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New Mexico Spring/Summer 2019 The Semi-annual Publication of the Wilderness Alliance WILD!

CELEBRATING OUR NEW WILDERNESS

ALSO INSIDE: A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SENATOR HEINRICH

Mount Riley Wilderness in Organ -Desert Peaks National Monument New Mexico LET’S CELEBRATE OUR NEW WILDERNESS! WILD! BY MARK ALLISON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Semiannual Publication of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance t is with immense excitement, VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1 gratitude and pride for New Mex- SPRING 2019 ico that I share this latest edition of our newsletter and celebrate Isome historic news with you. On March Inside 12, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conser- This Issue: vation, Management, and Recreation Act was signed into law. This package of public lands legislation established From the Executive Director ...... 2-3 13 NEW WILDERNESS areas and ex- Chaco Update ...... 4 panded another in New Mexico total- Bisti and Ah-shi-sle-pah Updates ...... 4 ing approximately 272,586 acres. It’s Petroglyph Clean-Up Day ...... 5 not every day that we get to celebrate something like this – it’s not even every Wilderness Celebrations ...... 5 decade. This represents the most new New Gray Wolf at the BioPark ...... 6 acreage of Wilderness designated in New Mexico in a single year Wolf Update ...... 6 in over a generation, going all the way back to 1980. (Think the in- troduction of the fax machine, Pac-Man, the Empire Strikes Back Cerro de la Olla ...... 7 and ABBA. If you prefer not to think of ABBA, that is fine too.) del Norte Update ...... 7 Silver City to Host Outdoor Economics Conference ...... 8 As New Mexico Wild supporters know, Wilderness area designation is the conservation gold standard and the highest level of protection for federal pub- Gila Wild and Scenic Update ...... 9 lic lands. It literally takes an act of Congress to create “Big W” Wilderness. Kid-Friendly Activities ...... 10 Not an easy thing to do at any time, let alone in today’s political environment. Climate Change ...... 11 Yet, this legislation passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 92-8 and the House by OMDP Wilderness ...... 12-13 a count of 363-62. This was a bipartisan and bicameral effort. This is where people found literal and common ground and perhaps provides us with a Federal and State Legislation Roundup ...... 14 model for a path forward for other important issues. And all with the re- New Mexico’s Women Leading on Conservation ...... 15 cent backdrop of the longest government shutdown during an administration Historic Legislation for Our Public Lands ...... 16 which has directed the largest rollback of federal land protections ever. It is truly remarkable. Welcome New Staff ...... 17 Wilderness FAQs ...... 18 These designations bring the total amount of protected Wilderness in New Conservation in the West Poll ...... 19 Mexico to approximately 1,972,507 acres, or about 2.5 percent of our total land area. Farewell ...... 19 Congratulations Wolf Stamp Artist ...... 20 But this isn’t really about the number of acres. It’s about these very particu- UNM Wilderness Alliance ...... 21 lar wild and special places that are now permanently protected from roads, Events ...... 24 mineral extraction and development. Not just today, but for forever. It’s also about the story of New Mexicans from every walk of life coming together New Mexico Spring/Summer 2019 and working shoulder to shoulder for years, building a groundswell of sup- The Semi-annual Publication of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance port based on their love of these places that simply, respectfully, demanded WILD! action. Our collective persistence practically guaranteed success. After all, when would you stop fighting for something you loved?

At the same time, this couldn’t have happened without the farsightedness, perseverance and legislative talent of our federal congressional delegation. Sens. and co-sponsored the - CELEBRATING Desert Peaks National Conservation Act, which was absorbed into the public OUR NEW lands package. Legislation to safeguard the Wilderness in Doña Ana County WILDERNESS was first introduced by former Sen. in 2009. And Udall and Heinrich sponsored the Cerros del Norte Conservation Act to protect Wil- ALSO INSIDE: derness in Taos County. The original version of this legislation was also first A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SENATOR HEINRICH introduced by Sen. Bingaman in 2009.

All three of the currently serving New Mexico representatives, Ben Ray

Mount Riley Wilderness in Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Lujan, and supported the bill. Assistant ON THE COVER: Speaker Lujan sponsored the Rio Grande del Norte companion legislation in The newly designated Mount Riley Wilderness within Organ the House in the last congress (with former representative and current gov- Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. Just 45 minutes ernor cosponsoring). from El Paso and Las Cruces, it is one of the largest relatively undisturbed stretches of landscape in the state. Photo: David Soules

2 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 LET’S CELEBRATE OUR NEW WILDERNESS! New Mexico Wilderness Alliance ALBUQUERQUE OFFICE 505-843-8696 | [email protected] | www.nmwild.org 317 Commercial Avenue NE, Suite 300 | Albuquerque, NM 87102 SANTA FE FIELD OFFICE Altogether, this legislation created 10 new Wilderness areas in Doña Ana 341 E. Alameda St. County and two new Wilderness areas in Taos County. It also created the Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-216-9719 Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Area and expanded the existing Bisti/De-Na-Zin LAS CRUCES FIELD OFFICE Wilderness Area, both near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. All 275 N. Downtown Mall of these new Wilderness areas are managed by the Bureau of Land Manage- Las Cruces, NM 88001 ment. (Interesting note – the Bisti was the first ever BLM Wilderness area.) 505-843-8696 We’ve highlighted all these areas within this newsletter, including maps and MISSION STATEMENT photographs. Of course, to really appreciate their beauty, wildness and eco- The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is dedicated to the logical importance, you should experience them for yourself. This newsletter, protection, restoration, and continued respect of New Mexico’s our other publications and our website will help you do this. (Along with wildlands and Wilderness areas. helpful tips – such as midday in summer is perhaps not the best time to visit NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCE STAFF the southern areas!) Albuquerque Office Mark Allison, Executive Director The legislation also reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund Tisha Broska, Deputy Director Judy Calman, Staff Attorney (LWCF), which has provided funding for public lands and open spaces in all Logan Glasenapp, Staff Attorney 33 New Mexico counties since its creation. Sens. Udall and Heinrich have Joey Keefe, Communications Coordinator been two of the fund’s most ardent supporters. Lois Manno, Grants Manager Kerry Renshaw, Administrative Assistant Will Ribbans, Wilderness Stewardship & Outreach Manager Our partners in this journey are too numerous to mention though The Wil- Suzanne Soto, Office Manager derness Society and New Mexico Wildlife Federation deserve special rec- ognition. And while everything we do here at New Mexico Wild we do as a John Olivas, Traditional Community Organizer team, special praise is due to Jeff Steinborn, our southern director; Nathan Las Cruces Office Jeff Steinborn, Southern NM Director Small (who was until December our “conservation wrangler”); and board Grecia Nuñez, Public Lands Fellow member David Soules; who together led the way for the southern Wilderness Gila Region areas. Our traditional community organizer John Olivas and former board Nathan Newcomer, Grassroots Coordinator member (and former mayor of Questa) Esther Garcia were critical leaders Simon Sotelo, Grassroots Community Organizer Wilderness Rangers for the Taos County wilderness areas. Thanks to everyone who played a part Andrew Reville, Brennan Davis, Zack Bumgarner, large and small, and especially to those who came before us with the vision James Lautzenheiser, Doug Campbell, Becky Fitzpatrick, that now is reality. Thanks particularly to those of you who make up our thou- Tobias Nickel, Jesse Furr, Irene Owsley sands of members and supporters, for your generosity, patience, encourage- BOARD OF DIRECTORS ment and inspiration. Raise a glass – you deserve it. Nancy Morton, Chair Todd Schulke, Vice Chair As highlighted in the following pages, we won’t be resting on our laurels. Kenneth Cole, Acting Treasurer There are other sensitive areas and wildlife that need protections. Read Joe Alcock, Secretary Ernie Atencio about the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area bill, the Mexican gray wolf, a call Wendy Brown to introduce legislation to protect Cerro de la Olla and community support Sam DesGeorges to designate the Gila River as Wild and Scenic. Included is a special mes- Renee Frank sage from Sen. Heinrich, profiles of some of New Mexico’s leading women Carol Johnson Brian O’Donnell conservation officials, some tough farewells to old friends and introduc- Sally A. Paez tions of new staff. (That includes the doubling of our legal department – Roberta Salazar-Henry from one attorney to two!) David Soules Ann Watson

