, habitat illuminated the character of this lush otters to the Upper Rio Grande was a little Bureau of Land Management and need to to grow because of my job and location analysis, wildlife tracking, conservation mountain basin, prized for its wildlife more hands-on than usual. Two volunteer have special protections to preserve them of rivers and wetlands, restoration habitat and outstanding scenic and pilots, Steven Garman of Hailey, Idaho, and for future generations. The flights you projects, threats from energy exploration recreational opportunities. The area was Tim Hendricks of Telluride, Colorado, each provide give an aerial view of the area to and mining, and effective management threatened by proposed coal bed methane flew three river otters from Washington public officials and provide them a broad of public lands. In the years since that drilling, which would have forever changed State to Taos. Transportation of the river sense of why the areas are important.” first campaign, LightHawk has expanded the character of this pristine region. otters was a key component of the compli- Referring to a front page article in the its efforts to include thirty-three states Following a flight with volunteer pilot cated restoration effort. Though driving Albuquerque Journal the morning after and ten countries, but the general idea Merry Schroeder of Santa Fe, Carol Leach the otters is acceptable, the multiday the flight, Salazar continued, “The media remains the same: by sharing the aerial of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and journey can cause stress for the animals, generated by the LightHawk tours was perspective with carefully selected Natural Resources Department remarked, so coalition members Amigos Bravos and immediate and positive. We hope this will passengers, LightHawk missions “The area is beautiful. The enthusiasm New Mexico Friends of River Otters turned build the movement toward passage of to LightHawk for aerial support. Following this important legislation.” Senator Jeff one of the river otter flights, Rachel Conn, Bingaman (D-NM) along with Senator Tom of Amigos Bravos, said, “LightHawk’s Udall (D-NM) introduced legislation in late help was indispensable! Being able to 2009 to permanently protect over 300,000 La Acequia de la Sierra transport the otters by plane saved the acres in this region, including the iconic Cleaning of the Acequias is all about Building Community otters the tremendous amount of stress Ute Mountain and large swaths of elk that the [forty-eight]-hour-drive entails.” habitat that stretches out over the plains. In the summer of 2010, Congressman Ben Ute Mountain: LightHawk returned to Ray Lujan (D-NM) introduced companion By John Olivas Acequia Community for its 3rd Annual “La 2nd crew was responsible for cleaning community. Each year, the participation its Santa Fe roots in October 2009 to legislation in the House of Representa- Northern NM Director Acequia de la Sierra”, cleaning project. from the head gate to the waterfall that has grown and the event continues to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary. Light- tives. The bill is expected to be a part of a On Saturday morning the crew began feeds the valley below. The Acequia, bring people together. Music and the Hawk’s annual meeting, or Fly-in, attracts larger Omnibus Lands Bill later in the year. In early June, the Community of Chacon their work at the Presa (head gate of the well over 100 years old, travels over one traditional Matanza (Community Feast) volunteer pilots and supporters from along with the Conservation Community Acequia). The Presa for La Acequia de mountain range to another that gives were part of the events. Many friendships around the country to different locations, LightHawk is currently working with (Center for Southwest Culture, Arturo la Sierra sits at 10,500 feet above sea water and life to the Chacon Valley. have been made over the last three years. typically in the West. Each year, a group the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance to Sandoval and staff members from the New level and travels 3 miles to the valley La Acequia de la Sierra cleaning project Special thanks on a successful project of pilots offers flights to highlight regional plan photography and outreach flights in Mexico Wilderness Alliance) came together floor towards the Mora River. Each has been an annual project whose design to Eufracio Vigil and Ernesto Gonzales, conservation issues. In this case, eleven support of conservation efforts throughout to help keep the Acequia de La Sierra conservation member was partnered with was to assist in “Building Community” Mayordomo for the 2 Acequias in Chacon pilots flew twenty-eight passengers north the state, including Otero Mesa ,the clean and flowing into the Chacon Valley. a local parciante to work hand in hand and keep the traditional use of water, and Arturo Sandoval, Center for Southwest out of Santa Fe to tour the proposed El Rio Carlsbad region, and the Pecos National There were 45 Parciantes (Landowners making sure the water has no obstacles alive. This has been the goal of the New Culture, Craig Chapman and John Grande del Norte National Conservation Forest. LightHawk has been flying for that are users of the water) and Piones as it makes its way down the valley. The Mexico Wilderness Alliance as these types Olivas, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Area. Working in partnership with the conservation in New Mexico for thirty-one (Laborers) who came together to keep 1st crew created a Rock Dam Structure of projects develop, says John Olivas Contact John Olivas at 575-387-2665 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, the years and remains dedicated to working the traditional cleaning of the Acequias near the headwaters (Natural Spring Northern Director of the New Mexico for next year’s project information. New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and the with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance alive. Approximately 20 volunteers from Lake). This split in the drainage is where Wilderness Alliance. The community of Wilderness Society, LightHawk assembled and other regional partners to champion the conservation community joined forces the water gets diverted down to La Junta Chacon is grateful to have developed a a diverse mix of passengers, including conservation victories in 2010 and beyond. with 25 parciantes from the Chacon Canyon or Acequia de La Sierra. The strong relationship with the conservation conservationists, media, staff from

