Rio Grande Sierran Volume 56, Issue 2 News of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter: New Mexico and West Texas April/May/June 2018 Threats and opportunity

Jim Therrien, Lybrook Community Ministries

Allyson Siwik David McGahey Residents decry NM nuclear dump; BLM delays auction of Greater Holloman proposes 10,000 F-16 Chaco land to oil and gas drilling; sorties a year over Gila Forest PRC OKs 1.2 GW of wind energy Radioactive rods would travel by rail: Page 3 Fight continues in Chaco: Page 5. Wind: Page 7

EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT THE PLANET More inside:

Rio Grande Chapter Non-Profit Org. Our primary endorsements Sierra Club U.S. Postage Each election season, the Rio Grande Chapter endorses candidates we 1807 Second St., Unit 45 PAID think will best protect our natural resources. See our picks on Pages 8-9 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Albuquerque, NM Permit No. 612 Dirty Copper Rule upheld New Mexico’s Supreme Court upheld the industry-written rule despite acknowleding that copper mines will “inevitably” pollute large areas of groundwater. Page 6 All about bats There’s a lot you might not know; for one, they’re not blind!Page 14 More: Las Cruces votes to reach 100% renewables: Page 7. Central N.M. Group, outings trainings: Page 6. Northern New Mexico Group: 12-13. Hikes: Pages 15-16 Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter Contacts riograndesierraclub.org facebook.com/nmsierraclub Twitter: @riograndesierra instagram.com/riograndesierraclub Executive Committee Brintha Nathan, bookkeeper 505- 505-232-3013. Membership: David Coss 310-0595, [email protected] Otero Mesa Action Team: Open Nominating: David Coss, Mary David Coss, chair, Western New Mexico Bag-Free Team: Mark Jones, Hotvedt, [email protected] Robert Tohe, Our Wild America se- [email protected], 505/662- Personnel Chair: John Buchser. Mary Hotvedt, vice chair nior organizing representative, (928) 9443 Members: David Coss, Laurence [email protected] 774-6103, [email protected] Organ Mountains Desert Peaks: Gibson, Ken Hughes, Fred Houdek Laurence Gibson, secretary, Sierra Club National Howie Dash, [email protected]. Political Committee: Chair: Susan 915-309-5419, [email protected] 2101 Webster St., Suite 1300, Oak- Martin, 505-670-3279, smartin31@ Ray Shortridge, treasurer, 505-604- land, CA, 94612. 415-977-5500 Conservation Issues comcast.net. Members: Pajarito: 3908, [email protected] Conservation Chair: Karl Jody Benson; Central Group: Richard Braithwaite, 505-850-3369, karl@ Susan Martin, 505-670-3279, Local Groups Barish; Southern Group: Glenn Land- braith.net [email protected] Central New Mexico Group, 2215 ers; El Paso Group: Laurence Gibson; Energy/Climate Change: Lead Ave. SE, Albuquerque, 87106 David Coss; Patricia Cardona. John Buchser, jbuchser@ Karl Braithwaite, 505-850-3369, Chair: Fred Houdek, fjhoudek@gmail. Political Compliance Officer: Rich- comcast.net, 505-820-0201 [email protected] Eric Patterson, 575-776-2833, com, 630-809-4234. ard Barish, 505-232-3013, Water: Chair: John Buchser, 505- [email protected] [email protected] El Paso Group, P.O. Box 9191, El 820-0201, [email protected] Karl Braithwaite, 505-850-3369, Sierra Student Coalition: El Paso: Paso, TX 79995, Chair: Laurence Dairy: Camilla Feibelman [email protected] Neysa Hardin, [email protected]; Gibson, [email protected], 915-309- Public Lands: Chair: Tom Gorman, Shannon Romeling, sromeling@ Albuquerque/UNM: Keely Scheffler, 5419. 505-438-3932, [email protected] amigosbravos.org [email protected], 303-217-1943 Northern New Mexico Group, Nuclear: John Buchser, Patricia Car- Fred Houdek, Central New Mexico 1807 Second St., Unit 45, Santa Fe, dona, Richard Barish, Don Hancock Coalitions/Working Groups Group representative: fjhoudek@ NM 87505, 505-983-2703, Chair: Wildlife Chair: Mary Katherine Ray, America Votes: Susan Martin gmail.com, 630-809-4234 Teresa Seamster, tc.seamster@gmail. 575-772-5655, [email protected] Chaco Coalition: Miya King-Fla- Tom Gorman, Northern New Mexico com, 505-466-8964. Four Corners: Miya King-Flaherty herty, Robert Tohe, Teresa Seamster Group representative: 505-438-3932, Coalition for Clean Affordable Pajarito Group, P.O. Box 945, Los Methane: Camilla Feibelman, [email protected] Energy: Karl Braithwaite Alamos, NM, 87544, Chair: Jody Ben- [email protected] Jody Benson, Pajarito Group rep- Doña Ana County: Howie Dash son, [email protected]. Mining, Sand & Gravel: Allyson resentative, [email protected], Environmental Alliance of New Siwik, [email protected] 505-662-4782 Southern New Mexico Group, P.O. Mexico: Patricia Cardona, Melinda Zero Waste: Joe Eigner, 505-570- Box 735, Mesilla, NM, 88046; Chair: Smith Kurt Anderson, Southern New Mex- 0583, [email protected], and Howie Dash, [email protected]. Friends of the Rio Grande del ico Group representative, 575-646- Karen Sweeney, 505-466-9797, Norte: Eric Patterson 1032, [email protected] Outings [email protected]. El Paso Group representative: Open Valles Caldera: Teresa Seamster Chapter outings chair: Odile de La Activism Teams Rio Puerco Management Beaujardiere, [email protected], 505- Offices and Staff Communications Team: Chair: Committee: Tom Gorman 433-4692 Turquoise Trail Regional Alli- Albuquerque office David Coss. Members: Jim Klukkert, Central New Mexico: Odile de La ance: Denise Fort 2215 Lead Ave SE, Albuquerque, Laurence Gibson, David Coss, Benton Nuclear-waste storage: John Beaujardiere, [email protected], Howell, John Buchser 87106, 505-243-7767 Buchser, [email protected], 505- 505-433-4692 Rio Grande Sierran Editori- Camilla Feibelman, Rio Grande 820-0201 El Paso: Laurence Gibson al Board: Laurence Gibson, Ken Chapter director, 505-715-8388 or Chihuahuan Desert Border Wall Northern New Mexico: Alan Hughes, Mary Katherine Ray, Jody [email protected] Coalition: Kurt Anderson, kurt@ Shapiro, [email protected] Benson, David Coss Miya King-Flaherty, Our Wild New nmsu.edu Southern New Mexico: Howie Sierran Editor: Mona Blaber, 505- Mexico organizing representative, National Representatives (505) 243-7767, Dash, [email protected] 660-5905, [email protected] [email protected] Inspiring Connections Outdoors: Web Editor: Ellen Loehman, Council of Club Leaders Delegate: [email protected], 505-328-2954 Cecilia Chávez-Beltrán, Span- New Mexico: Raymond Greenwell, Susan Martin, 505-670-3279, smar- Elections: David Coss, Claire McK- ish-language outings, cecilia.chavez. [email protected], 516-312-5751 [email protected] night, Lynn , Mona Blaber [email protected], 505-243- El Paso: Ted Mertig, 915-852-3011, Sierra Club Board of Directors Finance: Ray Shortridge, chair, 505- 7767 [email protected] member: Liz Walsh, 915-342-7630 Military Outdoors Program: 604-3908; Members: Brintha Nathan, Building Healthy Communities Northern New Mexico Office Jim Baker, Claire McKnight Terry Owen, [email protected] Team Facilitator: Ken Hughes, 505- 1807 Second Street, Unit 45 Fundraising: John Buchser 316-2278, [email protected] (505) 301-4349 Santa Fe, NM 87505 • 505-983-2703 Members: David Coss, Jim Baker Sierra Club Wildlands and Wil- Spanish-language outings: Cecilia Mona Blaber, chapter communi- Legal: Richard Barish, 505-232- derness BLM Subteam: Tom Gor- cations coordinator, 505-660-5905, Chávez-Beltrán, cecilia.chavez.bel- 3013, [email protected] man, Miya King-Flaherty [email protected] [email protected] Legislative: Co-chairs: Melinda Rio Grande Water Fund: Teresa Claire McKnight, PAC treasurer, Action Teams Smith, [email protected], 505-515-7284, Seamster (646) 864-0209, claire.mcknight@ Bosque Action Team: Richard Patricia Cardona, 505-515-5141, pa- Cover banner photo by Mary gmail.com Barish, [email protected], [email protected]. Katherine Ray Donate; it’s easy! Publication information Volunteer When you contribute to in The Sierran, go to he Rio Grande Sierran is endorsed by the Sierra Club. the Rio Grande Chapter, riograndesierraclub.org opportunities published four times a Contributions — articles, photos, your entire donation stays and subscribe to the chap- The Rio Grande year, in January, April, July artwork, poems, letters to the editor, here in New Mexico and ter e-mail list. Tand October, by the Rio Grande Chapter needs a trea- paid advertisements — are welcome. West Texas to protect our If you’re not a member surer to replace the great Chapter of the Sierra Club as a Send to the editor (see Page 2). air, land, water and wildlife. but like what you see, Ray Shortridge, who is benefit for members living in New Submissions by Rio Grande Chapter join now for only $15! You can donate at riogrand- taking a break. A volun- Mexico and West Texas. members will take precedence over riograndesierraclub.org/join esierrclub.org/donate, or teer treasurer provide For extra copies, e-mail others. or clip this article with the send your check to: quarterly financial [email protected]. Articles chosen to be published Sierra Club Rio Grande box below and send it with statements to the board; The opinions expressed in are subject to editing. Chapter your name, address and a monitor transactions signed articles in the Rio Grande Letters to the editor may be 1807 Second Street, $15 check to the address in bank accounts and Sierran are the opinions of the up to 500 words, are also subject Unit 45 listed below: general ledger; monitor writers and not necessarily those to editing and are printed at the Santa Fe, NM 87505. of the Sierra Club. discretion of the editorial board. Contributions, gifts and dues Sierra Club the process through Articles may be reprinted for The contributor’s name and email Attn: Member Services which the contractor to the Sierra Club are not 2101 Webster St 1700 nonprofit purposes, provided that address will be printed as a source tax-deductible. #1300 bookkeeper prepares credit is given to the author and of more information, unless the To stay updated on Oakland, CA 94612 1700 year-end financial the Rio Grande Sierran. (Please let contributor specifies otherwise. issues you read about statements; coordinate us know if you reprint.) Products Submissions must be received by with chapter director on and services advertised in the Rio the 10th of the month prior to Membership questions? Call 415-977-5653 or e-mail financial matters. Grande Sierran are not necessarily publication. [email protected] 2 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 Local activism 'Our sacred land is not their pay toilet'

Residents across state Take action speak out about The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will host proposed high-level public meetings on the nuclear dump in proposed nuclear-storage site 4-7 p.m. April 30 SE New Mexico at Eastern New Mexico By John Buchser University Campus Union Chapter Water chair building in Roswell; 7-10 p.m. May 1 at the Lea hanks to citizen County Event Center in lobbying at the Hobbs; and 7-10 p.m. May Roundhouse, 30 legislators signed 3 at the Eddy County Fire on to letters objecting to Service in Carlsbad. T Deadline for comments the Nuclear Regulatory is May 29. Go to riogrand- Commission’s inadequate David McGahey esierraclub.org for link to public-comment period on a Residents toured with a mock waste canister to highlight the risks of transporting and storing email comments. Or mail proposed dump for high-level high-level nuclear-waste in New Mexico. ‘New Mexico has been targeted as a national sacrifice to: Reference NRC–2018– nuclear fuel rods between zone for too long,” said Leona Morgan, co-founder of Nuclear Issues Study Group. 0052. May Ma, Office Carlsbad and Hobbs. of Administration, Mail The commission said the “Our land is not the nation’s ground repository for high-level take 20 years. Stop: TWFN–7– A60M, Legislature could comment on dumping ground for dangerous reactor wastes. In the last three years, there U.S. Nuclear Regulatory the full environmental-impact high-level radioactive waste, “What happens if the federal have been seven train accidents Commission, Washington, statement after it is released in with its risks for cancer, birth government breaks its promise in New Mexico, including trains DC 20555– 0001. a year or so. That makes it even defects and deaths. Those who to move this waste away or derailing and/or wrecks. more important for the public created the waste should take won’t pay to clean it up?” asked Other issues with the proposal: n The excellent recom- to comment during the 60-day responsibility for it. Our sacred Nick King, pastor at Carlsbad n In its environmental mendations from the Blue scoping period that ends May land is not their pay toilet,” said Mennonite Church. “This is an report, Holtec states that the Ribbon Commission were not 29. Rose Gardner, a Eunice resident ethical and moral concern that federal government would pay followed. The proposal to store spent and founder of Alliance for affects communities and God’s for the transportation of the n Fracking in the Permian fuel from all the nation’s nuclear Environmental Strategies. creation.” waste, but current federal law Basin is booming. As the frack- reactors has many problems. “We ask people from New The Holtec facility once built allows payment only for ship- ing is causing a considerable One of the most critical is that Mexico and around the country is estimated to employ fewer ments to a permanent repos- increase in tremors, the Holtec of poorly designed transport to support us in halting this than 40 employees and 15 secu- itory, not to a private storage site is no longer at low risk for casks that are too heavy for dangerous plan, which not only rity forces. These numbers pale site such as Holtec’s. seismic activity. most railroads in New Mexico. creates risks for us at ground in comparison to the job-cre- n Radiation risks to workers n Only 60 days for the public Another major issue is that the zero, but risks along transport ation potential of other indus- in the facility and along trans- to comment on a 600-page proposal to “temporarily” store routes nationwide.” tries that may not have a future port routes are underestimated. document is insufficient. this radioactive waste is contrary High-level radioactive waste in the event of nuclear-waste n Casks are welded closed. n Permanent storage should to current law. could end up being stored for contamination. Repair processes to fix broken be developed before any In April, activists toured up to 120 years, according to More than 10,000 rail cars casks or leaking fuel have not “interim” location away from the state with a