Post Office Box 6759 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6759 Return Service Requested VISTAS Preserving ’s Land Heritage

Fall/Winter 2009 From Our Executive Director: Crossing Borders

Dear Friends, magnifi cent country lying to the south. the Sierra Madres to the south in Mexico. Often referred to as the “Bootheel” of Running parallel with the Peloncillos to s I write, I am sitting on the New Mexico, this region holds an incred- the east are the Chiricahua Mountains A porch of a guest cottage at Cave ible wealth of natural and cultural history. of southeastern Arizona, which represent Creek Ranch in the Chiricahua Moun- As you turn off the freeway at Roads Fork one of the many “sky islands” in the re- tains south of Portal, Arizona. The fi rst and head south on Highway 80 toward gion—isolated mountain ranges that rise up several thousand feet above the sur- rounding desert fl oors. Because of their geographic position, elevation gradients and isolation, the mountainous areas of southwest New Mexico and southeast Arizona contain some of the highest bio- logical diversity found in these two states and, in fact, within the entire country. In addition to the unique natural fea- tures of the region, this is land steeped in cultural history and western lore. It rays of the morning sun light up the tops Douglas, within about ten miles, you is here that Geronimo surrendered to of the spectacular rhyolite cliffs of Cave crest out over the low-lying, but rugged, General Crook in 1886. Pancho Villa Creek Canyon which tower overhead. Peloncillo Mountains and are afforded staged raids across the border during the It is early October and for the past your fi rst view of the sprawling San Si- Mexican Revolution prior to the out- two days I have been attending an event mon Valley, magnifi cently framed by the break of World War I. And for a long hosted by the Wildlands Network in Peloncillo Mountains to the east and the time it has been ranching and farming Rodeo, New Mexico. Rodeo is a small Chiricahua Mountains to the southwest. country, where Anglos and Mexicans community located in the extreme The southern half of the Peloncillos, have traditionally worked side by side southwest corner of New Mexico about which arc from southeastern Arizona to sustain a living off of the land. halfway between Lordsburg and Doug- down to the Mexican border, bisect a As you drop down into the valley, you las, Arizona, and just 15 miles east of region locally known as the Malpai Bor- seem to be entering another world—and where I am writing this now. derlands. This long, narrow mountain I am not just referring to the change in I would venture to guess that many range provides an important bridge for time zones as you head east just north who travel through the Lordsburg area fl ora and a corridor for wildlife moving of Rodeo, toward Portal, and cross across I-10 may be scarcely aware of the between the Gila Range to the north and the state line from New Mexico into (continued on page 2)

Page 1 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Post Office Box 6759 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6759 Return Service Requested

crossing borders (continued from page 1) Preserving New Mexico’s Land Heritage

Arizona. Suddenly an ultralight fl ashes underserved and this is a niche that board of directors overheard, a sports car whizzes by you NMLC is well-positioned to fi ll. on the highway, and as you look around My two days in the Bootheel were Dr. John B. ( Jack) Wright, Chair University of New Mexico, the valley you will see telltale signs of informative, helping me better under- Las Cruces, NM change and modernization—the “land stand the threats to this region and the for sale” signs, new needs of the local Joseph R. T. Montoya, Vice Chair residential subdivi- community, and in- NM Mortgage Finance Authority sions and develop- spiring, in terms of Albuquerque, NM ment. seeing how diverse I was invited by groups of people David Johnson, Treasurer the Wildlands Net- have come together, Nelson Consulting work to speak about historically and to- Farmington, NM conservation ease- day, to fi nd solutions.