Page 24 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 25 Rachel Freund NMWA WELCOMES NEW STAFF Technical Services

Rachel is happy to provide support for NMWA’s web sites, emails and action UNM WILD! campaigns, GIS/GPS, databases, and anything else she’s allowed to tinker with. She recently worked on riparian restoration and invasive plant management at National Wildlife Refuges in New Mexico, and hails from California where she held jobs in urban forestry, forest conservation, wilderness inventory, and desert restoration. She is pictured here with a Gunnison's prairie dog at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, where she assisted with recent efforts to reintroduce this keystone species.

John Kavanaugh The 1964 Wilderness Act stands in stark geographies color the wilderness with with this larger story before we act. President of the UNM Wilderness Alliance contrast with the out-dated dictionary. It the definitions they bring to it. Is one of defined wilderness as land that: “generally them right while the other is wrong? Or We might never be able to grasp the I recently had someone tell me that if I appears to have been affected primarily do they both contain part of the truth whole meaning of what wilderness truly were to pick up a dictionary and find the by the forces of nature, with the imprint of and if so how can they be reconciled? is. However, with wild places experi- word “wilderness,” the definition next man’s work substantially unnoticeable.” encing drastic levels of destruction, it to it would read – “a wasteland.” This Our government declared that wilderness Maybe they both start in the wrong place. has become essential that we make the encompassed his entire argument against was not a waste; it is a resource worth When you meet someone for the first time, attempt. What is wilderness before and protecting our remaining wild places; as if protecting. The Act changed how many, you don’t give them a name and tell them apart from humans? Asking this question, a dictionary written by people in the past if not yet enough, of our public lands are what they mean to you. You ask them allows us to find where we fit into the offered immutable knowledge that should managed. However, our government’s who they are and what’s their story. What puzzle. If we are going to conserve the never be reevaluated. The meanings we definition of wilderness may not represent we call wilderness, the communities of natural world’s diversity and the land it assign to a word changes. It changes as the ideas of every citizen. Perhaps the man countless living creatures and environ- depends upon, a first step is mentally our ideas about it change. The definition who sees a wasteland in the wild notices mental elements, has an unimaginably defining wilderness. Conservation is Demis Foster of wilderness has progressed as more and only the money lost in not utilizing the long story that is more complex than we goal oriented and goals are only as good Community Partnership Director more people learn to value what the word land. To another, coming from a different can ever hope to fully understand. The as they are well-defined. Wilderness refers to. How we define wilderness, either background, the wilderness offers an human chapter is just the last couple of is bigger than all our definitions, but Ms. Foster comes to NMWA from the Pacific Northwest with over 15 years of experience as an individual or society, determines elaborate playground for recreation. paragraphs. When we define wilderness, recognizing this fact gives meaning to building wide-spread support for campaigns to protect air quality, municipal watersheds, how we act towards the wilderness. Both of them may be in the exact same whether in our minds, laws, or diction- our personal relationships with the wild. ancient and roadless forests and wildlife habitat. Ms. Foster is responsible for recruiting geographic location, but their mental aries, we need to put it in perspective 10,000 donors to the Cascades Conservation Partnership, a campaign that inspired people to donate nearly $16 million in private donations and leverage $68 million in public funds to save 45,000 acres of land in the Cascades. She is also known for driving across the U.S. with a 1,000 pound crosscut from a 450-year old Douglas Fir tree while directing the Ancient Forest Roadshow, a year-long nationwide media and outreach campaign that helped to raise awareness for the plight of ancient forests. Ms. Foster is based in NMWA’s Santa Fe office with a special