mock radioac- the application. The federal would haul this risky waste, been developed. reactors. tive-waste canister to highlight government has promised and rumbling on rails through n The cask bracket system to See the box to learn how you how risky the shipment and failed for more than 35 years or near major cities in New hold used fuel rods immobile is can help put the brakes on this storage of the nuclear waste is. to develop a permanent under- Mexico, in a process that would failing. risky proposal. F-16 flyovers threaten Gila; your action needed Donna Stevens, Upper Gila took place last November, Air Force Watershed Alliance Take action representative Alan Shafer declined to he Gila and Aldo Leopold Visit peacefulgilaskies.com to sign a petition opposing the military training answer many questions, saying that Wilderness areas are known for over the Gila and to learn more. The official comment deadline is past, but the answers would be included in the their immense natural beauty Holloman is still accepting comments. When the draft Environmental Impact draft Environmental Impact Statement, Tand outstanding opportunities for soli- expected in 2018. Statement is released this summer, there will be a second comment period. tude. Would the Gila still be beautiful if On March 8, Lt. Gov. John Sanchez’s office convened a second public meet- it were no longer quiet? Let’s make sure some will drop air-defense flares and City area has relied on natural amenities ing with Shafer. Despite less than two we never have to find out. chaff, about 15,000 of each annually. to attract tourism, outdoor recreation days’ notice, more than 400 residents Background: Last fall, conservation- A bundle of chaff consists of 5 million and retirees to diversify its rural econ- attended the meeting and protest rally. ists learned that Holloman Air Force aluminum-coated plastic fibers that are omy. This strategy is severely threatened Not one person spoke in favor of the Base plans to expand its F-16 fight- released to form an electronic cloud by Holloman’s proposal. Holloman proposal. er-jet training airspace. Two alternative and hide aircraft from radar detection. Opposition to Holloman’s proposal is There is little doubt that the F-16 Military Operations Areas have been Flares are also released as part of air much more than a not-in-my-backyard training at Holloman is going to proposed: (1) Expand the existing Talon defense; dropped from 2,000 feet above issue. The Gila River, the Gila National happen as part of our country’s military area east of the White Sands Missile ground level, they burn for about four Forest, and the Gila and Aldo Leopold preparedness. But how Holloman will Range, and (2) Expand the existing seconds. Although the Air Force says Wildernesses are part of our national optimize its airspace to accommodate Cato/Smitty areas and create a new the flares present no fire risk, there are heritage, which belongs to everyone. the training has yet to be determined. Lobo Military Operations Area near documented cases of flares starting fires The Air Force should use lands Silver City and over the Gila National on the ground. Air Force Meetings already impacted by military exercises, Forest and Gila and Aldo Leopold The proposed expansion in F-16 When the community found out such as White Sands Missile Range Wilderness Areas. training missions over the Gila clearly about Holloman’s proposal, residents of (3,200 square miles), Fort Bliss Army Alternative 2 would have major puts the health of the national forest, southwest New Mexico were outraged Base (1,700 square miles) and other effects on Southwest New Mexico, with Gila and Aldo Wilderness areas and by the lack of public notice and failure areas. 10,000 annual sorties — an average nearby communities like Silver City at to hold a scoping meeting in Silver City, F-16 training over the Gila would of 30 per day. Ten percent of flights risk from extreme noise, wildfire and the population center most affected change its fundamental character. It will will be supersonic, and 10 percent environmental contamination. Trying by Alternative 2. The Grant County take the proverbial village to respond to will occur at night. Flights can be as to wean itself off the boom-and-bust Commission requested a public meet- this threat; we urge you to do your part. low as 500 feet above ground, and cycle of extractive industries, the Silver ing with the Air Force, and when this Holler louder than an F-16! April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 3 Working together for justice, fair wages ecently, we were David president of the International grave concern for worker health, can replace politicians who pleased to be Coss, Brotherhood of Electrical safety and wages. Immigrant- are anti-union and anti-envi- involved in an effort Rio Workers, pointed out that bashing and law-enforcement ronment with representatives organized to increase Grande members of his union typically raids continue to disrupt these who support worker safety and Rcoordination between orga- Chapter receive over $50 an hour in working families, while political water-quality protection; who nized labor and environmental chair wages and benefits. The US has representation from those same show a concern for good wages groups in New Mexico. seen so many of our good jobs counties continues to be both and healthy communities. The cooperation and replaced by low-wage work with anti-union and anti-environ- Charles Goodmacher of mutual support of labor and no benefits. It will benefit all of ment. the National Education environmentalists are essen- a governor who will protect our us to make sure we are fighting Importantly, work done Association brought up a tial to building a progressive air and water and our working for better wages and work- by Marina and Somos has third area for collaboration — Southwest. Working together, families. So for unions and envi- ing conditions as we fight for shown that all the communi- renewable energy in our public we can create communities that ronmentalists, it is all hands on renewable energy and healthier ties mentioned are “majority schools. In many communi- restore and protect our beauti- deck for the 2018 elections — communities. minority.” That is, the majority ties, the public schools own ful region while providing just but other priorities for collabo- A second area of common of the population in Eddy, substantial land and buildings. wages, health care and educa- ration also became apparent. concern is southeastern New Lea, Chaves and other south- Districts like Santa Fe have tion to all families. First, as the environmental Mexico. Somos un Pueblo east New Mexico counties shown how to convert many In the first round of discus- community pushes for more Unido representative Marina is Latino. Somos has begun facilities to renewable energy. sion, it was fairly straightforward renewable energy, economic Piña has led organizing efforts efforts to identify and register Groups in all areas of the state to agree that our political prior- opportunity is going to occur, among immigrant dairy workers to vote all qualified workers could support this type of ities for labor and the environ- yet we all must ensure the new and oil-field workers in places and their family members. effort. ment this year are essentially the jobs are better, not worse, than like Roswell, Hobbs, Carlsbad This work has the potential to I am proud that the same. Both know that keeping the jobs that will be ending and Clovis. The Sierra Club change the type of representa- Sierra Club continues to be and improving progressive as we adapt to technological understands that in addition to tives, senators and other elected pro-union. The potential for majorities in the Legislature is change and face up to climate the concerns with water quality, officials from southeastern new collaboration and projects critical. New Mexico also has realities. air quality and animal welfare New Mexico. With organiz- with our union allies is real and the opportunity this year to elect My friend Brian Condit, in these industries, there is also ing and voter registration, we happening right now. In March, activists projected a count Methane safeguards of lost methane revenues from oil and gas leaks face biggest threat yet and waste onto the building By Camilla Feibelman but so far has failed, in the courts and that houses New Rio Grande Chapter director in Congress. But sadly, anti-environ- Mexico’s tax You’ve read it here more than once. ment forces in the administration have agency. resorted to the route that is slower but Oil and gas operations throughout the Camilla Feibelman state are wasting natural gas they extract is more likely to succeed. from our public lands. In March, Interior Secretary Ryan more than 150,000 comments — the the same amount of climate damage as Methane — the key component of Zinke proposed to gut the Bureau of vast majority in opposition to delaying 8.3 million cars driven over 10 years. natural gas that also happens to be a Land Management rules that would the safeguards. That’s in addition to the Not to mention the fact that oil and gas powerful greenhouse gas — is leaked, reduce methane pollution on public hundreds of thousands of comments operations also release dangerous toxins vented or flared throughout the oil lands. So we once again ask you to that citizens submitted in support of such as benzene and other ozone-form- and gas drilling, transport and storage stand up for these rules so import- the original rule. ing pollutants that can trigger asthma processes. As part of the Paris Climate ant to our climate, our health, our We sometimes hear that this adminis- attacks and worsen respiratory diseases Agreement, the Obama Administration state income and our public lands. tration is in chaos or is too disorganized such as emphysema. passed rules at the EPA and BLM that The agency has given the public to do too much harm. But the sad More methane waste means more would slow this waste, protect health, until April 23 to comment. You can reality is that our environmental protec- air pollution that will harm families, reduce climate change and brought do that on our website at https:// tions are being systematically disman- especially those living closest to oil and more royalties into the state treasury. sierra.secure.force.com/actions/ tled. When we desperately need to take gas development. We hope you’ll join us That these methane rules (against National?actionId=AR0106930. significant action to reduce climate in the fight to protect New Mexico, its all odds) are still in effect is thanks to Late last year, when the comment pollution before its too late, Zinke’s people and its public lands by comment- you. The Trump Administration has period on Zinke’s proposed delay of the revisions are a huge step backward. ing by midnight April 23 — comment done its best to turn these rules back methane rule closed, the BLM received The Zinke proposal would result in links available at riograndesierraclub.org. Celebrating 55 years as a chapter Throughout our 55th anniver- focused on science educa- sary, the Rio Grande Chapter is tion, while my camping trips looking back at past campaigns expanded to cover the whole of and asking for your memories. the western U.S., Canada and From lifetime member Jonathan Alaska as well as overseas. Brinkerhoff: Throughout all these experi- ourtesy of my parents, I ences, the common thread was Cbecame active outdoors at wonderment and valuing of the an early age both in the woods natural world. behind our rural Massachusetts I see humankind as inti- home and camping/hiking mately linked to planet Earth in Maine, where, when I got with a moral and spiritual obli- too tired, I was introduced to gation to respect and maintain backpacking, of sorts, by my backpacking in the San Gabriel its ecology. I’ve been a member mom (see photo). Starting and Sierra Nevada mountains. of the Sierra Club since the with one of the first VW vans For high-school graduation, late '70s except for a brief imported to the U.S. in the I asked to attend Northwest interlude when I earned a PhD early '50s, my family always Outward Bound and spent and lacked the funds. With had a van or motorhome that three weeks backpacking in the so much of what I hold dear got heavy use during two years Oregon Cascades. I majored in under attack by the current in Europe and throughout the biology in college and became administration, I decided it was U.S. After a family move to an elementary-school teacher time to become a Sierra Club California in 1965, I started on California’s central coast life member. 