I hope you enjoy exploring these pages and the new wild places they show- NEWSLETTER STAFF case. If you’re not already a supporter, check us out. We have fun and get Jeanne Lambert, Art Director/Designer things done. Mark Allison, Executive Editor Lois Manno, Co-Managing Editor Joey Keefe, Co-Managing Editor Tania Soussan, Editor Happy trails. What is Wilderness? The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation System to preserve the last remaining wildlands in America. The Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures an enduring resource of Wilderness for the people. Wilderness is defined as an area that has primarily been affected by the forces of nature with the imprint of humans substantially unnoticeable. It is an area that offers outstanding opportunity for solitude or a primitive or unconfined type of recreation, and an area that contains ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.

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Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 3 NORTHERN NEW MEXICO REPORT Chaco Update STAFF REPORT

haco Culture National Histori- cal Park and the surrounding areas Cface constant threats from oil and gas developers. In February of this year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) re- moved parcels of land near Chaco from an upcoming oil and gas lease sale – but only after the agency was overwhelmed by the intense public backlash it faced for offering the parcels for sale in the first place.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park and adjacent lands are cultural wonders, home to fragile Native American artifacts, and sa- cred sites not found anywhere else. Nearby communities struggle with health impacts as- sociated with the concentration of industrial development. But that has not stopped BLM and oil and gas companies from constantly tar- geting it for resource extraction.

Fortunately, New Mexico’s entire federal del- egation has joined forces to protect the greater Chaco region. On April 9, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Repre- sentatives Ben Ray Luján, Deb Haaland, and for the bill’s reintroduction at a historic sum- to the state. The moratorium would offer an Xochitl Torres Small introduced the Chaco Cul- mit held at Acoma on March 21, 2019. New extra layer of protection to the restrictions tural Heritage Area Protection Act, S. 1079, a bill to Mexico Wild is also backing the legislation. proposed in the legislation introduced by withdraw the federal lands around Chaco Can- Sens. Udall and Heinrich. yon from further mineral development. The Meanwhile, new state Land Commissioner bill would help ensure the protection of Chaco Stephanie Garcia Richard has taken steps of The greater Chaco region is unique and irre- ruins and the greater landscape surrounding her own to protect the region at the state lev- placeable. It is irresponsible for BLM to re- the Chaco Culture National Historical Park el. In February Garcia Richard announced peatedly place these lands in the crosshairs by preventing any future leasing or develop- that she plans to introduce a moratorium of out-of-state corporations in the extractive ment of minerals owned by the U.S. govern- on any new oil and gas leases sales on state industries. We thank New Mexico’s elected ment that are located within an approximately trust lands located within the 10-mile buffer officials, at both the federal and state levels, 10-mile protected radius around Chaco. zone surrounding Chaco Culture National for their leadership and encourage them to Historical Park. do everything in their power to preserve The legislation is supported by Native voic- the cultural, historical and natural wonders es, including the Navajo Nation and the All Of the approximately 900,000 acres of land found in this special place. Council of Governors, which called within the zone, about ten percent belongs

Bisti and Ah-shi-sle-pah Updates

he Greater Chaco region of north- Ah-shi-sle-pah is southeast of Farmington EXPANSION OF BISTI/DE-NA-ZIN western New Mexico is home to and just north of Chaco Culture National WILDERNESS (by approximately 2,250 T almost 10,000 acres of new Wil- Historical Park. acres for a total of 43,420 acres) derness, thanks to S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, Ah-shi-sle-pah is one part of New Mex- This Wilderness area between Farmington and Recreation Act, signed into law on ico’s badlands Wilder- and Crownpoint showcases a diverse envi- March 12. These include the new Ah-Shi- ness complex that also includes the Bisti/ ronment of rolling grasslands and broken Sle-Pah Wilderness and the expansion of De-Na-Zin Wilderness. All are located rugged badlands cut by broad washes and the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. around broad washes flanked by hills and gently sloping mesas. New Mexico boasts the first Bureau of mesas eroded into unusual formations. Land Management Wilderness ever desig- The nearly complete skeleton of a dino- The Bisti (pronounced Bis-tie), a name nated – the Bisti. saur was found here along with fossils of derived from a Navajo word meaning other dinosaurs and early mammals. “badlands,” is a strange, otherworldly sort AH-SHI-SLE-PAH WILDERNESS of place. Stone trunks of ancient trees (approximately 7,242 acres) The Ah-shi-sle-pah lacks marked or main- protrude from the lifeless soil, where cal- tained trails, but the terrain readily allows cite crystals glitter in the intense sun, and Formerly a Wilderness Study Area, this re- for cross-country travel. Old roads and the land is contorted like an amoeba with gion features scenic, multicolored badlands, as livestock trails, ridges, and drainages offer weathered formations known as hoodoos well as low, sparsely vegetated hills and mesas routes for exploration, but the topography and toadstools. To geologists, however, containing highly significant fossil remains. can be very complex and confusing. the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness exhibits

4 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 a different richness. Here chapters of Earth’s history are laid bare in interbedded layers of shale, sandstone and coal.

When the two Wildernesses were designated in 1984, it was at least in part to preempt strip-mining. The two areas remained separate (Bisti, 3,946 acres, and De-Na-Zin, 22,454 acres) until 1996 when the BLM completed a land exchange with the Navajo Nation that created a Wilderness corridor linking the two.