Anthony Anella, Secretary ments at Chiricahua- With the weekend Anthony Anella Architect, AIA Peloncillo Heritage behind me, it is time Albuquerque, NM Days, a gathering to head back north of members of re- to Santa Fe. I realize Elizabeth H. Richardson, gional academic and that this is just one Founding Member research groups, conservation organiza- special area in need of attention. At Conservationist tions, public agencies and the local farm- times it can be daunting to think about Los Angeles, CA ing and ranching communities. Over the how much still needs to be done, but to course of the weekend, local and regional paraphrase what Margaret Meade once Anthony L. Benson, Past Chair and Founding Member experts shared an impressive amount of wrote—never underestimate what a Rancher information about the natural and cul- small group of concerned citizens can Taos, NM tural history of the area, and a strong, accomplish. collective interest evolved among the With that said, as friends and fellow Moo Thorpe, Member participants to understand, protect and concerned citizens, I encourage you to Sotheby’s International Realty preserve the tremendous heritage of this continue supporting the important work Santa Fe, NM remarkable region. that we and others do to help conserve In the face of increasing growth and special places like the Chiricahua-Pel- Ray Powell, DVM, Member development, there is recognition of the oncillo region of southeast Arizona and Jane Goodall Institute, Roots & Shoots Four Corner States need for more private land conservation. southwest New Mexico. As conserva- Albuquerque, NM Much good work has already been done tionists we need to be thinking and act- down here by The Nature Conservancy ing on community, watershed, landscape staff and the Malpai Borderlands Group, and ecoregional scales, and therefore we but much of this has been concentrated need to continue extending our reach Scott Wilber, Executive Director around the former Gray Ranch in the around the state and region, even if that Michael Scisco, Conservation Specialist Animas Valley east of the Peloncillos in means occasionally crossing borders. Jennifer Kilbourn, Communications & Development Coordinator southwest New Mexico and in the San Kris Murphey, Offi ce Manager Bernadino Valley in southeast Arizona. Scott Wilber Still, large areas in both states remain Executive Director

Page 2 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Partners In Conservation

MLC understands the value Resources Department’s Land, Wa- Stay tuned for more information about Nof partnering with other or- ter and Conservation Easement pro- this exciting project! ganizations and government entities to gram, which will be used to meet the help create and expand opportunities matching requirements for the FRPP Small Is Beautiful for the conservation of high-priority, funds. These funding sources will help The conservation and protection of high-conservation value lands across pay for a portion of the conservation small, irrigated agricultural proper- the state. NMLC is currently working easement’s value; the landowners will ties in New Mexico is crucial for the to complete a conservation easement on donate the remainder of the easement protection and enhancement of our the Shortes XX Ranch, just south local economies, food security, sig- of the community of Pie Town in nificant wildlife habitat, scenic ame- Catron County. nities, and the cultural heritage of our The conservation easement smaller, rural communities. NMLC will cover 2,880 acres of a larger is currently involved with the Small 6,760 acre ranch that has been in Agriculture Land Conservation Ini- the same family for four genera- tiative (SALCI) which promotes the tions. The ranch encompasses the protection of small agricultural lands eastern flanks of Alegres Mountain through the use of conservation ease- (10,229 ft.) and lower grassland areas value. NMLC will co-hold the conser- ments. SALCI was formed by a co- with elevations ranging from approxi- vation easement with the New Mexico alition of New Mexico land trusts mately 6,200 to 7,800 feet. The ranch State Forestry Division. and the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market consists of high quality native grass- The Shortes XX Ranch conservation Institute. The initiative is currently lands and piñon juniper savannas at easement will help protect a myriad of exploring opportunities to help fund the lower elevations with piñon pine, conservation values that contribute to the transactional and stewardship alligator juniper, Gambel oak, Rocky the quality of the unique landscape and costs associated with placing conser- Mountain juniper, and Ponderosa pine way of life in northern Catron County vation easements on small agricultur- at the higher elevations. including significant wildlife habitat al properties. SALCI is also advocat- NMLC assisted the landowners in around Alegres Mountain; productive, ing for local and regional legislation, applying for and acquiring a $600,000 agricultural land that supports the lo- such as county or city resolutions and grant toward the purchase of the con- cal, rural economy of northern Catron ordinances that would support the servation easement through the U.S. County; and scenic open space along protection of small agricultural prop- Department of Agriculture’s Farm and the eastern flanks of Alegres Mountain erties. This effort is still in its infancy, Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), which contributes to the viewshed and but we see it evolving quickly and administered by the Natural Resources surrounding area for the Continental becoming effective in helping solve Conservation Service (NRCS). In ad- Divide. some of the complexities and limi- dition to the FRPP funds, NMLC NMLC is pleased to be working with tations inherent to the protection of also secured $192,773 from the New excellent landowners and partners on small agricultural properties. Mexico Energy, Mineral’s and Natural this important land conservation effort.