4 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 Sandoval Chaco's surprise reprieve citizens to By Miya King-Flaherty Our Wild New Mexico n an unanticipated move, Interior draft drill Secretary Ryan Zinke cancelled a March lease auction of 4,454 acres in IGreater Chaco to oil and gas companies. ordinance Thanks to the efforts of our New Mexico Congressional delegates, the By Miya King-Flaherty Frack Off Chaco Coalition, the Navajo t the March 15 Sandoval Nation and All Pueblo Council of ACounty Commission meet- Governors, National Congress of ing, the commission voted 4-1 American Indians, 15 Navajo chapter to approve a Citizens Working houses, the Legislature and thousands of concerned citizens, Interior Secretary Group composed of 11 voting Ryan Zinke instructed the Bureau of members and three non-voting Land Management to defer the sale members led by geologist Don pending analysis of cultural resources in Phillips. the lease area. These members are responsi- In response, the Frack Off Chaco ble for developing a county oil Coalition held two events, one in and gas ordinance that includes Albuquerque and the other at the BLM Above: Daniel Tso and Sam Sage helped protections for our drinking New Mexico State office in Santa Fe. deliver 200,000 petition signatures to the water and communities as well Organizers presented a large "Thank You" BLM state office asking for a moratorium as meaningful tribal consulta- card to Sens. Tom Udall and Martin on drilling in Northwest New Mexico's tion. Heinrich's staff in Albuquerque to Greater Chaco region. Among the members are Mary remind them that more work is needed At left: Kendra Pinto, Counselor to ensure protections for public health Feldblum of Earthworks’ Oil Health Impact Assessment project and Gas Accountability Project, and cultural resources. Sen. Udall’s state manager, installs a monitor to measure former Planning and Zoning director, Greg Bloom, read a statement indoor and outdoor air quality within from the senator promising that he will 1 mile of an oil well in Navajo Nation chair John Arango, state Rep. continue to fight for impacted residents Counselor Chapter, N.M. Sierra Club Derrick Lente, geologist Eddie and our national heritage in and around provided funds for the 20 monitors the Paulsgrove, and three Planning Chaco. team installed April 15 and will pay for and Zoning commissioners At the BLM New Mexico State office, lab analysis and reports to each house- — including chair Aparicio organizers delivered more than 200,000 hold, church and chapter house being Herrera. public signatures calling for a morato- monitored, as well as air-quality reports The Citizens Working Group rium on drilling in Greater Chaco and when monitoring is complete in 32 days. for meaningful public health, cultural will have the ability to invite Top photo by David McGahey and environmental protections. legal, scientific and land-use Bottom photo by Teresa Seamster Community members in Greater experts as well as industry to Chaco are also taking a stand against present, along with the general Toxin in Our Air." if we are to ensure there will be a future unchecked oil and gas leasing near their living with and on the land,” said Kendra public. homes by planting signs along U.S. “One of the purposes of the signs is to get the community talking. The Pinto, Navajo Nation Twin Pines resi- Based on testimonies and 550 in Counselor, N.M. The messages research, the working group will read: "Entering Energy Sacrifice Zone," dangers associated with natural-resource dent. draft an ordinance to present "We Are Greater Chaco," "Violence extraction affect us in one way or another Although the lease sale has been Against Land is Violence Against Us," whether we want to believe it or not. deferred, the BLM continues to approve to the Planning and Zoning "Extraction Threatens Our Health Becoming aware of the so-called polit- drilling permits near homes and public commission for a public hearing and Safety," "Selloff Of Sacred Lands ical ground we stand on is powerful, spaces. This is a small victory, but the and vote. The working group's Dooda," and "Methane Gas: Odorless and we must stand against destruction battle continues. first meeting is in April. What drilling has done to my homeland Samuel Sage is a leader in the the landscape. First, new kinds was working as a community Resource Management Plan effort to protect Greater Chaco of weeds were transported by organizer. We began work- without Counselor Chapter’s communities from the impacts of heavy equipment tires. Animals ing on closing the bar. There knowledge. This information fracking. Since fracking wells have cannot eat them. Second, water were five of us. We would was brought to us by Diné flows in the washes/arroyos walk along Highway 550 in emerged in and around Navajo CARE. They asked if BLM had were changed or dammed. protest against the bar. The first Nation Counselor Chapter, come out to talk to us. No, no Certain earth dams down the march a few people partici- BLM people came to us. residents are experiencing negative way could not be refilled; they pated; later Counselor Mission A meeting was set up with impacts to their health and social dried up. Third, ugly bright students joined. During Red BLM and three Navajo chap- and cultural well-being as well as white poles and signs along Ribbon week, we would post/ ters by Diné CARE, San Juan pipeline routes and giant poles place “white crosses” where to their air and water. Here, Sage Citizens Alliance and Oil shares some of his experiences: with cables between them took people died. There were quite over the landscape. a number of crosses. Oil and and Gas Accountability at By Samuel Sage This occurred in the 1960s, gas development was very slow BLM-Farmington field office. My homeland, 18 miles 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and in the community; most of the The first meeting was so tense south of Counselor Store, has early 2000s. Few pump jacks activities were in the northern that I thought we were all been getting destroyed by the began showing up. They were areas, around Navajo Dam. going to be involved in a giant U.S. Government (BLM) and very noisy. Few community Photo copyright Evalyn Bemis Still in the late 1990s, we were fist fight, white men against the companies it hires. members were receiving royalty Samuel Sage, above, is a informed the bar was closing. Navajo men. BLM personnel Any form of consultations monies. Alcohol abuse was/ member of the Counselor A lot of people in the commu- would step in and disappear are unknown. One day, heavy is a big problem. People that Health Impacts Assessment nity were very upset with us back out. Everyone, three equipment is there clearing received money spent their Committee. because the bar was closing. Chapter officials and about roads for more heavy equip- days drunk. Some bought vehi- In 2000, I was elected would go there day and night. seven BLM personnel, stone- ment. Three different pipelines cles, but some of these vehicles Counselor Chapter presi- cold faces without expressions. and a large electrical transmis- So many of the community broke down before they made dent. One of my first major We sat very quiet without any sion line made their way across it home. people died along the high- challenges was learning that movement. the land from West to East. There was a bar along way walking or in vehicle the BLM-Farmington field These destructions changed Highway 44 (550). People crashes. In the late 1990s, I office was ready to approve a (To be continued next issue.) April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 5 Copper mines and our drinking water Copper mine endangers water, wildlife By Michael Jensen N.M. Environmental Law Center ew Mexico’s Environment Department Nis pushing through a discharge permit for New Mexico Copper Corp.’s Copper Flat Mine that relies on incomplete and inaccurate information and does not account for impacts to surface and groundwater. Contaminants in groundwater and surface water will pass under and across Ladder Ranch, impacting four perennial streams that cross Ladder Ranch on their way to the Rio Grande and that support wildlife restoration and ranching operations. Potential contamination of surface and groundwater could negatively impact endan- gered and threatened species. Mexican gray Photo courtesy Gila Resources Information Project wolves are housed at Turner Ranch Properties’ Aerial view of part of Chino Mine's massive Santa Rita Pit and Reservoir 3A wastewater pond. New Mexico's Copper Ladder Ranch before reintroduction. Ladder Ranch and the Hillsboro Pitchfork Rule, heavily influenced by copper-mining giant Freeport-McMoRan, was upheld by the state Supreme Court in March. Ranch host mule-deer restoration efforts. Other habitat restorations and reintroduc- tions involve Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Chiricahua leopard frog, Bolson tortoise, and NM Supreme Court upholds two species under review for endangered list- ing: Rio Grande chub and Rio Grande sucker. The Environment Department’s draft permit water-sacrifice zones does not include the recent conclusion by the Third Judicial District Court that the mine NM Environmental Law Center, The Copper Rule removes all the water beneath has only about 862 acre-feet per year of water Gila Resources Information the massive area covered by open-pit mines from rights, not the more than 20,000 it needs. The Project, Amigos Bravos draft permit shows substantially higher produc- n March, the New Mexico any Water Quality Act standards. tion at the mine than the amount claimed Supreme Court issued a stunning in New Mexico Copper’s permit application and puzzling decision in its long- and supporting documents and has a smaller awaited review of the Copper Administration's rule to weaken New the way for other polluters to demand disturbed area, smaller waste rock piles and a Rule. The case could set precedent for Mexico's Water Quality Act" stated similar rollbacks in water-quality lower depth in the planned pit lake. I how the State of New Mexico protects Allyson Siwik, Executive Director safeguards and allow the federal labs, Independent analysis indicates that the pit water at all industrial sites. of Silver City-based Gila Resources wastewater-treatment plants, dairies, lake will function as a flow-through pit during The Court’s decision was clearly Information Project. and other industries to pollute under rapid fill of the pit post-closure (not an evapo- based on prioritizing copper mining "The Supreme Court has effec- their sites and further risk ground- rative sink as claimed by New Mexico Copper); in New Mexico, despite the fact tively sanctioned the idea of ground- water pollution of public water this means that it must meet water-quality stan- – acknowledged by the industry, water sacrifice zones in the area of dards and/or that the corporation must pump supplies.” the New Mexico Environment copper mines. In Grant County, “The Court’s ruling only heightens it, most likely “in perpetuity,” which violates the Department, and the court – that we are 100% dependent upon our Mining Act’s requirements for new mines. our determination to protect New copper mines will “inevitably” pollute groundwater aquifer. Allowing Mexico’s groundwater,” said Douglas The permit allows for the widespread use of large areas of groundwater that will Freeport-McMoRan, the world’s larg- “permit amendments," including changes in Meiklejohn, Executive Director of become increasingly important in our est publicly traded copper company the New Mexico Environmental Law location, quantity and quality of discharges arid climate. that operates three copper mines in Center, which is representing GRIP initially authorized. Permit conditions that This is especially important for the Silver City area, to pollute rather and Amigos Bravos in the case. went through a robust public-participation permitting new copper mines where than prevent groundwater contami- “We disagree with the Court on process could be removed immediately after the groundwater is still “pristine,” a nation threatens our drinking-water the law, and think that the Court has the permit’s effective date, undermining term used by the court. The Copper supply over the long term." public participation in the draft-permit Rule removes all the water beneath “This decision does not recog- an unrealistic view of how pollution process and the purpose of including permit the massive area covered by an open- nize the importance of protecting of groundwater spreads. We are very conditions. pit mine from any Water Quality the state's most important resource concerned because groundwater is Act standards. Standards would not – clean water,” said Rachel Conn, the most precious resource in New Take action apply until water pollution reached Projects Director for Amigos Bravos. Mexico. The Court made clear that The deadline to send comments object- the so-called “point of compliance”: “The Court’s idea of ‘strategic it was considering the Copper Rule ing to Copper Flat Mine's discharge monitoring wells set up beyond the containment’ is in direct opposition on its face and not as it is applied in permit (DP-1840) is May 4. Email mine’s operational area, which can to the State Water Quality Act's individual mine permits. We intend comments to [email protected]. For cover many square miles. purpose of preventing and abating to monitor situations in which the mailing address and more information, go "We are very disappointed with water pollution. It is never a good Rule is applied to determine whether to riograndesierraclub.org. the New Mexico Supreme Court's idea to allow polluters to write their it violates the Water Quality Act or decision to uphold the Martinez own rules. This decision could pave other statutory provisions.” Celebrating 55 years: Bette Korber Throughout our 55th anniversary, the Rio Grande for just being as they are: beautiful, perfect and Chapter is featuring past campaigns and lifetime chapter complete. The most important work of our times members. A note from lifetime member Bette Korber: is finding ways to leave our sweet Earth intact for This week I'm stepping into 60 years on planet the next generations. I’m grateful to be a small Earth, and have been with the Sierra Club since I part of something as powerful as the Sierra Club, was 16, when I first set out to hike the John Muir Trail and fell in love with the high wild places citizens together, working towards this goal. where granite and grace touch the sky. Watch Bette's video about the Gila River at Through my father, I learned to love wild places riograndesierraclub.org 6 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 Renewable energy, Legislature NM approves 1,200 MW of wind energy By Mona Blaber Rio Grande Chapter activists called and SPS, which serves southeastern New to climate progress. Chapter communications emailed commissioners to urge passage. Mexico, proposed the wind projects last Unfortunately, outcomes haven't All five commissioners voted to accept year, saying they will save ratepayers been as positive in efforts to get SPS ew Mexico’s Public Regulation billions of dollars. The company didn't Commission on March 21 the compromise. Your input makes a big to drop a fee imposed on ratepayerss difference in cases like this. actually need the capacity; the facilities with solar rooftops. Coalition for Clean approved Southwestern Public — two in New Mexico and one in West NService's massive 1.2-gigawatt wind-en- According to SPS, this project will Affordable Energy and Vote Solar moved Texas — were proposed purely to save bring the renewable portion of its New to dismiss the tariffs as being unlawful, ergy project in New Mexico and west money. Coalition for Clean Affordable Mexico retail electricity sales to a whop- but the hearing officer and commission Texas. Energy (of which Sierra Club is a Commissioners had expressed skepti- ping 49%, if the utility is required to member), the attorney general and denied the motion. The issue will now cism about a ratemaking mechanism the retire the Renewable Energy Certificates Western Resource Advocates struck a be considered in a pending SPS rate company proposed as part of the project, associated with the production. This will deal with SPS to prioritize New Mexico case. The ruling sets a bad precedent