focus on the Chaco Canyon campaign and statewide Focus on NMWA student member: fundraising efforts. Daniel Richmond Judy Calman Staff Attorney We had no idea what wondrous Civic Plaza on June 6 & 7, 2010. Working foot traffic, the ongoing work was noted by school, I just remembered Albuquerque.” projects would spring forth from the from a New Mexico Department of Game people on the plaza and by onlookers from Judy Calman moved to New Mexico towards the end of 2001, inspired by a life-long fertile artistic imagination of Daniel and Fish list of endangered and threatened the surrounding buildings. They stopped Daniel finds the New Mexico Wilderness fascination with the West. After completing degrees in Biology and Philosophy and Richmond when he joined the student species, Daniel and other students and looked and made the connection Alliance a perfect fit with his personal working on several political campaigns, she realized her true passion to be environ- chapter of UNM-Wild in 2010. created a series of twenty-foot circles between themselves and the natural world interest in the continued diversity of mental policy. She completed her law degree at the University of New Mexico, as well as with 112 names stenciled along the edges that sustains us. They read the names and species: “The New Mexico Wilderness a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy at the Vermont Law School. She has worked With the approval of the Albuquerque in colored New Mexico earth tones. wondered out loud: the Jemez Mountains [Alliance] does amazing things! When I at the City of Albuquerque as an Energy and Wildlife Consultant, and at an environ- Arts Council, Daniel staged a public arts salamander, the Mexican long-nosed bat, first moved to Albuquerque last summer, I mental law firm in Atlanta opposing new coal plants. She lives with her boyfriend, two project entitled 112 Endangered Names Despite the ephemeral nature of the the Aplomado falcon, the Gila chub, etc. picked up the New Mexico Wild newsletter cats, and four snakes and spends her extra time swimming, hiking, and painting. Embossed in Earth in the Albuquerque names, which were erased by winds and with a lobo on the cover. It was not too As Daniel recently explained, “Almost all long before I found myself hiking through humans as children draw or create some Aldo Leopold’s wilderness with a group kind of images or objects, which have of people. One afternoon, the coyotes just the potential to excite people and get us started yipping and then for a moment, a involved and connected. Many amazing longer howl. It might have been a lobo!” things have coalesced around a visual symbol or a word spoken or sung. For Daniel believes art is a natural outreach example, the way students rally around tool for people of all ages and backgrounds the lobo mascot at UNM sporting events.” to connect with each other and the natural world. He has worked with Daniel’s journey to the Southwest has folks from urban New Jersey to rural roots in his native Vermont landscapes, Arizona and this summer will travel to Kim McCreery where he spent a lot of time in the nearby southern Costa Rica to work with the Silver City Regional Director forests. While pursuing an art degree at Bribri people on a project to preserve the University of Wyoming in Laramie, he their language and indigenous culture. Based in Silver City, Dr. McCreery recently joined the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance was invited to do woodcarving demonstra- to expand our wilderness protection efforts in southwestern New Mexico. Kim has a tions at the Rough Rock Community School We welcome Daniel’s immense energy multidisciplinary degree focusing on conservation biology and wildlife ecology from in Arizona, and later near Sanders, not far and talent as he pursues his MFA in the University of California, Davis. Having lived and worked in Africa for years to help from Gallup. Daniel says, “I was blown sculpture at UNM, and we’ll keep a lookout protect the endangered African wild dog, she has extensive experience in research, public away by the area … So this little seed was for him at Petaca Pinta—one of his new relations, grassroots facilitation, and community-based education. She has worked in the planted, and it lingered there, and when favorite landscapes in New Mexico. field in the Boot Heel of New Mexico, the Sonoran Desert, and the oak woodland/grass- it felt like the right time to come back to lands of California. Kim is passionate about wilderness and human-wildlife co-existence.