Page 3 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 NMLC Board Profile: Dr. Jack Wright

s a geographer, NMLC’s Board rural Maine on the Penobscot River with started three years later when “I became A Chair has traveled the world, but lots of room to roam across farms and for- acquainted with this thing called a con- it’s the Rocky Mountain region from servation easement, which respected New Mexico to Montana that always private property rights and provided draws him back. During the school financial compensation to landowners. year, Dr. Wright—or Jack, as he’s more It was a revelation that I could apply commonly known—calls the Village of my knowledge of land use and ecology Mesilla home, and teaches and chairs to help protect places. Just like that the Geography Department at New I became committed to this move- Mexico State University in Las Cru- ment.” ces. In the summer, he heads up to his “I came to New Mexico in 1989 home north of Missoula for some time and I found I was spoiled in Mon- in the woods. tana. There was so much land conser- Jack is the author of several books vation going on up there and, at least on land conservation, including “Sav- in southern New Mexico, hardly any- ing the Ranch: Conservation Ease- one had yet heard of land trusts and ments in the American West” which conservation easements. I eventually he co-authored with Tony Anella, an- ests. When I was 10 our family moved to found NMLC and figured there were other NMLC Board member. He has a suburb of Boston and it was a real jolt. a few ways I could help out. Today, our helped complete over 100 conservation There wasn’t much Nature around and no name is pretty well known across the easements, and consulted with private farms at all— just endless tracts of houses. state.” and governmental organizations on land It made me realize the world can change He’s optimistic about NMLC’s pros- planning. Last year, he received a teach- and precious places can be lost.” pects, even in a difficult economic time. ing award that was based on a student As a young adult, just beginning his “A few years ago, we set an audacious- vote, which he considers an especially career out West, he continued to devel- sounding goal—250,000 acres under great honor. op his views on planning and develop- conservation easements by 2016. We’ve It was his childhood in the East that ment issues. “In that remote setting, I been making progress at achieving that inspired his three decades of conservation wrestled with land development in tra- only because landowners realize we can be in the West. “As a kid I had a favorite place ditional ranch country and became very trusted. That’s the essence of this work— I’d sit beside a creek,” he recalls. “I’d go disaffected with subdivision regulations building trust and mutual respect.” there almost every day to play and enjoy as a way to conserve working landscapes. “NMLC started as a group of people the quiet. I think everybody had a place Government regulations didn’t work with an idea, and in 20 years I think we’ll like that, whether it’s the woods, the des- and didn’t seem fair.” surpass the goals we have currently set ert, or a ranch. I grew up in a small town in His involvement with land trusts (continued on page 8)

Page 4 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 A Gift Of A Lifetime…An Evening To Remember

une 13, 2009 was a very special and honored our very good friend The evening’s presentations in- Jevening for the New Mexico and benefactress, Jane Petchesky. cluded our guest speaker—local, Land Conservancy. That night we Earlier this year, Jane Petchesky, award-winning author and conser- celebrated the opening of our new made an incredible gift to NMLC of vationist Bill de Buys—and brief offices at the Petchesky Conserva- her beloved ranch, consisting of 262 speeches by our board chair, Dr. tion Center with some 120 guests acres of land and the house where she Jack Wright, and our Executive Di- and her husband, Gene, had lived for rector, Scott Wilber. We also pre- 40 years. Coincidentally, when we in- miered a short film about NMLC formed Jane of the date of the event and the Petchesky gift, enthusias- we learned that it was Gene’s birth- tically produced by Teri Thomson day. We all took that as a sign that (continued on page 8) this night was meant to be.

Page 5 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 A Farmer’s Faith

I believe in farming as a way to make a living.

I believe in the dignity of my work.

I want no man’s patronage, preaching or pity.

I believe in my soil. It will reward me in proportion to the thought, labor and love I give it.

I believe in myself. My success depends on me more than on the weather, luck, or laws.

I believe in my neighbors. My community, like my soil, returns to me as I give to it.

I believe in cooperation, in thinking for myself and acting with my fellows.

I believe that only a united agriculture can ensure justice and prevent inequality.

I believe in education. The more I know the greater my ability to seize opportunities and be happy.

I insist that my children be enabled to learn to be useful, intelligent men and women.

I believe in conservation. I will leave a better farm than I took.

I believe that living is the most important job in the world and I mean to plan my work so that my family and myself will have the time and means to enjoy life.

I face the years ahead with confidence, hope and cheer. I believe in myself, my fellow man and a Supreme Being.