that but our Coalition for Clean Affordable be an issue in SPS’s upcoming renew- contractors and workers in the New could allow PNM and El Paso Electric Energy attorney and other parties able-portfolio case, where your engage- Mexico project, so it will bring jobs and to charge solar users more than other developed a compromise with SPS, and ment may be needed again. investment to New Mexico in addition customers. CCAE may appeal. Governor nixes solar credit Las Cruces By Dan Lorimier and Mona Blaber Rio Grande Chapter staff votes to go ost of the progress made in the 2018 100% clean New Mexico legislative session stopped at the Mgovernor's desk. But some bright spots by 2050 give hope for better outcomes under a new governor in 2019: By Kurt Anderson Solar tax credits: On the final night, Southern New Mexico Group the House passed Senate Bill 79, which n April 2, The Las Cruces City renews the 10% tax credit for residents OCouncil passed a resolution to and small businesses who install solar obtain 25% of the city's electricity from panels. This credit, which had been renewable energy by 2022, 30% by in place in New Mexico but expired 2030, and 100% by 2050. in 2016, would reduce the effect of The resolution passed unanimously the recent U.S. tariff on solar panels. following a presentation by city Unfortunately, Gov. Susana Martinez Sustainability Officer Lisa LaRocque, failed to sign it by the deadline, killing it who outlined options available (from "go (also called a pocket veto). Martinez also it alone" to public-private arrangements) vetoed the bill in 2016, but November's and their projected costs and savings. election will decide whether our next She said all indicated that the goals could governor will see the value of solar in be met well before the proposed dates. fighting climate change and developing Councilors' discussion and presenta- our state's economic strengths. Thanks tions focussed on PV solar as the most to Environment New Mexico for its promising power source. leadership on this bill. Photo copyright Evalyn Bemis Councilor Gill Sorg sponsored the Bad Seed bill: HB161, an ALEC New Mexicans attended workshops, testified at committee meetings and talked resolution. Environment New Mexico led bill that would have stopped any to their representatives on Environment Day at the Legislature in February. the effort to pass it. Residents testifying local government from, for example, in favor of the goals noted that increased requiring labeling of genetically modi- The budget that passed earmarked Generating Station near Farmington in levels of solar energy use by the city would fied crops or imposing public-health $200,000 for this purpose, so the bills' 2022. The original bill benefited only mean clean air, lower energy costs and restrictions like setbacks or pesti- purpose was fulfilled. Thanks for your PNM, but environmental and Four meaningful action to protect future gener- cide-drift regulations, died in the House calls and emails in support of this Corners groups negotiatied significant ations from climate disruption. State Government, Indian Affairs and legislation that will help provide jobs improvements, including commitments “Setting a strong solar goal for the Veterans Committee. Thank you for for New Mexicans and make our state a by PNM to build all replacement power City of Las Cruces will mean a more writing and calling this committee's safer place to live. in the same school district as the coal sustainable future for our residents, while members. Thanks also to the New Keeping the Gila wild: HB330, which plant and to achieve 50% renewable Mexico Food and Seed Sovereignty would have moved funds away from generation by 2030. Concerns remained the government can save on energy costs Alliance for its leadership in analyzing an ill-conceived Gila River diversion about removing Public Regulation over time,” LaRocque said. and opposing this bill and to the many project to instead fund local water-con- Commission oversight and PNM's Las Cruces currently gets about 7 traditional and indigenous farmers who servation projects in Southwestern New requirement that it own a large percent- percent of its electricity from renewables. testified against it. Mexico, was pulled from the House age of the replacement power, and Sierra Chaco memorials: SM42 and HM85 floor and died. This important legisla- Club and other environmental groups Southern N.M. Group affirmed New Mexico’s commitment to tion will appear again next year. opposed the final version of the bill. But protecting and preserving the cultural Higher bonds for plugging oil and negotiations led to agreement among P.O. Box 735, Mesilla, NM 88046 and historical sites in the Greater Chaco gas wells: SB 189 increases the cap environmental and community groups Chair: Howie Dash, Outings, landscape and were amended, thanks of the amount of the surety bond a on many important issues and promise [email protected], 575-652-7550 Glenn Lander to efforts by the Chaco Coalition, to company must post for the plugging an progress going forward. s, 575-525-0491, [email protected] include protection for the people living inactive oil or gas well from $50,000 Once again, a gazillion thank-yous to Cheryll Blevins, Treasurer, 575-524- in the region, not just archaeological to $250,000. The increased amount is all of you who wrote, called, attended 4861, [email protected] treasures. Both memorials passed their more in line with the cost of plugging meetings or met with your representa- Mary Katherine Ray, Secretary, committees but were not heard by their a well and remediating a plugged well tives. It was a thrill to watch in real time Wildlife, 575-772-5655, full chambers. that leaks, blows out or otherwise fails. the impact your actions had. Please [email protected] Study on workforce training for This bill was signed into law by Gov. contact your legislators before the Kurt Anderson, [email protected], uranium cleanup: HB 208 and SB 251 Martinez! 2019 session to let them know what's 575-646-1032 would have appropriated $250,000 to PNM's securitization bills: HB80 and important to you. Write to riogrande. Nate Cote study programs needed to train New SB47 represented PNM’s effort to sell [email protected] to join our Amanda Munro, Mexicans for jobs created by recent bonds to recoup stranded costs if the lobbying listserv or learn more about [email protected] funding for cleanup of uranium sites. company retires coal-fired San Juan Coal how you can help. April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 7 2018 Primary Endorsements Note: The endorsements on these pages represent only those made as of April 19; others will be decided later in election season. Check riograndesierraclub.org for updates. Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter endorses only in contested primaries. Rep. Ben R. Luján and Sen. Martin Heinrich have been endorsed but are unopposed in the primary. New Mexico Legislature PRC 4: District 13: Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero Janene Roybal Caballero has amassed an impressive 100% score from Yazzie Conservation Voters New Mexico for always voting to protect our air, drinking By Miya King-Flaherty water, climate, land and wildlife. In 2017, Roybal Caballero, who anene Yazzie’s commitment represents an Albuquerque seat, spon- toward protecting the public’s interests, protect- sored a community-solar bill to allow Rep. Doreen Wonda Rep. Derrick Lente Susan Herrera Pete Sheehey ingJ environmental and human those who don’t own their residences or Johnson can’t afford solar panels to obtain solar rights, and ability to advance ment curbside yard- energy. indigenous rights is exempli- waste pickup; meet Los Alamos’ goal District 5: fied in her advocacy for social, of 100% carbon-neutral electricity by economic and environmental 2040; and publish an extensive study on Doreen Wonda Johnson justice. county water resources to aid in adopting Rep. Doreen Wonda Johnson, of Yazzie has been an active a revised and more realistic 40-year water Crownpoint, has become an environ- member of the Chaco Coalition mental champion in her four years at the plan. Sheehey has lobbied for stricter ground- working to help protect Greater Legislature. She represents a San Juan- Chaco residents and land from McKinley County district that is especially water protections and holding polluters accountable (e.g., the Nacimiento copper the negative impacts of the affected by extractive industries including fracking boom. mining, oil, natural gas and coal plants, Rep. Patricia Mark Boslough mine near Cuba). He is running to She has a deep and high-level and her record reflects a concern for the Roybal Caballero replace Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard understanding of how best to health and well-being of her constituents. and will be a worthy replacement in the District 41: Susan Herrera Legislature. represent, elevate and incorpo- District 31: Mark Boslough Susan Herrera is a longtime commu- District 65: rate the public’s concerns into As a nonpartisan organization, the Sierra nity advocate who sits on the boards of meaningful policies that are Club does not find many Republicans New Mexico Voices for Children, the Rep. Derrick Lente good for all New Mexicans. worthy of endorsement these days, but we Family Learning Center in Española and Rep. Derrick Lente, serving Sandoval, Yazzie demonstrated flexi- are very pleased to have discovered Mark the Northwest First Born Program in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties, is a bility, clarity and openness in Boslough, whom we have endorsed in the Farmington and Gallup. staunch advocate for his constituents. He answering questions, as well Republican primary for House District 31 Herrera believes that relying on oil and prizes their input above that of lobbyists as a thoughtful analysis of the in far northeast Albuquerque. Mark is a gas to prop up the state budget is unsus- but listens to everyone and governs in a energy-water nexus and the retired Sandia National Laboratories scien- tainable and suggests creating a strong thoughtful, civil manner. need to minimize the use of tist whose work focused on climate change. revenue stream for education, health and As a first-term legislator, he sponsored water in energy production. She He helped create Sandia’s climate economic development by revamping the a memorial last year to support a mora- also emphasized the need to modeling group and authored many income tax, permanent fund and gross torium on drilling leases in the Greater carefully measure the economic Chaco region until the BLM amends its climate reports. He has also penned many receipts tax. impact on ratepayers when articles and op-eds in both the scientific management plan for the region to take making decisions on energy and popular press about global-warming District 43: Pete Sheehey into account the impacts of fracking. issues. issues. He has educated a new generation During his six years on the Los Alamos Lente is also a member of the Middle of scientists about climate change. Mark County Council, Pete Sheehey has led Rio Grande Conservancy District board She demonstrates a strong is a voice we need in the New Mexico or supported efforts to promote envi- and boasts a 95% Conservation Voters work ethic and advocates for Legislature to provide a strong, scientific ronmental protection, including to ban New Mexico score. We urge District 65 thoroughly researching issues voice on climate issues. trapping in Los Alamos County; imple- voters to return him to the Legislature. before deciding on them. Yazzie worked at Pine Ridge to develop customized State auditor: Bill McCamley smart-energy solutions. She provides leadership in balancing Sierra Club has endorsed Bill McCamley for investigation could help to kill this disastrous project. the intersection of customer state auditor, a position that has the authority to McCamley, a former state legislator with an excel- cost with energy solutions investigate the financial aspects of any activity of lent environmental record, also said he would do a state government and can use that authority to help cost-benefit analysis of money spent to kill coyotes, and economic development. shape policy and protect the environment. prairie dogs, and other animals, which would provide It is for these reasons that McCamley has stated that if elected, he will investi- ammunition to end these practices. Sierra Club endorses Janene gate the ill-conceived proposal to divert the Gila River. He also noted that audits can inform communities Yazzie for Public Regulation An investigation of Gila project will show that more of the financial risks that can be incurred from activi- Commissioner in District 4, benefit can be obtained for less money by much less ties like fracking without proper regulation. which covers northwest and environmentally harmful water projects, and such an The Sierra Club is proud to endorse McCamley. parts of central New Mexico. Chapter organizer Dan Lorimier retires

By Mona Blaber ter Legislative Committee co-chair “We will all miss his good humor, Dan Lorimier, longtime Rio Melinda Smith. “He mentored so comity, and especially his guitar Grande Chapter organizer for many of our citizen lobbyists who playing and singing!” Smith said. Southern New Mexico, retired in depended on his judgment and “Dan’s kindness and patience April. guidance to be effective advocates for are rare qualities in the legisla- Dan was also the chapter’s the chapter’s land, water, energy and ture,” said Rio Grande Chapter lobbyist during legislative sessions. wildlife issues. Legislators on both Director Camilla Feibelman. “He He was known at the Roundhouse sides of the aisle liked and respected brought that gentle approach to his for his civility and ability to build him, and allies from our sister orga- deep knowledge of New Mexico’s a rapport with legislators on both nizations counted on his expertise.” environmental issues and how to sides of the aisle. Dan plays in a folk band around make a real difference. From dairy “Dan was an authoritative force his Truth or Consequences home groundwater rules to resource-man- Dan Lorimier and Chapter Director Camilla for environmental advocacy at the and serenaded volunteers and staff at agement plans, Dan was our expert. Feibelman at Dan’s retirement party at Sevilleta Legislature for 14 years,” said chap- the chapter meetings he organized. We’ll miss him so much.” National Wildlife Refuge in April.