Hikers who want to explore the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness face special challenges, including the lack of marked trails and confus- ing topography. But following a preset route is contrary to the en- tire spirit of this area, which invites random venturing. This also is an extremely fragile Wilderness. The landforms here often have no vegetation to stabilize them, and the soil is highly subject to erosion. Furthermore, the area’s geological treasures such as calcite crystals and petrified wood fragments are everywhere — the temptation is great to grab a chunk as a souvenir, but please resist. The new Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness is known for fascinating rock formations known as hoodoos. Photo: Mike Richie

PETROGLYPH CLEAN-UP DAY WILDERNESS CELEBRATIONS

Rep. Deb Haaland speaks to volunteers at a work day co-hosted by New Sen. Tom Udall poses for a photo with New Mexico Wild board member Mexico Wild at Petroglyph National Monument during the federal govern- David Soules and former staff member Nathan Small at a celebration of New ment shutdown in January. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Albuquerque Mayor Mexico’s new Wilderness areas within the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Tim Keller also participated in the work day. Photo: Mark Allison National Monument on March 21, 2019. The event was co-hosted by New Mexico Wild. Photo: Grecia Nuñez

New Mexico Wild Executive Director Mark Allison and Deputy Director Sen. Martin Heinrich speaks at a celebration of New Mexico’s new Tisha Broska present a thank-you card to federal employees affected by the Wilderness areas in Albuquerque on March 21. The event was hosted by federal government shutdown at the Albuquerque office of the U.S. Forest New Mexico Wild. Service. Photo: Joey Keefe

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 5 New Gray Wolf ABQ BioPark Zoo “Boosts” Its Wolf Recovery & Reintroduction Program BY LANE KIRKPATRICK he ABQ Biopark Zoo recently add- ed a new lobo to its pack as part Tof its program to help support the Mexican gray wolf. In December 2018, the zoo received Ryder, a 4-year-old male wolf who came from the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan. Ryder will hopefully be a mate to Kawi, the zoo’s 4-year-old female wolf. As part of this program, the zoo also said goodbye to male wolf Apache, who moved to Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. The 7-year- old wolf had been at the ABQ BioPark since 2015. Last year, cubs from Brook- field Zoo were successfully introduced to a wild wolf pack in Arizona, where a mother The ABQ BioPark has

been an integral part Ryder has a new home at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. of the Mexican gray who shuttle the animals on direct flights The Mexican gray wolf is the smallest wolf breeding program, and in temperature-controlled cabins to of the gray wolves. An estimated 4,000 producing 69 Mexican wolf minimize stress on the animals. or more of these wolves once roamed across Texas, New Mexico and Ari- pups over the years. This story about breeding wolves at the zona and were equally as abundant in ABQ BioPark is part of a continuing story Mexico. (See figure entitled, “Histor- accepted them as her own. The relocation about the Mexican gray wolf, a species once ic Range of the Mexican Gray Wolf.”) of both Ryder and Apache was aided by on the brink of extinction and the recovery Story continued on page 22 LightHawk, a group of volunteer pilots and reintroduction program that followed.

WOLF UPDATE

exican wolves had a rough 2018. Seventeen wolves were found Mdead, including several killed by traps, setting a record for a single year. In late October, the program suffered a serious blow when we lost our McKittrick case at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

In the case, we sought to eliminate a barrier the Department of Justice placed on itself many years ago, making it almost impossible for the department to prosecute people for ille- gally killing wolves. The court determined we did not prove the policy was responsible for more wolves being killed.

This means it remains extremely difficult for any charges to be brought against poachers, but also that opponents of wolf reintroduction know there is almost no possibility they will be punished for criminal action, leading to a near- complete lack of legal deterrence. Map of the historic range of the Mexican gray wolf But the news in 2018 wasn’t all bad. The Forest Service took unprecedented action by endangered species are its highest priority. Meanwhile, two court challenges — one to revoking the grazing permit of a rancher con- the 2015 Mexican wolf management rule and victed of trapping and killing a Mexican wolf. This year, the Mexican wolf program got a one to the 2017 Mexican wolf recovery rule — Craig Thiessen pled guilty to the charge, in- new director. Brian McGee has so far been continue in federal court. New Mexico Wild is curring a penalty of several thousand dollars. very willing to talk with conservation groups, a party to both cases. We do not believe either Had the Forest Service not revoked his graz- and we are hopeful this will mean more releas- of these plans was based on the best available ing permit, he could have continued using es of wolves into both New Mexico and Ari- science, nor that they achieved the goal of the forest (and its animal inhabitants) undis- zona, as well as more collaboration with both furthering Mexican wolf survival. turbed. The agency’s decision sent a strong wolf advocates and the Gila National Forest. and important statement to forest users that

6 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 TAOS COUNTY WILDERNESS AREAS Cerro de la Olla

hile we are absolutely thrilled grassland interspersed with oak copse la Olla as a Wilderness area to see it per- at the two new Wilderness ar- where bear, lion, elk and deer manently protected for the benefit of pres- Weas within the Rio Grande del like to feed and rest. From the summit, ent and future generations. New Mexico Norte National Monument, the Cerro del the 360-degree vista is extraordinary. On Wild and the Friends of the Rio Grande Yuta Wilderness and the Rio San Antonio a clear day, one gazes down upon the vast del Norte Coalition call on federal elect- Wilderness, our work isn’t completely done. volcanic plateau where the Rio Grande ed officials to introduce legislation to Gorge cuts deeply into the sage plains and add Cerros del la Olla to the National The volcanic mountain Cerro de la Olla ris- beyond to distant ranges in every direction. Wilderness Preservation System. es to 9,500 feet in elevation and is among a triune of giant volcanoes that rise above Humans have used Cerro de la Olla for the sage-covered Taos Plateau. San Antonio thousands of years. Today, citizens visit Mountain is 10 miles north and west from this rugged mountain to enjoy solitude and Cerro de la Olla, and Ute Mountain is ten unique vistas to hunt game, gather me- miles north and east of Cerro de La Olla. dicinal herbs and collect firewood. Many Cerro de la Olla lies toward the center of birds also use Cerro de la Olla, including Rio Grande del Norte National Monument a diversity of raptors such as the uncom- about four miles west of the Rio Grande mon golden eagle, peregrine falcons, prai- Gorge. It is remotely located and provides rie falcons, great horned owls and long- exceptional opportunities for solitude. earned owls.

Cerro de la Olla is forested on its sides. The local community in Taos County over- The top of the mountain is primarily open whelmingly supports designating Cerro de RIO GRAND DEL NORTE UPDATE

orthern New Mexico gained two new Wilderness areas thanks to NS. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recre- ation Act, signed into law on March 12. New Mexico Wild and a broad coalition worked for more than a decade to perma- nently protect these special areas - Cerro del Yuta (Ute Mountain) and Río San Antonio, both within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

Rio Grande del Norte boasts incredible wildlands and waters that sustain the sur- rounding communities and is home to elk, deer, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, sandhill cranes and other wildlife. The area is one of the most stunning and ecologically sig- nificant in the state and a destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.

CERRO DEL YUTA WILDERNESS slash dividing Ute from its sister cones to The Río San Antonio itself sits 200 feet be- (approximately 13,420 acres) the west. Snow-capped Blanca rises to the low a plateau, creating a unique riparian north, just across the state line. The whole area and offering recreational opportuni- The centerpiece of Cerro del Yuta is Ute Sangre de Cristo range falls to the east, ter- ties to boost the local economy. Mountain – a 10,000-foot-high volcanic minating, view-wise, at Wheeler Peak. cone that rises more than 2,600 feet above Species found here include elk, mule deer, the surrounding plain and overlooks the RÍO SAN ANTONIO WILDERNESS pronghorn, black bear, mountain lions, coy- Taos Gorge. Ute is something you can’t (approximately 8,120 acres) otes, prairie dogs, wild turkey and raptors, miss. Located about 10 miles west of Cos- including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. tilla, it is the dominant feature for those People often assume from its name that this While there are no designated trails, the driving north from Taos along N.M. 522. Wilderness Study Area includes 10,908-foot terrain’s open nature readily allows cross- Free of designated trails, the steep trek up San Antonio Mountain, the dramatic long- country hiking and foot access from parking Ute Mountain rewards hikers with sweep- extinct volcanic cone that is a familiar land- areas around San Antonio Mountain. ing views. The slopes of Ute are covered mark in this part of New Mexico. In fact, in piñon at the base and pockets of pon- the Wilderness is made up of the rolling derosa, aspen, white pine and Douglas fir grasslands to the north and west, including in the higher elevations. Looking down a portion of the Río San Antonio. For wild- For more information go to www.nmwild.org or from grassy meadows of blue grama, west- life viewers, this is an advantage, for the ter- www.riograndedelnorte.org ern wheatgrass and Indian ricegrass where rain’s openness allows better wildlife view- or see our Wild Guide. the trees thin, the gorge is a jagged, inky ing than adjacent forested lands.