Page 26 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 27 Hispano Chamber of Commerce Endorses Wilderness CREATE YOUR

By Gabriel Vasquez Mountains and Sierra de las Uvas. examined this issue carefully to make will hopefully go far in explaining why Board Member wilderness (designation) is important WILD LEGACY! sure it provided a good balance, and Hispano Chamber of Commerce Such preservation, the chamber believes, this is the right thing for business.” to our area,” he said. “It really is about New Mexico Wilderness Alliance de Las Cruces will continue to attract people from the keeping things the way they are now.” state, country and world to enjoy the The chamber’s new one-minute A hot-button issue awaiting a stamp of natural beauty of southern New Mexico. commercial, being aired on various For nature lovers looking to explore the approval from Congress is the topic of the Some may come to partake in outdoor Comcast Cable channels including sights and sounds of Doña Ana County’s Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las activities such as hiking, hunting and ESPN and CNN, features various scenic natural spaces, or those looking to Cruces’ new television advertisement. fishing, while others, such as bird attractions in the area and a local volunteer for the cause, a local wilderness Known to many locals as simply, the watchers, will simply come to marvel family partaking in outdoor activities. coalition offers various opportunities. “wilderness act,” the Desert Peaks- at the area’s wildlife. These attrac- It showcases some of the areas that At www.donanawild.org, visitors Organ Mountains Wilderness Act seeks tions, coupled with existing activities would be protected from further can sign up for the organization’s permanent federal protection for more such as ranching and grazing, will development and heavy-road use newsletter or learn of upcoming events, Volunteers flying for the environment than 340,000 acres of land in Doña contribute to new economic activity, said under the new federal designations. get connected to regional and state Ana County. The Hispano chamber chamber Vice President John Muñoz. legislators or voice their support or learn since 1979. fully endorses this legislation. “This protects our identity in southern Rep. Jeff Steinborn, southern New more about the proposed legislation. New Mexico, and in the future, it will Mexico director of the New Mexico The bill would create wilderness conser- provide economic opportunity for Wilderness Alliance, said he’s vation areas in the county, including Broad small and merchant businesses to pleased with the new commercial. Phone: 307-332-3242 • www.lighthawk.org Canyon, Robledo Mountains, Whitehorn, bring economic prosperity tat revolves Cinder Cone, Alden Lava Flow, Potrillo around tourism,” he said. “The chamber “I think it’s a well-done piece and

September 25th and 26th!