8 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 2018 Primary Endorsements Governor: Lujan Grisham has strong record By Camilla Feibelman Lujan Grisham has committed to clear concern that Caucus Chair she introduced the “Build ichelle Lujan Grisham has developing state rules to control for this is not the proper Bridges Not Walls Act” to prohibit served New Mexico’s 1st oil and gas methane pollution and economic-devel- implementation of President Trump’s District in Congress for six to a renewables standard for New opment vehicle for executive order to build a wall along the years and in that time she’s Mexico’s utilities of 80% by 2040. Her our state, but also a U.S.-Mexico border. Renewable Energy plan is excellent and thorough knowledge Beyond her role as an environmental earned a 91% League of Conservation M about the geology of champion in Congress, Michelle has worth a read — see www.newmexicans- Voters score, with 100% scores the formichelle.com. the proposed site and worked at all levels of government, last two years. The congresswoman’s Rep. Lujan Grisham knows many the science behind from county and state to federal. It is combination of high energy, visionary of the state’s environmental issues at a the risks it poses. our sense that her experience combined leadership, technical knowledge of highly technical level. On the issue of trans- Lujan Grisham has also stood up with her commitment to protecting our complex issues, and array of experience port of spent nuclear fuel rods to New on one of the country’s most divisive families makes her the best choice for make her our pick for governor. Mexico, she demonstrated not only a issues when as Congressional Hispanic governor of New Mexico. Bernalillo Commission: Debbie O’Malley By Richard Barish water recla- The Sierra Club has endorsed mation Debbie O’Malley in her bid project. for re-election to the Bernalillo We need County Commission. Debbie a strong served two terms on the environ- Albuquerque City Council mentalist before being elected to the like Debbie County Commission, and in to try to both offices, she has been a prevent the worst effects of this staunch supporter of pro-envi- project. ronment legislation. Another important issue that As a Bernalillo County will be on the county agenda commissioner, Debbie has is fracking. Fracking has been been one of our go-to commis- proposed in Sandoval County, sioners to oppose the proposed and it is only a matter of time Land Commission: VeneKlasen Santolina development. before it comes to Bernalillo By Teresa Seamster and organizational leadership in science-driven wildlife manage- Santolina is a sprawl develop- County. Unlike other parts of hen we heard New Mexico the past 15 years. ment on state trust lands for ment project on the southwest the state where there is consid- Garrett Veneklasen His advocacy for public lands all native species and opposes side that would likely have to erable fracking — the San Juan was running for remaining in public hands has indiscriminate killing. He prom- dry up farms in the valley to Basin and the Permian Basin stateW Land Commissioner, the been exemplary and directly ises a moratorium on trapping provide water for the develop- — the Albuquerque Basin image of him jumping in front contributed to the designations until it there is scientific proof it ment. contains numerous faults and of the microphones at Malheur of Rio Grande del Norte and meets a conservation need and is highly fractured. Fracking The new Commission will be National Wildlife Refuge Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks to prohibit killing contests on fluids and methane gas will considering the details of the and opposing violent activist National Monuments and State Trust land. Santolina development, and inevitably find their way into Ammon Bundy and his illegal Valles Caldera’s transition to Sustainable growth is one of Debbie serves on the Water the aquifer we depend on. We occupiers was still fresh in the the National Park Service. the biggest challenges ahead Utility Authority Board, which need Debbie to help to ensure media. All of a sudden, new Having spent much of his life for the State Land Office, and will be considering water for that fracking does not happen ethical energy was entering the working on land-based projects Garrett has outlined several the subdivision, including a in Bernalillo County! Land Commission race. that involve watershed resto- plans for future economic The Sierra Club endorsement ration and wildlife mitigation, growth for educational beneficia- Sandoval Commission: for Garrett is based on many Garrett understands land stew- ries, including renewable-energy aspects of his lifetime of experi- ardship and best-management development and leasing land Margaret Cassidy-Baca ence, community involvement practices. He is committed to for cultural and eco-tourism. By Richard Barish pollutants Congress (District 2): Torres-Small into the So I called Margaret Cassidy- an attorney focusing on water law, she protects ground- By Mona Blaber Baca to tell her that we had water rights for future use. water. If Xochitl Torres-Small works on environmental endorsed her, and I got about a She expressed a commitment to healing our fracking is law for a firm in Las Cruces, where she grew up. minute into my standard spiel climate and moving toward renewable resources. allowed, As a staffer for Sen. Tom Udall, she helped when she interrupted me to as well as working with all stakeholders to share tell me about her concern that pollution of organize his first statewide water conference, which brought together conservationists, and sustain our natural resources. the Pueblos were not being the ground- farmers, cities, and businesses to plan for future Torres-Small is running for the Southern New adequately consulted about the water is all but inevitable. water needs. At UNM Law School, she worked Mexico seat vacated by Steve Pearce, one of the new Sandoval County oil and Fracking regulations are for Audubon New Mexico to identify reservoir most polluter-friendly members of Congress. We gas ordinance being drafted that routinely challenged, so they management strategies to keep water in the believe she is the candidate best suited to change would regulate fracking. A long need to be carefully drafted river to preserve vital riparian habitat. Now as that legacy for the better. conversation ensued. to discourage and withstand This is what Margaret is like. legal challenges. Margaret is She is focused on the issues, and not just an environmentalist. she is especially passionate about Santa Fe Commission: Rudy Garcia She is a smart, hard-working, inclusion and cultural sensitivity By Teresa Seamster Garcia has worked in land use and detail-oriented attorney. She in this very diverse county. was a project manager in the former is the person we need on the Long-time land-use manager Rudy Regulation of fracking is Garcia is a dedicated local profes- Project and Facilities Management Sandoval County Commission the big environmental issue in sional who is thoroughly familiar Department’s Open Space/Trails to help to ensure that we have Sandoval County. Companies with all aspects of county planning Division, identifying culturally and are trying to frack there in the enforceable fracking regula- and the need to carefully weigh all environmentally significant properties Albuquerque Basin, but the tion. The Sierra Club is proud impacts of new developments on that were acquired to preserve their Albuquerque Basin is full of to endorse Margaret Cassidy water, infrastructure and quality of individual characteristics. He was also faults and fractures that will Baca for Sandoval County life in Santa Fe County: involved in the drafting of Santa Fe allow for the easy passage of Commission. In his 26 years in local government, County’s regulations for oil and gas. April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 9 Central New Mexico Group Bosque action team back in action By Richard Barish Cottonwood seeds need spring floods water in the Rio Grande on average. As bosque will continue to provide good Bosque Action Team to germinate. Most of the cotton- a result, the water table will drop, and habitat for native plants and animals woods in the Bernalillo County bosque cottonwoods may lose contact with the and will continue to be an attractive ith the bosque-friendly germinated in a couple of floods in the water table and die. This has already place for people to visit. Keller administration early 1940s, so they are now about 75 happened in at least one location. We also have a working group now running the City of years old. Many or most will die in the If nothing is done, exotic, weedy trees that brings people to the bosque to Albuquerque,W a re-energized Bosque coming decades. They have not been may replace cottonwoods, and there learn about it and another group that Action Team has reconvened to see replaced by new generations of cotton- may be more dry, open areas that don't promotes environmental education what it can do to positively influence woods, since spring floods in this reach provide habitat for very many species. in the public schools. We also have a the future of the bosque. are now rare. The Bosque Action Team is planning website, Savethebosque.org, that needs The bosque faces daunting challenges. The bosque also faces challenges a campaign to save and restore the a coordinator. The cottonwood forest that we all love from global warming. The prediction Bosque. If you want to be a part of this is aging and declining. Cottonwoods is that in the warmer future we are We have a restoration working group campaign, please contact me at generally live for about 75 to 120 years. facing, there will be about 30% less exploring what we can do so that the [email protected]. Central New Mexico Group events Trainings for serve light refreshments and have a guest speaker who discusses outings leaders timely issues/topics. At our March The Sierra Club Central New meeting, Mark Rudd, retired Mexico Group is seeking addi- CNM instructor and lifelong tional volunteer outings leaders organizer, led a lively discussion for our hiking events. on the relationship between the Outings leader must be at environmental movement and least 18 years of age, have a basic political power. first-aid/CPR certification and At the May 4 meeting our complete the free Sierra Outings speaker will be Carlos A. Bustos, Leaders Training (OLT) course. the Water Conservation Program Terry Owen We will offer the next OLT 101 manager for the Albuquerque- Military Outdoors Program participants stop to show their pride at the Sandia Tramway on a course on May 12 from 9 a.m. to Bernalillo Water Authority. He beautiful February day. 1 p.m. To get your first-aid/CPR will be addressing Albuquerque’s certification, we will have a basic successful water-conservation American Red Cross course on efforts and the recently adopted April 28 or May 27. plan “Water 2120: Securing Our Military outings flourish There is a $10 fee for the certi- Water Future." fication, which is valid for two First Friday Art By Terrence Owen shown the therapeutic effects Afghanistan-Iraq-era veteran. years. If you enjoy sharing the The Sierra Club's Central Military Outdoors that time in nature produces, Regardless of background, outdoors with others, become a and not just for veterans. participants often stay in leader. You will learn from other Group office (2215 Lead Ave. he Sierra Club SE, Albuquerque) will be hosting Typically, about half of those contact after an outing leaders and meet folks who share Military Outdoors bimonthly First Friday art events who join these outings are because they enjoyed the appreciation of New Mexico and Program offers our Bosque. For more infor- on April 6 and June 8 from active-duty mili- associated with the military, camaraderie. 6 to 8 pm. Refreshments are but everyone is welcome to This program is only mation, contact Fred Houdek, Ttary, veterans and their fami- [email protected] or (630) provided. April's featured artist, join the fun. successful because of those lies the opportunity to enjoy 809-4234. Peter Kelling, will show black & the land they defended. This Veterans and their families who join us. To encourage white nature photography, on winter has been no exception, have a strong tie to the land more veterans to get involved Sierra Club display through May. June's First with monthly outings to they defended. or utilize the leadership skills and Root Beers Friday will showcase landscape experience high alpine hiking “This program and Sierra they learned in the military, paintings by Eliza Schmid, on in the Sandia mountains. Club’s focus on preserving Sierra Club offers outings, The Central Group hosts a display through July. Please Each quarter, hikes of U.S. wildlands are why I clinics and training across general meeting, Sierra Club contact Heather Kline (505-577- and Root Beer, at the Center for varying difficulty are planned joined and why I support the country, often free or at 2798, [email protected]) Peace and Justice, 202 Harvard so virtually anyone of any their efforts,” Vietnam vet reduced cost for vets. To learn with questions or if you are an Drive SE, every other month on artist interested in showing your fitness level can get outdoors and Purple Heart recipient more, go to content.sierra- the first Friday at 6:30 p.m. We work. with others in a welcoming Harry Carpenter said on a club.org/outings/military/ environment. No experience recent four-mile hike of the featured-trips. For outings is necessary, and the lead- Sandia crest to the Tram. in the Central Rio Grande Central New Mexico contacts ers provide information on “I didn’t know this program area, which are typically Chair: Fred Houdek, [email protected], 630.809.4234 remaining safe, warm and existed, and I wasn’t familiar free, contact Terry Owen, Vice Chair: Ray Shortridge, [email protected] comfortable prior to and with Sierra Club but I’m glad [email protected], 505-301- Treasurer: David Ther, [email protected] during each outing. I found out about it!” said 4349 or go to www.riogrand- Secretary: Heather Kline, [email protected], 505.577.2798 Numerous studies have Chris Gutierrez, a US Army esierraclub.org/outings. Outings: Odile de La Beaujardiere, odile@@pitot.org, 505.433.469 Carol Chamberland, [email protected] Mark Rudd, [email protected] Albuquerque votes for the coyotes Peter Kelling, cloudsandwater@j`uno.com Other Responsibilities On March 5, the Albuquerque City Council iting coyote-killing contests throughout New Political and Bosque Chair: Richard Barish, richardbarish@gmail. passed a resolution to condemn coyote-kill- Mexico. Gibson encouraged other cities and com ing contests. The resolution, sponsored by counties to pass similar resolutions to push Art showings: Heather Kline Councillors Diane Gibson and Cynthia state lawmakers to address the issue again. The Volunteer coordinator: Lauren Komnick, sierraclubriogrande@gmail. Borrego, passed unanimously. coalition advocating for the resolution plans com, 315-272-7317, tabling. Patty Duncan, [email protected], Bills to prohibit coyote contests have been to make that happen. Volunteer Wednesdays introduced in the Legislature three times, and Our thanks to Sierra Club volunteers who Wildlife: Leslie Chavez, [email protected] in 2017 passed the Senate but didn't get a helped and commented at city meetings, Military Outings: Terry Owen, [email protected], 505-301-4349 vote on the House floor. including Brenda McKenna, Peggy Norton, UNM Sierra Student Coalition Co-presidents: Tom Bottomly, tbot- The resolution supports legislation prohib- Leslie Chavez and Fred Houdek. [email protected]; Keely Scheffler, [email protected] 10 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 El Paso Executive Committee El Paso students visit Trackways elpasosierraclub.org By Lorenzo Gonzalez opened the possibility of sharing outdoor isms. From the bombardment of dates Laurence Gibson, Chair, and Carlos Chavez experiences with members of the National and eras of the geologic time scale, to the 309-5419 laurenceagibson@ El Paso Sierra Student Coalition Park Service, college science majors, and geology centered lectures, and finally to the main event being the impressions of gmail.com As members of the Americas High field experts. Ann Falknor, Secretary, School Sierra Student Coalition, we have In January, we visted the Prehistoric beings that went extinct 250 million years 833-9162 afalknor@sbcglobal. been delighted by the opportunity to Trackways National Monument near Las ago. Observing the fossilized remains netv participate in a multitude of environ- Cruces. We were given the rare honor of these ancient creatures inspired our Kathy Sunday, Treasurer, ment-driven hikes in which we learn of sharing the hike with a paleontologist minds. 