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 7 SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO REPORT Silver City to Host State’s Premier Outdoor Conference on October 3 & 4, 2019

ew Mexico Wild was proud to or- ation on New Mexico’s trails and rivers. Lo- ganize the first annual Outdoor cated near the historic Gila Wilderness and NEconomics Conference, which took Continental Divide Trail, the conference will place in May 2018 in Las Cruces and was at- also offer guided trips to the Wilderness and tended by representatives of 28 communities the Gila River as well as a reception on the across New Mexico and featured speakers historic Silver City MainStreet. from eight Western states. The conference has become a pivotal event to help commu- nities, small businesses, and citizens develop More information: strategies for growing the state’s $9.9 billion Register online at outdoor recreation economy. www.outdooreconomicsnm.com. The registration fee is $40. The conference plays a key role in educating policy makers about successful initiatives The Conference will be held at the to expand outdoor tourism and economic Grant County Veterans Memorial development. The 2018 conference helped Business & Conference Center at develop support for the establishment of a 3031 Highway 180 East in Silver City, state Office of Outdoor Recreation. The up- New Mexico. coming 2019 Outdoor Economics Confer- ence will provide a platform for communi- In addition to New Mexico Wild, ties across the state to learn about the New current sponsors of the 2019 Mexico Office of Outdoor Recreation’s po- New Mexico Outdoor Economics tential programs and resources. Conference include the town of Silver City, Grant County, Western New Mexico University, Silver City The 2019 Outdoor Economics Conference MainStreet Project and the Silver City will feature panel discussions related to com- Grant County Chamber of Commerce. munity and private sector strategies for pro- Let us know if your town or business moting nearby public lands to create jobs and would like to learn more about tourism. Conference topics will highlight sponsorship opportunities. tourism opportunities connected to recre- Gila angler. Photo: Tisha Broska

outdooreconomicsnm.com

A generous member of New Mexico Wild will NOW IS THE TIME TO double all new and increased donations up to $50,000. KEEP NEW MEXICO WILD Please consider supporting our efforts to protect New Mexico’s Wilderness, wildlife and water today. Give Today and Double your Impact Donate Now to Double your Impact!

8 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 GILA UPDATE Wild and Scenic

upport for Gila Wild and Scenic Riv- in the Gila calling for the permanent protec- ing in part: “Bayard desires to allow our chil- ers legislation continues to build mo- tion of our Wild and Scenic rivers. dren and future generations the opportunity Smentum and attract diverse voices to experience the last free flowing river in from across . Furthermore, the town of Silver City, the All Southern New Mexico and benefit from its Pueblo Council of Governors, Copper Coun- life providing water as it has always been.” With more than 150 local small businesses; try Senior Olympics, NAACP Doña Ana 60 private property owners in Grant and Ca- County Chapter and the League of United New Mexico Wild is committed to continu- tron counties who own land near the river; Latin American Citizens (LULAC) have ing to broaden and deepen support in south- 43 sportsmen, outdoor recreation, veter- called on our senators to introduce legisla- western New Mexico for our Wild and Sce- ans and conservation organizations; and 37 tion to protect the Gila and San Francisco nic Rivers in the Gila. faith-based organizations on board, there is a rivers and their main tributaries. The city of growing chorus of support from communities Bayard passed a unanimous resolution, stat-

“Strictly from my position as County Assessor, “I was born in Santa Rita, New Mexico, and “Designations such has Wild & Scenic are a the property values of the area are affected have lived my entire life, 73 years, in Grant benefit to our community because they help positively by the presence of the Gila River as a County. Some of my fondest memories are of to draw ecotourism to our community.” major attraction and draw to relocate in south- hunting, fishing and camping with friends and —Left to right, Bob Ingalls, Tasha Cooper ern NM. Personally, being a fourth-generation family over the years. For many years, some of and Diana Leyba of Leyaba & Ingalls Arts native, I am fortunate to live here near the Gila us would take the challenge of rafting down the and feel we need to continue to preserve it for Gila River in the spring when the runoff was future generations. The Gila River is rare and the highest, from The Forks to Turkey Creek. valuable as one of the last free-flowing rivers We made our own rafts from large truck inner in the , flowing from the first tubes and cut-off 55-gallon barrels, carried our Wilderness area in the United States. Todos own food and fishing supplies. It was always juntamos por la conservacion de nuestro rio a thrilling adventure, filled with breathtaking Gila, se lo debemos a generaciones futuras.” scenery and wildlife. We frequently encoun- —Raul Turrieta, Grant County assessor, tered the remains of other people’s attempts at rafting the Gila – canoes, rafts, etc. The Gila Grant County, NM “It is important that we call for the protec- River is a jewel to be enjoyed for generations, tion of the Gila River because we have been to appreciate the beauty, enjoy the thrill.” going there to fish, hunt and picnic with —Daniel C. Vasquez, Silver City LULAC our families for many years and we want to member continue to do so while securing it for fu- ture generations.” —Chon Fierro, Mayor of Bayard

Story continued on page 20

“The Gila Region is one of the most ecologi- cally diverse areas of North America with over 1,500 vascular plant species and mam- mal diversity second only to the Sierras; the Gila River is the lifeblood of this magnifi- “Supporting designations such as Wild & cent diversity.” Scenic is important to help maintain and —Dr. Kathy Whiteman, Western New preserve our waterways.” Mexico University, Natural Sciences De- partment associate professor and Outdoor —Polly Cook, owner, Javalina Coffee Shop Program director

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 9 KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES BY TANIA SOUSSAN