I believe in farming.

—Andrew S. Wing Farm & Fireside, September 1915

Page 6 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Page 7 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 A Gift of a Lifetime (continued from page 5)

Randall, which left nary a dry eye in We were honored when Jane’s the house. family came in, from both coasts, to At the end of the evening, we were celebrate such a momentous occa- honored to present Jane with a lifetime sion with us. We would also like to certificate to continue collecting and thank our sponsors: Henry Carey of drinking the “sweet well water” that we the Forest Trust, Ethan and Susan Ep- very much enjoy here in the offices. We stein, Helenty Homans, John & Sandy also presented Jane with a framed copy Whitney, Alphagraphics, Community of “A Farmer’s Faith,” a touching poem Bank, Miguel Castillo & Santa Fe Au- that Jane’s father had composed years dio Visual, La Pradera, Oshara Village ago in his days as an editor with the and The Food Depot (equipment). Farm & Fireside magazine. Scott also Thank you Bill, Teri, our Board, our surprised Jane with a box of .22 shells sponsors, all of our guests and, espe- that Jane had left behind in the closet, cially, Jane Petchesky, for an evening just in case things ever got out of hands to remember. at her new residence at El Castillo re- tirement community.

Dr. Wright (continued from page 4)

for ourselves. I’m extremely optimistic. and watching the losses mount up. As I think the philosophical soundness and adults, we fill out the conservation ease- fairness of what we do ring like a bell in ment paperwork, but it’s the kids inside people who care about the land.” us who really drive these deals.” But even with all his experience and “They don’t have to do this,” he points world travels, he gets the most pride out. “They do it because they choose it. thinking of the landowners who choose It gives you hope.” to conserve a piece of home. “I’m proud “Jack’s enthusiasm and optimism of the practical kindness of landown- have resonated through the entire Board ers. All NMLC does is help them ex- and staff,” notes Scott Wilber, NMLC’s press their stewardship ethics through a Executive Director. “We are really lucky conservation easement, and help them to have such an experienced and dedi- make certain their land goes on as it cated Board Chair, and we thank him is. I think many landowners had the for his six years of leadership.” same experience I did as a kid; of caring deeply about a part of this good Earth

Page 8 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Federal & State Tax Incentives Update

he current federal income tax port for these bills from all five mem- islation will be passed sometime within Tdeductions for conservation ease- bers of our congressional delegation. the next few months. ment donations, passed under the 2008 Nationally, these bills now have strong, New Mexico is one of four states in Farm Bill, are scheduled to expire at the bi-partisan support from a majority of the country that has a transferable state end of this year if Congress does not take U.S. representatives and approximately income tax credit for donations of land or action to renew and, ideally, make them one-third of the U.S. senators. In ad- easements for conservation purposes. As permanent. The following bills affecting dition, New Mexico is one of the few the next legislative session approaches in these tax deductions—the Conservation states that can boast 100% support from early 2010, NMLC will work closely with Easement Tax Incentive Act (House Bill our congressional delegation for these the New Mexico land trust community 1831) and the Rural Heritage Incentives two pieces of legislation. and the New Mexico Energy, Minerals Act (Senate Bill 812)—were introduced We would like to extend our thanks and Natural Resources Department to in Congress this past spring. These bills and gratitude to Senators ensure that the New Mexico state tax are designed to make the current tax and as well as Representa- credit program is not discontinued. deductions permanent so that private tives Ben Ray Lujan, In the absence of adequate public and landowners can continue to benefit from and who have all signed private funding, the combined federal and donations of qualifying conservation on as co-sponsors for these two respec- state tax incentives are currently driving easements. tive bills. We would also like to recognize much of the private land conservation In support of the Land Trust Al- the support of the Taos Land Trust, the in New Mexico. NMLC is working ac- liance’s efforts at the national level, Santa Fe Conservation Trust, the Rio tively to increase landowner awareness of NMLC and several other members of Grande Agricultural Land Trust, and these tax benefits as they provide power- the land trust community in New Mex- the Southern Rockies Agricultural Land ful tools for protecting our precious land ico worked at the state level and were Trust in making this happen. We now heritage. ultimately successful in securing sup- remain hopeful that these pieces of leg-

Too Much Paper in Your Mailbox? The New Mexico Land Conser- vancy is more than happy to send you our latest newsletters by email rather than by regular mail. Simply email our office at [email protected] (put the word “subscribe” in the sub- ject line) and we will start sending the newsletter to your email account. Thank you.