584-9301 sundayt@zianet. about the protection of the biome and the who had as much passion and admiration However, seeing this other portion of com intricacy of the natural world. for nature as the members of our group. paleontology, being able to walk along Rick LoBello, 474-1456, rick- Our passionate organization has also From the rugged landscape of the similar paths as Dimetrodons, and learn- [email protected] been involved in local community service Franklin Mountains to the developing ing about the possible behaviors of these Liz Walsh, 342-7630 ewalsh@ projects such as the construction of a wetlands of Rio Bosque, no previous organisms was an awe-inspiring experi- utep.edu wheelchair-accessible trail within the hiking endeavors have so deeply captured ence of which I hope for more of in the John Walton, 539-5797, Franklin Mountains State Park. One my interests. Although nothing but coming months. Lorenzo Gonzalez and Carlos Chavez are [email protected] of the main goals of the Sierra Student positive memories have come from the outings provided by the Sierra Student members of the Americas High Sierra Student Neysa Hardin 227-5154, Coalition is to cultivate appreciation for nature and to make it accessible for every- Coalition, none have captivated us more Coalition in El Paso, led by El Paso Group [email protected] one. Our club sponsor, Ms. Hardin, has than the remnants of prehistoric organ- Executive Committee member Neysa Hardin. Sierra Student Coalition leadership training Calling all student leaders! Applications Attendees don’t have to be current are now open for the Sierra Student students and don’t need to have previous Coalition’s leadership training program, organizing experience. The only require- Sprog. Sprog equips young people with ments are a passion for environmental tools for environmental and social justice and climate justice and an eagerness to activism and supports students to become make a difference. effective change-makers in their campuses Are you a young person excited to join or communities. The program is for Sprog this summer? Apply now at ssc. youth ages 14 and up and includes train- org/Sprog. Do you know a young person ings on climate justice, anti-oppression, eager to make real change and learn campaign planning, effective communi- the organizing and leadership skills? cations and more. Nominate them to attend! UNM Sierra Student Coalition ready for 100% The Sierra Student Coalition has been dent in our goals. They all have expressed making big moves toward our goal of a support for our efforts. We have also commitment from University of New created a wonderful alliance with other Mexico to generate 100% of the energy environmental groups on and off campus. it uses from renewables. The rest of the semester will be dedi- This semester is our first as a chartered cated to passing a resolution for support student organization on campus. Having from the faculty senate at the university, Photo by Eric Patterson met with Lobo Energy, UNM’s energy along with spreading the word and UNM-Taos students sample water from the Río Fernando de Taos watershed as provider, and other departments involved educating students on renewables and part of a project for Amigos Bravos and Water Sentinels. with energy on campus, we feel confi- our campaign. Global Warming Express kids taking action It's water-monitoring In 2017-18, Global Warming Express, some of the GWEers in Albuquerque the science and civics education program met with newly elected Mayor Tim season; you can help by and for kids, has exceeded expecta- Keller, who promised them he would tions in Las Cruces, Albuquerque and ban plastic straws from Albuquerque city By Eric Patterson these students have become Sierra Club Santa Fe. buildings. In April and May, GWEers members and are involved in commu- All of the Global Warming Expressers ater Sentinels — Ríos de will be meeting with the mayors of La Taos will start the 2018 nity activities. They have held bake sales have engaged deeply with science and to raise money to preserve wildlife, gath- sustainability training and are moving Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe. water-monitoring season with The new book by GWE founders aW training session and first monitoring ered personal care products for the Taos into public speaking and community shortly after Memorial Day, a second in Homeless Men’s Shelter and organized a action in their neighborhoods. Marina Weber and Joanna Whysner early July and a third in early September. village cleanup. In January, the GWE kids spoke at the is now available at bookstores (see ad Each requires a morning’s effort and New Mexico Legislature. In February, below). Proceeds benefit our program. is usually finished by noon. If you are Sprog workshops interested in helping out, contact Eric The Student Sierra Coalition holds Patterson at [email protected]. weeklong workshops in several loca- Praise for The Global Warming Express, We monitor the streams of Taos tions each summer to give students the a New Book About the Environmental Crisis, County. If you would like to monitor environmental and communication streams elsewhere in New Mexico, let us skills needed to actively make a differ- Written by Kids for Kids ence in the environmental affairs of their know — we can help set up a monitor- The Global Warming Express is a wake-up call on the great ing program. Water is one of the most communities. Our chapter director has challenge of climate change—and one that I hope we will all precious resources in our state, and we participated in these workshops, both as hear. Thank you, Marina, for a remarkable adventure story, and need to keep it clean. a student and as a teacher. for reminding us, as my father did in his time, that we have to take care of our planet. We have to protect it for your generation, In the off-season, Sentinels have been This year, the Sprog workshops are and for generations to come.” helping our sister organization, Amigos being held in California, Wisconsin, —Tom Udall, U.S. Senator for New Mexico Bravos, monitor the Río Fernando de Mississippi and Puerto Rico. The tale is utterly charming, and the message urgent. Pay heed. Taos watershed. Amigos Bravos used Water Sentinels are sending one There’s not a moment to be lost. our data to secure a grant from the student from Taos Academy, one from —Author and environmentalist William deBuys New Mexico Environment Department UNM-Taos and three students from Taos Marina is an incredibly talented author. I admire her and to determine the sources of E. Coli High School to Sprog workshops this Joanna’s passion for combatting climate change. Great writing summer. For more information about comes from great thinking, and these girls have a great future contamination in the Río Fernando. ahead. We must all get onboard the Global Warming Express! In other news, Water Sentinels Sprog, Google “SSC sprog.” If you know —Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives has been awarded a grant to involve of an intelligent, environmentally aware students in environmental activities. The student who could benefit from atten- Sentinels have been involved with Taos dance at a Sprog workshop, contact Eric A great gift for the children in your life! Available now from your local bookseller or online • $14.95 • ISBN 978-1-938288-93-7 • full-color paperback • 132 pages Academy students this year. Many of Patterson at [email protected]. April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 11 Northern New Mexico Group Facts, dos and don'ts on bark beetles By Sandrine Gaillard Ph.D. Northern New Mexico New Mexico drought levels Group April 2018 April 2017 id you know? 1) Bark beetles are common pests of coni- Dfers (such as pines), and some attack broadleaf trees. Over 600 species occur in the United States and Canada. They are small, cylindrical, hard-bodied insects about the size of a grain of rice. Most species are dark red, brown, or black. 2) The natural role of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is canopy opening, thinning, and diversification of stand struc- Photo by Teresa Seamster ture and composition. Information courtesy USDA A trap that lures bark beetles away from piñon trees in Santa Fe. 3) Adult bark beetles can adults and larvae) is a good way b) Pay particular attention Once bark beetles have infested a tree, it can't be saved. emerge anytime during the to identify individual beetle to old, slow-growing trees, year, but most commonly in species. crowded groups of trees, and late spring and again in late Ips beetles will leave a newly planted trees in the For more information: summer to early fall. Y-shaped gallery under the bark. landscape. pleaseucanr.edu/sites/sjcoeh/files/77067.pdf 4) Bark beetles feed on trees Removal of the bark with c) Dense stands of suscep- www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stel- weakened by drought, disease, the emergence holes often tible trees should be thinned prdb5306142.pdf injuries, or other factors that reveals dead and degraded (by completely removing some forestry.nv.gov/forestry-resources/forest-health/pinon-ips- may stress the tree. Bark beetles inner bark and sometimes new of the trees) to increase the beetle/ can contribute to the decline adult beetles that have not yet remaining trees’ vigor and abil- and eventual death of trees. emerged. ity to withstand an attack. However, only a few aggres- 6) Healthy trees are less likely d) Tree pruning is also help- drought periods, but a suffi- signs of infestation is the way sive species are known to be the to be attacked and are better ful, but timing of pruning is cient amount of water must be to go, get a second opinion and sole cause of tree mortality. able to survive attacks from a important. used so that it penetrates about most likely a new landscaper! More than 20 species of few bark beetles. Avoid creating fresh prun- 1 foot below the surface. Spraying is only preventative. bark beetles feed on weakened, 7) Except for general main- ing wounds during the adult The specific amount and b) After emergence, adults dying or dead spruce, fir and tenance practices that improve beetles’ flight season. frequency of water needed may reinfest the same tree or, hemlock. tree vigor (see 9), nothing can Remove mistletoe infection. varies greatly depending on in most cases, disperse to attack Piñon trees are attacked by a be done to control most bark Do not prune elm trees from the site, size of the tree, and susceptible trees elsewhere. small bark beetle, the Ips confu- beetles once trees have been March to September or pines whether the tree species is c) If trees or shrubs are sus, called the piñon ips beetle. attacked. from February to mid-October. adapted to summer drought or infested, properly prune Once present in pine trees, Because the beetles live in the Do not pile unseasoned, regular rainfall. these bark beetles inoculate the protected habitat beneath the freshly cut green wood near infested limbs and remove and f) Preventive treatments tree with a blue stain fungus. bark, it is extremely difficult to woody landscape plants. Freshly dispose of dying trees so that must be applied by profes- This fungus is injected into the control them with insecticides. cut wood and trees that are bark- and wood-boring insects sionals to the tree trunk or sapwood, which prevents the In fact, there are no longer any dying or have recently died do not emerge and attack branches to kill adults before tree from controlling or exter- pesticides labeled for treating provide an abundant breeding they can get into the tree and nearby trees. minating the beetle larvae with beetle infested trees. source for some wood-boring lay eggs. Never pile infested material sap. The introduction of this In the case of the Ips beetle, beetles. adjacent to a live tree or shrub. fungus blocks water and nutri- prevention is the only available Treatment following success- e) Irrigation is crucial during If the main trunk is exten- ent transportation within the effective control to manage dry summer months in drought ful attacks and egg-laying will sively attacked by bark beetles, xylem and phloem of the tree. them. years, especially with tree species not be effective. the entire tree or shrub needs 5) Bark beetles mine the 8) As of Jan. 23, more that are native to regions where Insecticide products available to be removed. inner bark (the phloem-cambial than 93% of New Mexico is summer rains are common. to home users are generally region) on twigs, branches or experiencing drought condi- Irrigate when appropriate not effective for bark-beetle Unless infested trees are trunks of trees and shrubs. tions, according to the U.S. around the outer canopy, not control. cut, and infested materials are Small emergence holes in the Department of Agriculture’s near the trunk. 10) If the bark beetles have quickly removed, burned, or bark are a good indication that drought-monitor map. Avoid the frequent, shallow already emerged, a few tips can chipped on site, large numbers bark beetles were present. 9) Prevention methods: type of watering that is often help save the trees that are still of beetles can emerge and kill Peeling off a portion of a) A mixture of tree and shrub used for lawns. unattacked. nearby host trees, especially if infested bark to reveal the species in planted landscapes A general recommendation a) If a professional land- live, unattacked trees nearby winding pattern of the beetle will reduce mortality from bark is to irrigate trees infrequently, scaper or gardener suggests that are weakened or stressed by galleries (tunnels chewed by beetles and wood-borers. such as twice a month during spraying a tree already showing other factors. Northern New Mexico Group campaigns in brief S.F. National Forest Wild Wilderness Society and other allies. Chaco-area chapters. fish by 2050. and Scenic Rivers Map Contact [email protected] and Contact [email protected]. Contact: [email protected] [email protected] Resolution for Zero Waste Jackalope Prairie Dog project Santa Fe National Forest recently Counselor health committee released the 2018 Wild and Scenic in Santa Fe County Prairie dogs are intrinsic to the culture of Santa Fe. The city has a statue Rivers map showing nine designated receives approval Zero Waste efforts are gaining attention of Saint Francis speaking to a prairie rivers and the majority of formerly Three years of work in community worldwide as the deluge of plastic and dog at his feet. These highly vocal and designated Wild and Scenic Rivers education and preparing health-impact non-recycled trash threaten marine life social animals are disappearing under downgraded to either “recreational” or reports to BLM, Bureau of Indian Affairs and overwhelm landfills. REDUCE is construction, and the Northern Group no status. and Navajo Nation health agencies have the key word whether in packaging, is collaborating with PD Pals and others The group submitted comments resulted in Institutional Review Board product manufacture or shopping. to relocate and save the small popu- identifying dozens of stream segments approval of the Counselor Health Impact Without massive public changes — as lation of Jackalope “dogs” that have “worthy” of being considered as well as Assessment and Hozhoogo’na’ada embodied in a new county resolution delighted visitors for 18 years. additional fish species and habitats of Committee protocol to study cultural — plastic products dumped into the Contact: [email protected] and concern along with Amigos Bravos, The and health impacts of fracking in three oceans from all sources will outnumber [email protected]