A kid-friendly hike in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

rom hiking and river rafting to exploring historic sites and Near Taos, the Rio Grande del Norte offers a different kind of earning a junior range badge, there’s plenty to engage kids adventure. Families can camp, hike, fish for trout or sign up with Fat New Mexico’s Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Rio a local outfitter for a whitewater rafting adventure. Grande del Norte national monuments. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area near Questa offers a couple of The monuments near Las Cruces and Taos, which are administered by options for hiking. You could walk (or mountain bike) all or part the Bureau of Land Management, might soon be home to new Wilder- of the 6.2-mile Rincon- ness areas. Legislation passed overwhelmingly by the Senate in Febru- ada Loop Trail for an easy ary would create a dozen permanent Wilderness areas. walk through piñons, oaks More information: and sagebrush on the mesa Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks: The Dripping Springs Visitor Center on the east side of Las Cru- top with great views from www.blm.gov/visit/omdp ces is a good place to kick off a visit to the Organ Mountains and the La Junta Overlook of or (575) 522-1219 the starting point for two kid-friendly hikes. Families can borrow the confluence of the Rio Rio Grande del Norte: a backpack stuffed with binoculars, books and other essentials to Grande and Red River 800 www.blm.gov/visit/rgdnnm take out on the trail and pick up a junior ranger activity booklet. feet below. The trail passes or (575) 586-1150 Children who answer the questions about animals and plants can picnic areas, campgrounds earn a junior ranger badge. and the BLM’s Wild Riv- ers Visitor Center, which The half-mile La Cueva trail is “a great hike for small children – easy, offers guided hikes and short, with interesting vegetation, a cave, and even a murder mystery,” campfire talks during the writes local outdoorsman Bob Julyan in his book, “Best Hikes with summer months. Children in New Mexico.” The hike leads to a low cave where in the late 1860s a gentle hermit once lived and was killed. Julyan’s book of- If your family is up for a fers details so you can share the story with your kids as you walk. more strenuous hike, take the 0.4-mile Chiflo Trail. It’s For a longer hike, try the easy 3-mile roundtrip to Dripping Springs, a steep and rocky 320-foot a shaded canyon with a waterfall that was once the site of a resort for drop down through the river people escaping the heat of the city below. The ruins of some buildings gorge to the Rio Grande it- remain. Picnic in this area or back near the visitor center. self -- an adult should lead and watch small children Julyan also recommends camping at the Aguirre Spring Camp- carefully. The Big Arsenic ground on the east side of the mountains. “It has some interesting and Little Arsenic trails are trails, and if you camp overnight you have a good chance of seeing less steep and offer access to ringtails,” he said. The Baylor Pass Trail with its stunning scenery a trail along the river, but the and interesting vegetation is a family favorite. descent – and the climb back up – is about 800 feet.

10 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Climate Change onversations about the dangers of climate change often for the Gila River, the last free-flowing river in New Mexico. Such focus on global implications, and for good reason. Rising a step would preserve the Gila in its natural state, removing the Ctemperatures and sea levels threaten wildlife, ecosystems, threat of human activities that could reduce water supplies for hu- communities, food supplies and infrastructure in every corner of mans and wildlife living nearby. the world. Protecting our wild places is not only good for the spiritual and But what is often overlooked are the dangers of climate change at the mental health of humanity, but for the physical health of our chang- local level, how it impacts our daily lives right here in New Mexico. ing planet as well.

For starters, New Mexico is drying up. According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, New Mexico’s spring precipitation is projected to decrease by up to 20 percent in some parts of the state by the middle of the 21st century as com- pared to the 20th century. Meanwhile, the state’s annual tempera- ture has increased by 2 degrees since the 1970s. The combination of increased temperatures and decreased precipitation leads to lower snowpack, which in turn leads to less water for our rivers, streams and overall water supply.

New Mexico is also one of the nation’s top producers of oil and gas. While most of us still depend on fossil fuels to some extent, that dependence comes at a cost. Aggressive oil and gas drilling prac- tices leave our soil and groundwater vulnerable, not to mention that they put cultural resources at risk in places like the greater Chaco region. Beyond drilling, the practices of venting or flaring meth- ane compromise air quality and threaten the overall public health of nearby communities. Methane – the primary component of natural gas – is 84 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

While the threats of climate change in our own backyard must be taken seriously, New Mexico is equipped with a valuable tool for battling its effects – Wilderness.

Wilderness areas are roadless and are only accessible by foot or on horseback, keeping ecosystems natural and intact. These natural eco- systems have numerous benefits, particularly for wildlife. Wilder- ness areas allow wildlife to roam freely, unencumbered by the human developments that often cut off access to food sources and migratory routes. These undisturbed ecosystems make it easier for wildlife to Oil and gas impacts. Photo: L. Hagen adapt to climate change.

The trees in forested Wilder- ness areas – which cannot be cut down for logging purposes – trap carbon dioxide, reduc- ing greenhouse gas levels. As an added benefit, trees and other plants act as a reference guide for scientists, helping to advance our knowledge of how the planet’s climate has changed over time. Much of what researchers know about climate change comes from the clues living within trees, wood and pollen cores that in- creasingly can be found only in protected Wilderness.

Understanding that the global crisis of climate change is also a backyard reality is the first step to reversing its trends. The next step is to utilize the tools of conservation that are available to us, such as a Wild and Scenic River designation Views of the same area of the in 2002 and 2004 show Piñon tree die-off. Photo: Dr. Craig Allen, U.S. Geologi- cal Survey

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 11 Photo: David Soules

ome of New Mexico’s most special places have a new level of POTRILLO MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS (105,085 acres) protection thanks to a sweeping public lands conservation bill Sthat created 1.3 million acres of Wilderness across the country, Extinct volcanoes, black lava fields and mile after mile of desert including 272,586 acres in New Mexico, the majority in Doña Ana grassland combine to give the qualities County. Ten new Wilderness areas within the Organ Mountains-Des- found nowhere else in New Mexico. Just 45 minutes from El Paso ert Peaks National Monument were part of S. 47, the John D. Dingell, and Las Cruces is one of the largest relatively undisturbed stretches Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. of Chihuahuan Desert landscape in the state. In one of the large ba- sins in the center of the mountains, a unique “cholla savannah” fea- For more than a decade, New Mexico Wild and a broad coalition of tures eight- to 10-foot-tall cholla cactus. Ephemeral lakes in Indian Native Americans, sportsmen, small business owners, faith leaders, Basin provide seasonal ponds for ducks, and an abundance of small conservationists and local elected officials worked to protect the Organ mammals attracts raptors in the winter months. Several undisturbed Mountains-Desert Peaks. New Mexico Wild began hiring Las Cruces structures dating from 1300 to 1400 AD also have been found here. based grassroots organizers for the effort in 2005. In 2014, President Most hiking focuses on gaining the tops of the summits for spectacu- Obama made the beautifully rugged landscape with its rich natural and lar desert vistas. cultural resources a national monument. CINDER CONE WILDERNESS (16,935 acres) In the heart of the monument were eight Wilderness Study Areas and two additional areas we proposed for Wilderness designation. (Much This area features an extremely high concentration of undisturbed cin- of the land has been managed as Wilderness Study Areas since the der cone mountains and rich wildlife habitat prized by hunters and 1980s when it was provided interim protected status. Other areas non-hunters alike. in the Organ Mountains were given Wilderness Study Area status in 1993.) They have the highest quality habitat, boast the healthiest WILDERNESS (12,155 acres) plant and animal populations and are critical components of healthy watersheds. These areas boast sky island mountains, native Chihua- The East Potrillos (“colt” in Spanish) can be generally described as huan Desert grasslands, caves, unique lava flows, limestone cliffs and an uplifted west-tilted fault-block. The basal rocks in the range are winding canyons that draw visitors to Doña Ana County. To complete sedimentary, and consist of limestone, dolomites, and silty beds of the community’s original vision, Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich Middle Permian age. No perennial streams originate in the range, introduced Wilderness legislation for these areas. and none flow nearby. Plant communities can be generally character- ized as Chihuahuan desert scrublands, creosote bush desert, and des- At 179,846 acres, a complex of six Wilderness areas centered on the ert grasslands. The East Potrillo Mountains receive few visitors, due Potrillo Mountains southwest of Las Cruces now represents the fourth- to the rugged topography and the lack of water or shade. The range largest Wilderness complex in New Mexico, after the Gila (559,311 is long and narrow, with an orientation trending NNW to SSE. The acres), the Aldo Leopold (203,548 acres) and the Pecos Wilderness maximum elevation of the range is approximately 5,300 feet, which areas (221,806 acres). provides a relief of nearly 1000 feet above the flats to the east. Access to the general vicinity is through New Mexico State Road 9, and sev- ADEN LAVA FLOW WILDERNESS (27,673 acres) eral unpaved county roads.