by Claire Long Cote to tell and to explore this story through installations for NeoRio 2010 dealing Please being your own chairs for the innovative and creative installations, with both habitation enhancement and campfire as well as drinks and a dessert NeoRio is an annual event celebrating interventions, and interactions with erosion. Over the course of three days, to share. For those interested, camping is art, nature, culture, and community at our environment. It asks the questions students, artists, and members of the available at Wild Rivers for $7 per night. Wild Rivers Recreation Area near Questa, what is the role of art in wilderness public will be involved in the creation On Sunday, all are invited to visit Lynne New Mexico. Hosted by the Bureau of conservation and what is the role of of these new sculptural works. Hull’s installations and participate in other Land Management’s Taos Field Office, wilderness conservation in art? On Saturday, September 25th, at 2:00 planned activities to explore the unique NeoRio is organized by the environmental In her artist’s statement, Lynne Hull PM, all are invited to the Wild Rivers environment of the Wild Rivers Recreation arts initiative LEAP (Land, Experience describes her work: “My installations Recreation Area Visitor Center, where the Area. NeoRio events are free and open and Art of Place), in collaboration with provide shelter, food, water or space for event will begin with short presenta- to all. Come celebrate art and nature John Wenger of Wild Earth Studio, the wildlife as eco-atonement for their loss of tions from event organizers and a talk by and explore the Wild Rivers Recreation October 23, 2010, At The Bosque School in Albuquerque New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, the habitat to human encroachment.… Most Lynne Hull, followed by the opportunity Area on September 25th and 26th! 9 am - 3 pm Admission of $20, includes lunch, $10 for students. Town of Questa and other cosponsors. [of my] artworks function in the temporal to participate in creating one of her Set for September 25th and 26th, NeoRio gap between the time reclamation of sculptures. All are then invited to the To find out more about attending NeoRio This year’s Wilderness Conference is sure to instill new vigor and 2010 will proudly feature environmental damaged sites begins and the time nature Montoso campground for an evening 2010 or to become involved as an artist dedication in all who love, enjoy or work to protect New Mexico’s artist and sculptor Lynne Hull and recovers” (http://www.eco-art.org/). celebration with food, a campfire, live or volunteer, visit www.leapsite.org, wildest landscapes! Offerings include workshops on discovering will present an outdoor screening of Lynne will be creating three site-specific music, and outdoor short film screenings. contact [email protected] or New Mexico’s secret landscapes. A special journaling workshop The Geology of Northern New Mexico’s Parks, John Wenger’s new short film “Nature call 575-586-2362 or 575-586-1150. delves into the richness of experiencing wild nature. Here, attendees Tramp.” NeoRio made its debut in 2009, Monuments, and Public Lands featuring water artist Basia Irland with create a living notebook from reflections on nature through drawing, NEW in 2010 writing & alternative media. A special award will be presented Published by an ice book launch on the Rio, a sunset The New Mexico Bureau of Geology potluck dinner, and a campfire with to Senator Jeff Bingaman for his outstanding work to protect and Mineral Resources live music on the rim of the gorge. Wilderness. Renowned landscape photographer David Muench A division of New Mexico Tech Created as a platform for innovative An overview of some of New Mexico’s will do a slide presentation honoring the memory of Stewart Udall, most significant geologic landscapes, this ecological artists, NeoRio is also an former Secretary of the Interior. Endangered species stenciling & introductory guide includes 49 chapters opportunity for cross-pollination between wildlife viewing sessions will be held outside in the Bosque, during on the most popular and spectacular artists, conservationists, and others public lands in northern New Mexico. interested in protecting, celebrating, and lunch. A film highlights the work on the Mexican Wolf conservation With over 300 color photos, maps, and stamp & a silent auction of weekend getaways & fun items round out illustrations, it’s a perfect guide for the experiencing the many aspects of our roadside geologist and anyone wanting communities and wild lands. The ancient the day. We invite you to join us for a day of networking, wildlife, to know more about what’s underfoot relationship between humans, our fellow and learning who is doing what for New Mexico’s wild public lands! in northern New Mexico. $24.95 pb, 380 pages, full color, ISBN 978-1-883905-25-5. creatures, and our environment is a Register on-line at www.nmwild.org or contact Trisha at 505-843- complex story of interdependence that 8696 ext. 1001 or Roger ext. 1004 for details. TO ORDER: Visit our Web site at geoinfo.nmt.edu or call (575) 835-5490 we each author every day with our own Visit our Publication Sales Office on the campus of New Mexico Tech in Socorro, New Mexico choices and actions. NeoRio attempts Wholesale discounts available

Page 28 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 29

Come to HiStoriC Double Circle Ranch in tHe ApACHe nAtionAl ForeSt Stay a night—or a month. Relax on this remote, off grid, eco-friendly cattle ranch. SAVE Hike, swim in Eagle Creek, rent a horse, explore old homesites, see our Texas From wolf killer to conservationist Longhorns, or just get away from the US! lights and traffic. See the stars, and listen to night sounds —hopefully even a wolf! Looking into the eyes of a dying wolf, Ernest Thompson Seton found himself a changed man. Stay in comfort—large wall tents on plat- forms with oversize cots and mattresses, Artist. Author. Conservationist. Co-founder of the Scouting movement. private composting toilets and hot show- ers, even rocking chairs on the porch, and Prairie full kitchen facilities in covered ramada. See our website for more photos and ongoing classes. Dog Pals doublecircleranch.com PrairieDogPals.org 505-296-1937

rates: $40 per person, includes tent and ramada Or, $75per person, with 3 homecooked meals daily