12 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 Northern New Mexico Group Northern New Meadow Magic Mexico Group Contacts A tool for water management and increased biodiversity Executive Committee By Paul Paryski Chair: Teresa Seamster, Northern New Mexico Group 505-466-8964, [email protected] Executive Committee Vice chair: Tom Gorman, n the arid Southwest, climate change 505-438-3932, gormantd@ and global warming are already impact- gmail.com ing our natural resources, our environ- Treasurer: Jim Baker, 505-473-0457, bakerjim. mentI and especially our water supply. [email protected] According to the United Nations Patricia Cardona, patri- International Panel on Climate Change, [email protected], the American Southwest is predicted to 505-515-5141 be one of the regions in the world most Alice Cox: 505-780-5122, auntiealice@cybermesa. affected. The region’s ecosystems are slowly com but inexorably migrating uphill and north- Paul Paryski, pparyski@ ward, decreasing biodiversity and unbal- aol.com ancing native plant and animal ecology. Sandrine Gaillard, Wildfires and bark beetles are devastating sandrine.gaillard@gmail. com montane forests and watersheds, partic- Montane forests in the West often have quote from American Rivers: Shane Woolbright, ularly on Colorado’s mountain slopes. unnaturally high tree densities, probably — Meadows store spring floodwaters and 405-323-2569, mesoinc@ Snowpacks are diminishing and melting due to ill-conceived fire suppression. Forest release cool flows in late summer; hotmail.com much earlier. Since snowpacks are smaller fires have always been part of the natural — Grasses and soil filter out sediment and Jim Klukkert, 505-577- and often covered with dust, more heat 2483, jimklukkert@yahoo. regime and produce numerous meadows. pollutants; and and energy are being absorbed due to the com Recently prescribed burns and forest thin- — flowers and plants provide high-quality decreased reflectivity. Higher temperatures ning have become one of the dominant increase both evaporation and evapotrans- forage and habitat for rare and threatened Conservation tools of forest management. species. Chair: Tom Gorman piration, which in turn reduces infiltration It would be relatively easy to create small into aquifers, streams and rivers. As it becomes clear what a healthy Public lands: Tom Gorman, meadows when thinning forests. Doing so Teresa Seamster As a result, less water will be available meadow can provide, private ranchers, allows snow and other forms of precipita- Water: John Buchser, to meet increasing demand. Although foundations, utilities, government agen- tion to fall directly on the ground or on cies, conservation groups and others are all 505-231-6645, jbuchser@ population seems to be remaining stable in small plants and infiltrate into the ground comcast.net New Mexico, the population of cities such investing in meadow restoration. Wildlife: Teresa Seamster slowly. In Hydrology and the Management of Meadows are also very effective in as Santa Fe is increasing, leading to more Watersheds, the classic textbook on water- Solarize Santa Fe: making watersheds more resilient to the Sandrine Gaillard, demand for water. shed hydrology, the authors quote studies impacts of climate change. Increased sandrine.gaillard@gmail. There are many possible solutions to that show that in small cleared areas in biodiversity allows montane watersheds to com better balance water supply and demand. montane forest watersheds, snow water adapt more effectively. More diverse species Energy Team: Shane Conservation and more effective manage- equivalents (absorption rates) were 15-35 Woolbright, 505-474-2870, ment of water-supply systems have helped percent higher. Other more recent studies means more can survive. Meadows also [email protected]; reduce per capita use in some cities. But confirm these findings. slow wildfire propagation. Elliot Stern, 505-989-9486, the gap between supply and demand will Small meadows also dramatically increase Hopefully, federal and state agencies and [email protected] continue to rise in northern New Mexico. floral and faunal biodiversity. Meadow environmental organizations will consider Zero Waste: Joe Eigner, One often-overlooked technique to ecotones (transition zones) provide greater creating small meadows as a method of 505-570-0583, joseigner@ augment water supply from montane food and shelter for animals. increasing water supply, adapting to climate gmail.com; Karen watersheds, the largest source of water in change and increasing biodiversity. Sweeney, 505-466-9797, It is relatively easy to create small meadows [email protected] the West, is the creation of small meadows. using machinery or by manual methods. Paryski is former chief technical adviser for When snow falls in the mountains, some of One of the most important and effective United Nations Development Programme and Other it lands on the branches of conifer and other river-protection organizations, American served on Gov. Bill Richardson’s Blue Ribbon responsibilities trees. This snow sublimates (evaporates) into Rivers, has initiated a large project with the Water Task Force, the Jemez y Sangre Water the dry, high, windy and sunny air of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Planning Council and the State Engineer’s Chapter Representative: Southwest and never reaches the ground. restore meadows in the Sierra Nevada. To Water Wise Development Committee. Tom Gorman Membership: Alice Cox Volunteers: Open Office: Jerry Knapczyk Join the team Outings co-chairs: Tobin Santa Fe considers truck-plaza plan Oruch, 505-820-2844, Join the Rio Grande including threatening air, water and land quality tobin.oruch@yahoo. By Teresa Seamster and Tom Gorman Chapter’s Zero Waste for nearby residents. The increase in noise, light com, and Alan Shapiro, Northern New Mexico Group chair Team to promote reducing, 505-424-9242, nm5s@ and air pollution will also significantly impact Santa Fe's Planning Commission in March reusing, recycling and yahoo.com those who live and work in the area. recommended against a Flying J proposal for a composting. To join or learn Phone Support: Jerry One of the greatest concerns is the traffic safety Knapczyk travel center/truck plaza with two restaurants and more, contact Joe Eigner at risk of having many large trucks exiting the inter- Political: Susan Martin, three hotels at the southern entrance to Santa Fe state and attempting to merge onto southbound [email protected] 505-988-5206, smar- off I-25. The county commission will vote on the NM 14. The design of the exit, with the double [email protected] project in May. diamond concept, makes it a very hazardous to Meetings Publicity: Open The Cerrillos Road exit was recently redesigned merge without dedicated lanes and with poor visi- Northern New Mexico Book Sales: Janet Peacock in a double-diamond traffic pattern with narrow Group Executive Committee 505-988-8929, sfday- bility to see traffic on NM 14. [email protected]. ramps, tight turns and traffic merging unconven- Further, a project of this scope and impact on meetings are the first Tuesday tionally into oncoming traffic from the left side. Sales backup: Ann the Gateway to Santa Fe and on public safety, of the month at 7 p.m. at our Anthony, anrascal@gmail. Santa Feans are almost universally opposed to the should be listed as a Development of County- office at 1807 Second St., com, 795-7472. Hiking project, which threatens residential safety as well as wide Impact and subject to all the conditions Suite 45, in Santa Fe. book: Aku Oppenheimer local businesses. The Northern New Mexico Group and requirements in the Santa Fe Sustainable Book mailings: Gail Bryant, The Northern sent the following letter to the commission: Development Code. 505-757-6654. New Mexico Group Dear Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners, Finally, no amount of design change or miti- The Northern Group of the Rio Grande gation can remove the adverse impression of this Conservation Committee Regional Contacts Chapter of the Sierra Club opposes the construc- huge development at the entrance to Santa Fe. meets at 7 p.m. every third Las Vegas: Joann tion of the Pilot Flying J Travel Center/Truck Tuesday of the month. Sprenger, 505-454-0551, Instead of the City Different full of culture and gisprenger@cybermesa. Terminal at the junction of NM 14 and Rancho Conservation Committee beauty, we become another 15-minute rest stop. com Viejo Blvd. Based on these concerns, the Northern Group meetings are also held at the Taos: Eric Patterson, This project has numerous potential negative of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club Sierra Club Santa Fe office, 575-776-2833, eepatt@ impacts on the surrounding local communities, strongly opposes this project. 1807 Second St., Suite 45. gmail.com April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 13 Pajarito Group Bat education by Pajarito experts By Jody Benson Pajarito Group chair ost of us have seen them flitting around streetlamps or dipping over streams or ponds as they hunt to Mconsume half their body-weight in insects every night. But most of us have never seen one of New Mexico’s 29 species of bat up close — seen their wrinkly faces that look like Ewoks or aliens or those dolls made of shriveled apples, seen their furry little selves whose species are, in fact, closely related to primates. It was for the purpose of introducing us to our Chiroptera cousins that Justin Stevenson, cofounder of R.D. Wildlife Management and Fightwns, brought five of his rescued bats to his Pajarito presen- tation in February. Stevenson dispelled myths about bats: They are not blind; they do not mob you or fly into your hair; and they are not Photo courtesy Justin Stevenson dirty. In fact, bats are so clean that when Long-legged myotis bats are a species of vesper bat that can be found in western Canada, Mexico, and New Mexico. they’re not sleeping or hunting, they’re grooming themselves as they hang from wherever they are roosting. When a bat Meetings and Events Pajarito Group in a colony wakes up during sleep for The Pajarito Group is partnering with PEEC, 2600 Canyon Road, for our riograndesierraclub.org/pajarito voiding (a.k.a., to pee), he will extricate Sierra Club presentations. Please watch your emails for announcements on 520 Navajo Road, Los Alamos, himself from the pile, and find a spot future talks. Also, if you are interested in giving a presentation, contact Jody NM, 87544 away from the group to relieve himself Benson at [email protected] or 505-662-4782. before crawling back into the colony. Executive Committee But the most important dispel- low. In torpor, they save energy. But exclude them between May and August. Chair/Secretary: Jody Benson, able myth is that all bats have rabies. on waking, bats need about an hour If you must call an exclusionist, make [email protected], 505/662- 4782 According to Stevenson, only half of 1 of shivering and shaking to bring their sure they’re bat experts. A non-bat expert Howard Barnum, hnbarnum@aol. percent have rabies. The higher percent- body temperature to active levels. A bat can kill a lot of babies. Justin Stevenson com age cited is because bats tested are usually that falls off its roost is in extreme danger is an expert. His company is RD Cheryl Bell, bellrancho@gmail. only those found on the ground, and from injury or predation. Wildlife Management and Consulting, com, 505/672-9655. they’re often on the ground because Nonmigrating bats usually mate before www.rdwildlife.com. Call RD. Iris Chung, [email protected] they’re sick or injured. Bats express or even during hibernation. The sperm, Finally, the biggest threat to bats is Michael DiRosa, mddbbm@gmail. “dumb rabies”— they don’t foam at however, is dormant within the female white-nose syndrome, with 6 million com the mouth or attack, but lie glassy-eyed until hibernation ends. The birth takes to 7 million dying every year. This Nona Girardi, [email protected] where they fell. If you find a bat on the place in spring or summer. After about fungal infection originated in Europe, is Carene Larmat, carenelarmat@ ground (or anywhere), do not pick it up 50 days of gestation, the female hangs human-transported, and was probably gmail.com, 505/920-5675 with your bare hands. If you do, the bat head-up by her thumbs instead of her introduced to bats by cavers. It is 90 to Committee Chairs reacts to the threat by what Stevenson feet, gives birth to a baby that weighs 100 percent fatal. The fungus thrives describes as “vocalizing a hideous screech- one-fifth her own body weight, and in cold weather and grows on the nose, Bag Ban: Treasurer: Mark Jones, ing,” and when, as is the human reaction, catches that baby in her tail membrane. wings and ears of bats during hiberna- [email protected], 505/662- you hold tighter rather than release it, She licks the pup to free its naked wings tion. It kills the bats by waking them 9443 it bites. Rabies is transmitted through and legs, and nudges it to a nipple under during hibernation, thus using up the Conservation: Michael DiRosa, [email protected] saliva, and the teeth are the inoculator. her wing where the baby clings to her fur bats’ fat reserves, killing them through Global Warming: Charles Keller, Except for big brown bats with sharp as she goes hunting at night. starvation, dehydration and hypother- 505/662-7915 teeth powerful enough to crunch down In only two or three weeks, when mia. The syndrome was first identified Mining: David Torney, dtorney@ on large, hard-bodied insects such as baby’s too heavy for mom to carry, mom in the eastern US in 2006. It hasn’t been valornet.com, 575/829-3433 beetles, most New Mexico bats’ mouths weans it and leaves it home to wait for found in New Mexico yet, but because Newsletter Editor, Publicity, and teeth are so small that you may feel mom’s morning return to be fed on the disease spreads through contact Sprawl, Transportation, a little scratch but see no wound. If you regurgitated food. Stevenson says that at and most bats are extremely social, the Endangered Species/Wildlife: Jody feel anything at all, the bat must be killed this stage the pup spends a lot of time fungus spreads quickly. There’s no cure. Benson, [email protected], and its brain evaluated to ensure it doesn’t fluttering wings and practicing flight. To slow it, humans need to protect bat 505/662-4782 have rabies. If it does, you need the A week later, it heads out to hunt on habitat from our contamination by Howard Barnum, very expensive vaccine. Even baby bats its own. In eight to 10 weeks, a bat is avoiding any area where bats might live. [email protected] can be infected with rabies transmitted mature. Most species live from 10 to even Despite how amazing a species they Mark Jones, jonesmm1@comcast. through the mother. If you rescue a bat, 40 years, depending, of course, on luck. are, despite that they’re our cousins (and net, 505/662-9443 use leather gloves. Also, be gentle. These Stevenson says bats (without predation, definitely cute), Stevenson says bats Water Issues: Barbara Calef, little creatures are very fragile, and with accident, or disease) are more likely than make really bad pets. The single excep- [email protected], 505/662-3825 their little hind legs, bats can’t escape by other small species to live full life spans. tion in his entire career as bat rescuer Join the Pajarito Group: Contact running and launching like a bird. As for living out a lifespan, Stevenson is one pallid bat that he and wife and Jody Benson at echidnaejb@gmail. Because they can’t launch themselves, warns about human/bat territorial cofounder Holly rescued as an orphaned, com or 505-662-4782. bats roost upside down. Bat wings are conflicts. People don’t want bats in their bald baby fallen out of a chimney. To leathery membranes stretching between buildings. Smaller bats can get through keep it protected, warm, and alive, the elongated four fingers of their hands openings as narrow as 3/8 of an inch. Holly kept her under her collar as she in the carrier, and brought her home. down to their hind legs. Their back Therefore, it is essential to seal all open- worked. When that baby grew up to Stevenson brought her and four other feet have sharp claws that, as Stevenson ings 1/4 inch or larger. Bats can’t dig, the age of release, the Stevensons took rescues: a silver-haired, western small- describes it, act like Velcro. From this drill, or bite through material, so even a her with other rescues to the release site, footed myotis, Mexican free-tailed, upside-down position they can drop and Kleenex can be used to stop up a hole. and tossed them up to fly. The others and a big brown bat — the one with open their wings to launch like a hang However, do not close up an entrance launched without a thanks. Not little sharp teeth — to awe the audience. glider. hole before mid-August. You may be pallid. Stevenson said they were aston- Stevenson has been border to border in When they sleep, bats go into a torpor killing the pups because the parents can’t ished, but also touched, that this wild New Mexico to save bats. His email is in which their metabolic rate drops very get back inside to care for them. Do not thing wanted to stay. They put her back [email protected].