This area offers one of the best opportunities in the continental United MOUNT RILEY WILDERNESS (8,382 acres) States to view lava flows and the many unique shapes and structures created by them. flows, volcanic craters and sand dunes charac- Mount Riley is the highest point in the area, rising abruptly more than terize the landscape 20 miles southwest of Las Cruces where a shield 1,700 feet above the surrounding desert plain to an elevation of nearly volcano of produced extensive lava flows more than 6,000 feet. The Wilderness, on the east side of the Potrillo Mountains 10,000 years ago. The Aden Lava Flow contains pressure ridges, lava section of the monument, is comprised of three volcanic cinder cones. tubes and crevices up to five feet wide and 20 to 30 feet deep. These There are no maintained trails to the summits, but hikers who find a features provide cover for wildlife and excellent opportunities for pho- route to the top are rewarded with fine views. tography and geological sightseeing.

12 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 Wilderness in the Organ Mountains-DeSierra County sert Peaks National Monument

107°28'0"W 107°26'0"W 107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W 106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"W 106°33'0"W 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W 32°46'0"N

32°45'0"N Garfield Doña Ana County 32°45'0"N

32°44'0"N 32°44'0"N _Æ 32°43'0"N Salem 32°43'0"N 32°42'0"N 32°42'0"N

32°41'0"N ¨¦§25 Wilderness in the 32°41'0"N 32°40'0"N Hatch Rodey Rincon 32°40'0"N 32°39'0"N _Æ Sierra County 32°39'0"N 32°38'0"N Organ Mountains-DeTonuco Mountain sert Peaks National Monument32°38'0"N

32°37'0"N 32°37'0"N 107°28'0"W 107°26'0"W 107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W 106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"W 106°33'0"W 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W 32°46'0"N 19

32°36'0"N 32°36'0"N 32°45'0"N Doña Ana County 32°45'0"N 32°35'0"N Garfield 32°35'0"N

32°44'0"N 32°44'0"N

_Æ 32°34'0"N 32°34'0"N Luna County 32°43'0"N 32°43'0"N 32°33'0"N Salem 32°33'0"N 32°42'0"N Sierra de 32°42'0"N

32°32'0"N 32°32'0"N

32°41'0"N Las Uvas Broad Slot Canyon Radium 32°41'0"N 32°31'0"N 16 ¨¦§25 32°31'0"N _Æ Springs 32°40'0"N Mountains Magdalena Canyon Rincon 32°40'0"N Hatch 32°30'0"N 32°30'0"N Rodey 32°39'0"N Peak Fort_Æ 32°39'0"N 32°29'0"N 32°29'0"N 13 Doña Ana

32°38'0"N Selden 32°38'0"N 32°28'0"N Tonuco MountainMountains 32°28'0"N

32°37'0"N Outlaw 32°37'0"N 32°27'0"N 32°27'0"N 19 Geronimo's

32°36'0"N Rock Isaak's Lake 32°36'0"N 32°26'0"N Cave_Æ 32°26'0"N

32°35'0"N 32°35'0"N 32°25'0"N Rough & 32°25'0"N

32°34'0"N 32°34'0"N 32°24'0"N Luna County Robledo 32°24'0"N Massacre Ready 32°33'0"N 32°33'0"N 32°23'0"N Mountains Doña Ana 32°23'0"N 22 12 Fort SierraMason WWII de Aerial Target Hills 32°22'0"N 32°32'0"N Peak 32°22'0"N 32°32'0"N Butterfield OverlanTrail Slot Canyon US - Mexico International Border 1848 Las Uvas Broad Radium 32°21'0"N 32°31'0"N Gadsden16 Purchase 32°21'0"N 32°31'0"N Mountains Magdalena Canyon _Æ Springs 32°20'0"N 32°30'0"N PicachoWilderness in the 32°20'0"N 32°30'0"N Peak _Æ Fort 32°19'0"N Sleeping 32°19'0"N 32°29'0"N 32°29'0"N 13 Peak Doña Ana Lady Selden Sierra County 32°18'0"N 32°18'0"N Las Cruces 32°28'0"N 32°28'0"N Mountains OrganHills Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument 107°28'0"W 107°26'0"W 107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W 106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"W 106°33'0"W 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W 32°17'0"N Outlaw 32°17'0"N 32°46'0"N 32°27'0"N Geronimo's 32°27'0"N

32°45'0"N 32°45'0"N 32°16'0"N Doña AnaRock County Isaak's Lake 32°16'0"N 32°26'0"N Garfield Cave_Æ 32°26'0"N 32°44'0"N ¦¨§10 32°44'0"N _Æ 32°15'0"N Mesilla Organ 32°15'0"N 32°25'0"N 32°43'0"N SalemRough & 32°43'0"N 32°25'0"N 32°14'0"N 32°42'0"N 32°14'0"N 32°42'0"N 32°24'0"N 32°24'0"N 32°41'0"N Ready 32°41'0"N 32°13'0"N Massacre ¨¦§25 32°13'0"N 32°23'0"N 32°23'0"N 32°40'0"N Hatch Rincon Mountains Doña Ana 32°40'0"N 22 12 WWII Aerial Target Hills 32°12'0"N Fort Mason Rodey 32°12'0"N 32°39'0"N _Æ 32°39'0"N 32°22'0"N Peak 32°22'0"N Butterfield OverlanTrail _Æ 32°38'0"N 32°11'0"N US - Mexico International Border32°38'0"N 1848 Tonuco Mountain 32°11'0"N 32°21'0"N Gadsden Purchase 32°21'0"N 32°37'0"N 32°37'0"N

19 32°10'0"N Gadsden Purchase 32°10'0"N 32°36'0"N 32°36'0"N 32°20'0"N Picacho_Æ 32°20'0"N 32°9'0"N 32°9'0"N Providence Cone32°35'0"N San Miguel 32°35'0"N 32°19'0"N Sleeping 32°19'0"N 32°34'0"N 32°34'0"N 32°8'0"N Luna County 32°8'0"N Lady Peak 32°18'0"N 32°33'0"N Las Cruces 32°33'0"N 32°18'0"N 32°7'0"N Sierra de 32°7'0"N 32°32'0"N Hills 32°32'0"N 32°17'0"N Las Uvas Broad SlotLa Canyon MesaRadium 32°17'0"N 32°6'0"N 32°31'0"N 16 32°6'0"N 32°31'0"N Mountains Magdalena Canyon _Æ Springs 32°16'0"N 32°16'0"N 32°30'0"N _Æ 32°30'0"N 32°5'0"N Peak 10 Fort 32°5'0"N § 32°29'0"N 32°29'0"N ¦¨ 13 Doña Ana 32°15'0"N Aden Mesilla Organ 32°15'0"N 32°4'0"N Selden 32°4'0"N 32°28'0"N Crater Mountains 32°28'0"N