Page 9 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Land Conservation Benefits Everyone—We Need Your Support

ince 2002, the New Mexico Land Conser- lope today. This year, make a special gift to Svancy has conserved over 70,000 acres of land honor a friend or loved one with a donation with significant agricultural, natural habitat, historic to NMLC. and cultural resource, scenic open spaces and recre- ɶɶ Pledges. Make a long-term, planned gift by ational values around the state. We are committed pledging to make recurring contributions ­every to the goal to conserve, directly or in partnership quarter, six months or year. ɶɶ Planned Giving. By including NMLC in “Nobody made a greater mistake your will, you will leave a legacy of land con- than (s)he who did nothing because servation for generations to come—as well as (s)he could do only a little.” ­receive potential tax benefits. —Edmund Burke ɶɶ Employer Matching Gifts. Check with your employer to see if it will match your gift or with others, 250,000 acres of high conservation pledge. This can greatly increase your contri- value lands throughout New Mexico by 2016. bution. The benefits of land conservation are numerous ɶɶ Gifts of Real Estate. Gifts of land and other not only to the private landowner but to local com- kinds of real estate enable NMLC to turn munities and the state as a whole. Protected land and these gifts into much-needed capital for pro- water rights ensure that local communities have se- tecting high conservation value lands around cure sources of locally grown food. Natural habitats the state, while providing the donor significant help protect wildlife and other important ecosystem tax deductions. values. Recreational lands provide trails and public access for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, “Over the long haul of life on this planet, and wildlife viewing. Scenic open spaces and historic it is the ecologists, and not the bookkeepers, and cultural preservation make it possible for future who are the ultimate accountants.” generations to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and —Stewart Udall cultural values that define New Mexico as the “Land ɶɶ Wish List. Make a gift of or contribution of Enchantment.” toward an item on our wish list. Items ­currently This is the land that all New Mexicans have in- on the list are: herited, and this is the heritage that we must all 1. Powerpoint projector and screen for work together to steward and protect. Our projects presentations reflect a commitment to protecting significant ex- 2. All terrain vehicle (ATV) for conducting amples of each of these conservation values. We site visits and easement monitoring need your help to accomplish our goals. 3. Motorcycle (dirt bike) for conducting You can support the work done by NMLC in site visits and easement monitoring the following ways: 4. Volunteer property and grounds ɶɶ Gifts of Cash or Securities. Make your tax maintenance deductible donation using the enclosed enve-

Page 10 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Many Thanks to our Supporters

Individuals Tom Wilber Paul Abrams Jack Wright & Abigail Adler Chilton & Judith Businesses & Corporations Anderson Alphagraphics Anthony Anella Community Bank Anonymous (3) La Pradera Tony Benson New Mexico Tax Credit Isaac Benton Alliance Charles (Scott) Berdell Oshara Village Elizabeth Campbell Rutheron Land & Cattle Lorelei Costa Miguel Castillo Douglas & Elizabeth & Santa Fe Audio Visual Craig NCA Architects Barbara Lee Fall Sierra y Llanos Land Sayre Gerhart & Cattle Christopher & Linda Strugar Conservation Holland Services LLC Helenty Homans Verde Heritage Ranch William & Dianne Horn Dave Johnson Foundations Daniel Klein LEF Foundation Alan & Elisabeth Lerner McCune Foundation Don & Alice Liska Norcross Wildlife Karen and Philip Milstein Foundation, Inc. Will Moir Joseph Montoya Government Partners Evelyn Moran New Mexico Energy, Werner & Helen Muller Minerals & Natural Elizabeth Richardson Resources Department Margaret & Harry Ritchie Margaret Sears Other Support John & Cynthia Sparks Defenders of Wildlife J. Paul Taylor The Food Depot Blake Tollett (equipment) Steven & Susan Weiss Forest Trust John & Sandy Whitney Land Trust Alliance Frank Wood

Page 11 Vistas—Fall / Winter 2009 Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Post Office Box 6759 Santa Fe, NM 87502-6759 #463 Return Service Requested Santa Fe, NM

Preserving New Mexico’s Land Heritage

A Gift Of A Lifetime…An Evening To Remember see story on page 4