14 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018 Tobin continued from Page 16 more," Shapiro said. to several editions of Day "We are all lucky to have Hikes, gave us the weekly had Tobin provide the energy hiking newsletter, Sierra Trail and structure of the outing Mix, and always a stalwart program for so long," said Sierra Club supporter. Thanks, hike leader Mary Thompson. Tobin!" "It was a pleasure to work "As an outings leader, I can and hike with Tobin on Sierra only imagine how hard Tobin's Club outings. He once told job was: to ask, cajole, push, me that serving as outings and wheedle hike listings each chair was his way of giving to quarter from the hike leaders," his community. But it was also said Daisy Levine. "But he his way of connecting with did it year after year, always friends. And connect he did, with good humor and good introducing many new hiking reasons to continue. He did friends to local hikes as well an outstanding job, and will as reuniting with old friends be missed by the Sierra Club on a range of hiking adven- hiking community. Thank you, tures. Tobin also contributed Tobin." Mary Katherine Ray Mary Katherine Ray's dog Greta got her foot caught in a trap while on a leash on public land in February. Ray knew how to open the trap and quickly freed Greta. Hikes and Events continued from Page 16

the river. We'll head south Land of entrapment? toward the Oxbow and then Northern New Mexico east toward the river. Contact outings Meetup site: www. By Mary Katherine Ray Margaret, [email protected] meetup.com/Santa-Fe- Chapter Wildlife chair Firsthand trap experience for information. Sierra-Club-Outings/. he 2017-18 trapping Saturday, May 12: Easy Albuquerque Meetup By Mary Katherine Ray She was OK the next day www.meetup.com/ season ended on walk by the bosque of the site: except for some swelling and Sierra-Club-Rio-Grande- March 15. Trappers My own dog was among Rio Grande. Meet at Valle a small cut on the back of her Chapter/. set their traps for the those caught in a trap this del Bosque Park (480 Sunset foot. I attribute her not being purpose of profiteering from winter while hiking on Cibola Road SW, 87105) at 8 a.m. To get weekly emails, T more severely injured to such send an email to Listserv@ the pelts of the public's wildlife National Forest land. We Children welcome. Contact a short time in the trap. As a beginning on Nov. 1 each year. were on a game trail that Cecilia.chavez.beltran@sier- lists.sierraclub.org with During the trapping season this meanders up the bottom of wildlife advocate, I’m grateful raclub.org or Facebook page: any subject and a message year, TrapFreeNM.org received a wide canyon. My dog was I knew how to release her. But Excursiones a la Naturaleza that says SUBSCRIBE news of a non-target animal on a leash walking just a I was still not prepared for de Nuevo Mexico. RIO-NORTH- being trapped nearly every week. little ahead of me when she what a horrible experience it Saturday, May 12: Outings- OUTINGS. In all, TrapFree New Mexico jumped and started scream- was. My heart breaks to think leader training. 9 a.m. to of wildlife caught and strug- learned of nine dogs caught in ing and biting at her foot. 1 p.m. at the Sierra Club 87102) at 8 a.m. Cecilia. gling in a trap’s grip for hours hidden traps around the state I couldn’t even see the trap office, 2215 Lead Ave SE. chavez.beltran@sierraclub. on end only to be shot, stran- Albuquerque. Contact mostly while hiking with their she was biting so frantically org or www.facebook.com/ gled or bludgeoned to death Terrence Owen, teowen@q. people on National Forest or at and yelping in pain at the ExcursionesNaturalezaNM. com, 505-301-4349, for BLM land. Undoubtedly there same time. Her cries were when the trapper comes. Saturday, June 2: stren- details. were more. Owners consistently ear-piercing! I pushed the record button uous hike to Thompson on my camera to capture the Saturday, May 19: describe their dog as “screaming” I knew at once it was a trap Peak. We will follow the when a hidden trap slams shut horror as I worked. You will Strenuous four-peaks hike and took off my jacket to try Apache Canyon route to on a paw. They note the diffi- find a link to the audio and from the Aspen Vista park- to cover her head and protect Glorieta Baldy and then culty of opening a trap to save a my hands from her frantic to a tutorial on freeing your ing lot. We will start hiking continue north for about 2 biting, pain-crazed animal and biting. This was more difficult animal (or yourself) from a up the Aspen Vista Road to miles to Thompson Peak. the shock that trapping is even than I expected because I trap at riograndesierraclub. the Tesuque Creek trail up About 17 miles with 3,900 legal. One human had to seek couldn't separate her muzzle org/trapping-season-beware. to Tesuque Peak, continue feet of elevation gain. Two emergency care for numerous from the trap. Finally, I The trap, it turns out, was on to Deception Lake and or three dogs OK. Larry, puncture wounds from being just made a wedge with the legally set in every respect. It Penitente. Return via Puerto [email protected], bitten as he tried to rescue his cloth to feel for the levers. was set right in the path, but Nambé and the Winsor trail. 505-983-8296. dog. A dog near Las Cruces was Luckily I was strong enough the path was not an official About 14 miles and 3,300- foot elevation change. Two or Saturday, June 23: found in a culvert dragging a trap to make them go down so trail, so it doesn’t fall under three dogs OK. Larry, lorenz. Colorado 14er Hike and on his foot that had come loose my dog could slip out. She any regulation. The law [email protected], 505 983 Camp from its mooring. Two toes and was trapped for less than a protects trappers completely . Join the Sierra Club 8296. part of his foot pad had to be minute. and puts hikers at risk from Military Outdoors Program amputated because of infection. Sunday, May 20: Osso as we embark on a hike At first, she wouldn’t put injury and trauma. I am even Corredor to Sulfur Canyon A gray fox was rescued out of more resolved than before of Mount Elbert. This is weight on that foot, and then Trails, easy hike (about 2 a trap near Placitas. Since gray she limped for a little while. that this must change. Colorado’s highest peak and foxes are legal for trappers to kill, miles, mostly downhill but the second-highest peak in the rescuers faced citations from slippery and steep at times). the lower 48 at 14,433 feet. New Mexico Game and Fish. It is returned to the wild in hopes her will see the election of a new We will leave a car at the We’ll climb on Saturday, June governor. not legal for the public to tamper pack will help look after her. In Sulfur trailhead. Meet at 23, with optional camp- the past, some wolves have died with a trap except to rescue a dog. The Legislature will convene 10:30 a.m. on the east side of ing the night before and after being trapped by mistake. the Smiths parking lot, close This illegality includes rendering for a new session in January after. This is a challenging, to Central and I-40. Three aid to trapped wildlife. Every year, traps impose 2019, during which the bill high-altitude hike of approx- to ban traps and poisons from dogs on leash OK. Contact Non-target wildlife species horrible cruelty on wildlife and imately 10 miles round trip our companion animals. The public land will be introduced. Odile by May 19, home: found in traps this year included and 4,400 vertical feet of rules protect trappers and place A third of Western states already 505-433-4692, or Odile@ a raven whose foot was mangled. climbing in a span of eight The raven flew away to an the public in harm's way. The ban or severely restrict trapping, pitot.org. Please specify: (1) hours. Participants must be uncertain fate before rescuers State Game Commission, a including our neighbors, Arizona cell-phone number; (2) if in good physical condition. were able to get it veterinary seven-member board appointed and Colorado. Let's add New coming to the potluck; and Veterans, active-duty military help. Three highly endangered by the governor, has never been Mexico to the list in 2019! (3) where you can meet the Mexican wolves were also inclined to act on behalf of the You can visit www. group. families and all others are trapped by mistake — all in broader public interest. The TrapFreeNM.org to learn more Saturday, May 26: Easy welcome to join us. RSVP to New Mexico. One of the three, current commission represents about current trapping rules and walk at the bosque of the Terry Owen, 505-301-4349, a first-year pup, had to be placed the narrow special interest of how to open a trap, submit your Rio Grande, south of Bridge [email protected] no later than in captivity to treat her injury, trappers and the livestock indus- own trap story and sign the peti- Boulevard. Meet at the NW June 19 and obtain camping which turned out to require a try, which has a low tolerance for tion to show your support for area of the NHCC park- location, hike details and the full leg amputation. She has been living wild carnivores. But 2018 making New Mexico trap-free. ing lot (1701 4th St SW, recommended gear list. April/May/June 2018 Rio Grande Sierran 15 April-May-June hikes & events April Saturday, April 21: Moderate shut- tle hike up the Burn trail, across and up the Saddleback trail, then down the Chamisa trail; 4.5 miles with about 1,000 feet elevation gain. Alan Shapiro, [email protected], 505-424- 9242. Sunday, April 22: Celebrate Earth Day with the Ancients, sponsored by the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program and everyone is welcome. Join us at 9 a.m. for a hike of the Mesa Prieta Trail to explore the south escarpment of Petroglyph National Monument and see a number of ancient petroglyphs. Hike is approx- imately 4 miles RT with 300 feet of elevation gain. Contact Terry Owen, 505-301-4349, [email protected] by April 20th to RSVP, obtain details and the meet-up location. Saturday, April 21: Moderate hike to Eye of the Sandias. Meet at trail- head (15000 Copper Ave NE, 87123) at 9 a.m. Contact Cecilia.chavez. [email protected] or Facebook page: Excursiones a la Naturaleza de Nuevo Mexico. Sunday, April 22, (Earth Day): Moderate loop: about 3 miles, North on Ellis, Back on Crest Trails. Meet at 10:30 a.m. on the east side of the Smith's parking lot, close to Central and I-40. Three dogs on leash OK. Photo by Aku End with optional potluck at Odile Gustavo, Tom and Annette descend the dunes on UN Peak 7463 in the Santa Fe National Forest near Abiquiú. All of our hikes and Jim’s house. Contact Odile by list difficulty rating — check them out; there’s something for everyone! April 21, 505-433-4692, or Odile@ pitot.org, specify: (1) cell-phone number; (2) if coming to the potluck; and (3) where you can meet the About these group. Saturday, April 28: Moderate hike, hikes Tent Rocks. No dogs allowed. Meet Sierra Club Rio Grande at 10 a.m. on the north side of the Chapter outings are free and Target parking lot at the corner of open to the public. Level of diffi- I-25 and Paseo del Norte. End with culty is listed in hike descriptions. optional potluck at Odile and Jim’s All mileages are round-trip. house. Contact Odile by April 27, h: Participants must sign a liability 505-433-4692, or [email protected], waiver. Bring water, lunch, sturdy specify: (1) cell-phone number; (2) if hiking boots or shoes and clothing coming to the potluck; and (3) where suitable for the weather. Leader you can meet the group. reserves right to turn away anyone Saturday, April 28 to Sunday April whose experience or equipment 29: Strenuous overnight backpack trip appears unsuitable. in Bandelier National Monument; about 22 miles starting and ending Leader may alter destination at the Visitor Center, with 4,100 feet or cancel trip due to weather, of elevation change. We will camp in conditions, or insufficient number of participants. Unaccompanied Capulin Canyon, near the Painted John Roybal Cave. RSVP to Larry, lorenz.hughes@ Tobin Oruch, center, on a 2014 outing to Redondo Peak. minors need written permission gmail.com, 505-983-8296. from a parent or guardian. Ask leader for form. May Tobin Oruch passes the outings torch Dogs permitted only if noted in Saturday, May 5, moderate hike By Mona Blaber years and will take over as chair. write-up. along the Continental Divide Trail, ur excellent longtime Northern "I met Tobin when we formed a Always contact leader before about 10 miles round trip with 1,800 New Mexico Outings chair, carpool up to Los Alamos. As might the outing to confirm participa- feet of elevation gain. Hiking up from Tobin Oruch, stepped down in be expected from a group of guys, we tion and details. Please see the Skull Bridge over the Rio Chama OMarch to take a well-deserved break. didn't share a lot of our personal stories, riograndesierraclub.org/outings for to the top of Mesa de los Viejos. Alan Tobin started the Trail Mix email but I did learn and appreciate Tobin's up-to-date hike information. attention to detail and work ethic. Shapiro, [email protected], 505-424- listserv that is essential to so many Our weekly outings e-mail, 9242. hikers around the state, and he grew the Hey, he showed up every single day! I Sierra Trail Mix, provides outings Saturday, May 11: Two-hour easy- Northern New Mexico outings program enjoyed Tobin's attitude and demeanor updates plus useful outdoor infor- paced walk with Margaret and Julie, immensely and introduced many New on the many outings I joined with him, mation such as trail conditions. easy paced. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Mexicans to the outdoors and to the and he sure had plenty of outings! I parking lot adjacent to the tree sculp- Sierra Club. envied that long stride he had that kept Send an email to Listserv@lists. ture garden, immediately south of the "Tobin has been leading hikes at least a healthy pace. All seasons, all types of sierraclub.org with any subject and Montaño Bridge on the west side of since 2005 when I started going on outings, he shared with regulars and a message that says SUBSCRIBE Sierra Club hikes," said Alan Shapiro, Continued on Page 15 RIO-NORTH-OUTINGS. Continued on Page 15 who has been co-chair for the last few 16 Rio Grande Sierran April/May/June 2018