32°14'0"N Outlaw 32°14'0"N 32°3'0"N 32°27'0"N Geronimo's Mountains32°3'0"N 32°27'0"N 4 Rock Chapparal 32°26'0"N 5 _Æ 32°26'0"N 32°13'0"N Aden Cave Isaak's Lake 32°13'0"N 32°2'0"N 32°2'0"N 32°25'0"N Lava Flow Rough & 32°25'0"N 32°12'0"N 32°12'0"N 32°1'0"N 32°1'0"N Whitethorn 32°24'0"N Research Natural Area Robledo Anthony_Æ 32°24'0"N Potrillo Mountains Massacre Ready 32°11'0"N 32°23'0"N Doña Ana 32°23'0"N 32°11'0"N 32°0'0"N Mountains 32°0'0"N 22 12 Fort Mason WWII Aerial Target Hills 32°22'0"N Peak 32°22'0"N Butterfield OverlanTrail 31°59'0"N 32°10'0"N US - Mexico International Border 1848 Kilbourne Gadsden Purchase 31°59'0"N 32°10'0"N 32°21'0"N Gadsden Purchase 32°21'0"N

31°58'0"N 32°9'0"N Cinder Cone Hole Texas 31°58'0"N 32°9'0"N Providence32°20'0"N Cone 32°20'0"N PicachoSanÆ Miguel National Natural Landmark _ 32°19'0"N Sleeping La Union 32°19'0"N 31°57'0"N 31°57'0"N 32°8'0"N Apollo Mission Astronauts'Lady Training Site Peak 32°8'0"N 32°18'0"N Las Cruces 32°18'0"N

31°56'0"N 31°56'0"N 32°7'0"N Hills 32°7'0"N 32°17'0"N Hunt's 32°17'0"N

31°55'0"N 32°16'0"N La Mesa 31°55'0"N 32°16'0"N 32°6'0"N Mount Riley Hole ¦¨§10 32°6'0"N 32°15'0"N Mesilla Organ 32°15'0"N 31°54'0"N 31°54'0"N 32°5'0"N _Æ 32°5'0"N 32°14'0"N Mountains 32°14'0"N 31°53'0"N Aden 31°53'0"N 32°4'0"N 32°13'0"N Crater 32°13'0"N 32°4'0"N 31°52'0"N 32°12'0"N East Potrillo Mountains 31°52'0"N 32°12'0"N 32°3'0"N _Æ 32°3'0"N

32°11'0"N 32°11'0"N 4 Chapparal 31°51'0"N 5 Aden 31°51'0"N 32°2'0"N 32°2'0"N 32°10'0"N Gadsden Purchase 32°10'0"N

31°50'0"N Lava Flow 31°50'0"N 32°9'0"N Providence Cone San Miguel 32°9'0"N 32°1'0"N 32°1'0"N WHITETHORN Whitethorn Research Natural Area 32°8'0"N Anthony 32°8'0"N 31°49'0"N Potrillo Mountains 31°49'0"N 32°0'0"N 32°0'0"N WILDERNESS (9,616 acres) 32°7'0"N 32°7'0"N 31°48'0"N La Mesa 31°48'0"N 32°6'0"N Sunland Park 32°6'0"N 31°59'0"N US - Mexico InternationalKilbourne Border 1853 31°59'0"N 31°47'0"N 32°5'0"N _Æ 31°47'0"N 32°5'0"N 31°58'0"N Cinder Cone Aden Hole Texas 31°58'0"N The whitethorn acacia, prevalent 32°4'0"N 32°4'0"N 31°46'0"N Crater National Natural Landmark La Union 31°46'0"N 31°57'0"N 32°3'0"N 32°3'0"N 31°57'0"N

4 Apollo Mission Astronauts' Training Site here, is the area’s namesake. The 5 107°28'0"W 107°26'0"W 107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°11'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W Aden106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"W 106°33'0"W 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W 32°2'0"N 32°2'0"N 31°56'0"N Lava Flow 31°56'0"N

32°1'0"N 32°1'0"N native shrub is a key year-round Whitethorn Hunt'sResearch Natural Area Anthony 31°55'0"N Potrillo Mountains 31°55'0"N food source for quail and Designationsa sum- 32°0'0"N Points of MountInterest Riley HoleFeatures Land Ownership 32°0'0"N 31°59'0"N 31°59'0"N 31°54'0"N Kilbourne 31°54'0"N Former Wilderness Study Areas Pronghorn Habitat _Æ Proposed Rio Grande Trail Rivers and Arroyos Bureau of Land Management mer food source for desert mule 31°58'0"N Cinder Cone Hole 31°58'0"N Raptor Habitat NationalInterstate HighwayNatural Landmark Dept. of Defense 31°53'0"N Ç! !Y Cultural Site La Union 31°53'0"N Wilderness 31°57'0"N Apollo Mission Astronauts' Training Site Texas 31°57'0"N Roads Dept. of Energy deer. Weathered lava invites Mountain Lion Habitat Petroglyph Site 31°56'0"N T" 31°56'0"N 31°52'0"N East Potrillo Mountains 31°52'0"N Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument Hunt'sCounty Boundary Forest Service in small and large wildlife, and 31°55'0"N Quail Habitat P! Cave 31°55'0"N 31°51'0"N Mount Riley Hole Nat'l Park Service 31°51'0"N 31°54'0"N Ringtail Cat Habitat O! WWII Aerial Target 31°54'0"N Private views stretch31°50'0"N hundreds of miles. 31°53'0"N 31°53'0"N 31°50'0"N ! Mule Deer Habitat k Special Status Plant Q State 31°52'0"N East Potrillo Mountains 31°52'0"N In addition31°49'0"N to the Potrillo Moun- !I Aplomado Falcon Sighting Butterfield Overland Trail 31°49'0"N

31°51'0"N 31°51'0"N Bighorn Sheep Habitat Gadsden Purchase 31°48'0"N 31°48'0"N tains complex, the act created 31°50'0"N Sunland Park 31°50'0"N

31°49'0"N US - Mexico International Border 1853 31°49'0"N four other31°47'0"N Wilderness areas: 31°47'0"N 31°48'0"N Sunland Park 31°48'0"N 31°46'0"N 0 5 10 20 US - Mexico International Border 1853 Modified May 17, 2016 31°46'0"N 31°47'0"N Miles Original map produced by L Uhring of NMWA, August 19, 2013 31°47'0"N q Modified map produced by J Marier of NMWA Kurt Menke of Bird's Eye View 31°46'0"N Sources: Bureau of Land Management, RGIS, 31°46'0"N SIERRA DE107°28'0"W LAS107°26'0"W UVAS107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°11'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W 106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"WNew Mexico Wilderness106°33'0"W Alliance 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W WILDERNESS (11,114 acres) 107°28'0"W 107°26'0"W 107°24'0"W 107°22'0"W 107°20'0"W 107°18'0"W 107°16'0"W 107°14'0"W 107°12'0"W 107°11'0"W 107°10'0"W 107°9'0"W 107°8'0"W 107°7'0"W 107°6'0"W 107°5'0"W 107°4'0"W 107°3'0"W 107°2'0"W 107°1'0"W 107°0'0"W 106°59'0"W 106°57'0"W 106°55'0"W 106°53'0"W 106°51'0"W 106°49'0"W 106°47'0"W 106°45'0"W 106°43'0"W 106°41'0"W 106°39'0"W 106°37'0"W 106°35'0"W 106°33'0"W 106°31'0"W 106°29'0"W 106°27'0"W 106°25'0"W 106°23'0"W 106°21'0"W Designations Designations Points of InterestPoints of Interest FeaturesFeatures Land OwnershipLand Ownership