Exhibition open through May 8, 2011 Senator Jeff Bingaman Senator Tom Udall Harry Teague, Congressional District 2 Web Site: bingaman.senate.gov Web Site: tomudall.senate.gov Room: 1007 Longworth House Office Building email: [email protected] E-mail: Contact Via ‘Web Form.’ Washington, DC 20515 703 Hart Senate Office Building Washington Office: Phone: (202) 225-2365 Washington Office: Phone: (202) 224-6621 Fax: (202) 225-9599 Washington, D.C. 20510 Fax: (202) 228-3261 Phone: (202) 224-5521 Room: B40D Dirksen Building Martin Heinrich, Congressional District 1 Fax: (202) 224-2852 Washington, DC 20510 Room: 1505 Longworth House Office Building Albuquerque Albuquerque Washington, DC 20515 505-346-6601 Phone: (505) 346-6791 Phone: (202) 225-6316 625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 130 Fax: (505) 346-6720 Fax: (202) 225-4975 Albuquerque, NM 87102 201 3rd Street, NW, #710 Main District Office: Las Cruces Albuquerque, NM 87102 20 First Plaza, Suite 603 Phone: (575) 523-6561 Las Cruces Albuquerque, NM 87102 Loretto Town Centre, Suite 148 Phone: (505) 526-5475 Phone: (505) 346-6781 505 South Main Street Fax: (505) 523-6589 Fax: (505) 346-6723 Las Cruces, NM 88001 505 South Main Street, Suite 118 Las Vegas Las Cruces, NM 88001 Ben Ray Lujan, Congressional District 3 Phone: (505) 454-8824 Roswell Room: 502 Cannon House Office Building 118 Bridge Street, PO Box 1977 Phone: (505) 623-6170 Washington, DC 20515 Las Vegas, NM 87701 Fax: (505) 625-2547 Phone: (202) 225-6190 Roswell 140 Federal Building Fax: (202) 226-1331 Phone: (575) 622-7113 Roswell, NM 88201 Main District Office: 200 East Fourth Street, Suite 300 Santa Fe 811 St. Michaels Drive, Suite 104 Roswell, NM 88201 Phone: (505) 988-6511 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santa Fe Fax: (505) 988-6514 Phone: (505) 984-8950

CONGRESSIONAL CONTACTS Phone: (505) 988-6647 120 South Federal Place, #302 Fax: (505) 986-5047 119 East Marcy, Suite 101 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Santa Fe, NM 87501

Join New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Today! You’ll not only help preserve New Mexico’s Wild Places for your own enjoyment… but you’ll help ensure that future generations may enjoy them too.

YES! I want to be a member of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance!!! My contribution will go towards the continued protection and wilderness designation of New Mexico’s natural heritage.

Mail your $25 – Individual $100 – Contributing Other $______Tax Deductible $30 – Family $500 – Lifetime  THIS IS A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FROM ______Doñations to: $50 – Supporting $10 – Student/Senior New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Name ______Phone______PO Box 25464 Albuquerque, NM Street ______E-mail______87125-0464 Questions? Special support from the Academy for the National Park Service /Save Our Treasures, Museum of New Mexico Foundation, Phyllis Partially funded by the City of Santa Fe Love of Learning, home of the Seton Legacy Project & Edward Gladden Endowment Fund, Herzstein Family Endowment Fund, Palace Guard Arts Commission and the 1% Lodgers’ Tax City, State, Zip ______505/843-8696 Page 30 SUMMER-FALL 2010 New Mexico WILD! • www.NMWild.org Page 31 IF WE DO NOTHING, Conservation deserves more than 2%*

there will be nowhere left to jump. SAVE THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Support Our Challenge to Benefit SAVE A WOLF! GET YOUR WOLF STAMP TODAY!

To purchase visit www.NMWild.org or call 505-843-8696 *Conservation only receives only about 2% of all charitible giving. Most people believe it deserves more. Source: Giving USA

A Special Thanks to Ken Stinnett for providing his beautiful images for our use!

www.KenStinnettPhoto.com

New Mexico NONPROFIT ORG. Wilderness Alliance U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 25464 PAID ALBUQUERQUE, NM Albuquerque, NM 87125 PERMIT NO. 426 IT’S FINALLY THAT Do you need to renew? Check your membership expiration date located above your name and address. TIME AGAIN! the 2010 NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCE WILDERNESS CONFERENCE SEE PAGE 29 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Page 32 SUMMER-FALL 2010