Former Wilderness Study Areas Pronghorn Habitat _Æ Proposed Rio Grande Trail Rivers and Arroyos Bureau of Land Management Former Wilderness Study Areas Pronghorn Habitat _Æ Proposed Rio Grande Trail Rivers and Arroyos Bureau of Land Management Ç! Raptor Habitat !Y Cultural Site Interstate Highway Dept. of Defense Wilderness These volcanic mountains sup- Raptor Habitat RoadsInterstate Highway Dept. of Energy Dept. of Defense Ç! Mountain Lion!Y Habitat CulturalT" SitePetroglyph Site Wilderness Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument County Boundary Forest Service Mountain Lion Habitat Quail Habitat P! Cave Roads Dept. of Energy port outstanding high desert T" Petroglyph Site Nat'l Park Service Ringtail Cat Habitat O! WWII Aerial Target Organ Mountains - Desert Peaks National Monument County Boundary Private Forest Service Quail Habitat ! Cave Q! Mule Deer HabitatP k Special Status Plant grasslands and sustain thriving State Nat'l Park Service Ringtail Cat Habitat!I Aplomado FalconO! SightingWWII AerialButterfield Target Overland Trail Private populations of quail, deer, javeli- Bighorn Sheep Habitat Gadsden Purchase ! Mule Deer Habitat k Special Status Plant Q State na and other wildlife. In addition, !I Aplomado Falcon Sighting Butterfield Overland Trail

0 5 10 20 Modified May 17, 2016 Miles Original map produced by L Uhring of NMWA, August 19, 2013 q Bighorn Sheep Habitat Modified map produced by J Marier of NMWA Gadsden Purchase Kurt Menke of Bird's Eye View three different Native American Sources: Bureau of Land Management, RGIS, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance cultures left their marks in vari- Wild Guide: ous sites throughout these scenic More information: www.nmwild.org0 5 or www.organmountains.org10 or see20 our Modified May 17, 2016 Miles Original map produced by L Uhring of NMWA, August 19, 2013 q Modified map produced by J Marier of NMWA Kurt Menke of Bird's Eye View Passport to New Mexico Wilderness. Sources: Bureau of Land Management, RGIS, mountains; you might be fortu- New Mexico Wilderness Alliance nate to find petroglyphs made by www.scribd.com/lists/16880564/Organ-Mountains-Desert-Peaks-Conservation-Act-Maps peoples of the Jornada Mogol- lon Culture.

BROAD CANYON WILDERNESS (13,902 acres)

A secluded gem, the Broad Can- yon area shelters hidden winding canyons, water pools, flat topped mountains and dozens of rich cul- tural sites. Only 45 minutes from Las Cruces, this area has beau- tiful views that stretch across southern New Mexico and into Mexico and is a vital watershed draining more than 75 square miles of land. It is home to count- less archeological sites and the Story continued on page 19 FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION ROUNDUP

A forested in the Valle Grande, the largest meadow in the Valles National Preserve. The preserve is just one of many sites in New Mexico funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund; Inset: New Mexico State Capitol Building.

n February, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D- Also in February, Sens. Heinrich and Udall being halted for the year. While we’re disap- N.M.) and U.S. Representative Deb reintroduced the Buffalo Tract Protection pointed, the bill got further than previous IHaaland (D-N.M.) led a group of more Act to withdraw four parcels of Bureau of iterations, and we made good progress. We than 100 Democratic members of Con- Land Management (BLM) lands in south- remain deeply committed to passing this bill gress in re-introducing legislation to protect ern Sandoval County, including the Buf- and will be championing future legislation. America’s treasured national monuments falo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, against the Trump administration’s attacks from any mineral development, including GAME COMMISSION REFORM HB on public lands. U.S. Sen. Martin Hein- gravel mining. 263 (McQueen): The New Mexico Game rich (D-N.M) and Assistant Speaker Ben Commission is an appointed seven-member Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are co-sponsors. The SELECT STATE LEGISLATIVE board responsible for hiring the director of America’s Natural Treasures of Immea- SESSION ROUNDUP: In this exciting the Game and Fish Department, as well as surable Quality Unite, Inspire, and To- session featuring a new governor and an setting general wildlife policy. HB 263 moves gether Improve the Economies of States energized Legislature, many bills were four appointments from the governor to a (ANTIQUITIES) Act of 2019 reinforces introduced with the potential to benefit New bi-partisan group of legislative leadership. Congress’ clear intent in the Antiquities Act Mexico’s land, wildlife and water. Here are It creates specific positions for those four of 1906: Only Congress has the authority to some highlights: appointments: a scientist, a sportsman, a modify a national monument designation. conservation representative and a farmer/ OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION rancher. The purpose of the bill is to reduce The Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environ- SB 462 (Steinborn, Small, Rubio, politicization, increase the commission’s ment, and Related Agencies Appropria- Johnson): The bill to create an Office of emphasis on science-based decision making, tions bill, was signed into law in February. Outdoor Recreation was signed into law Gov. broaden representation and lead to a more The funding bill was authored by the Ap- Lujan Grisham. Outdoor recreation already consistent application of wildlife policy. propriations Subcommittee on Interior, En- contributes billions of dollars to the state. vironment and Related Agencies, where Sen. This office will increase tourism for outdoor HB 263 passed the House of Representatives Udall serves as ranking member. This bill recreation, focusing on increasing revenues on a bipartisan vote of 45-20, but stalled in provides critical funding for New Mexico’s and diversifying New Mexico’s economy the Senate. We will continue to work within public lands, infrastructure, environmental by attracting outdoor recreation industry a coalition of sportsman, conservation, and protection and stewardship, and programs and business, and by increasing economic animal protection organizations to introduce for Indian Country. Highlights include: development and jobs. While the bill was this bill in future sessions. • Land and Water Conservation Fund passed with only a fraction of its original (LWCF)—The bill provides $435 million appropriation, it also creates an Outdoor WILDLIFE CORRIDORS ACT SB 228 for federal land acquisition and conserva- Equity Fund, which will be used for special (Stewart): Wildlife migrates through tion grants provided through the LWCF. projects and small grants. The fund can established corridors, following food, water, LWCF is deeply important to New Mex- receive donations and future appropriations, weather and easy passage. Those corridors ico, allowing for the protection of places as well as capital outlay money. sometimes follow highways, where wildlife like Valle de Oro, Brazos Cliffs and Rio can be struck by vehicles, injuring themselves Grande del Norte. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ACT HB and often drivers. Overpasses built for wildlife 206 (Chasey): The Environmental Review at strategic points can reduce those collisions • Gold King Mine Spill—Sen. Udall se- Act would have required environmental and allow safer passage for migrating species. cured $4 million for the EPA to continue analysis and public involvement for large SB 228 directs that a study be conducted on monitoring water quality in areas affected projects permitted by state agencies. There migration corridors in the state, and plans by the Gold King Mine Spill. are no uniform requirements in New Mexico for implementation of several safe passage

• Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund— to ensure potential impacts to air, water, continued on page 16 The bill provides $10 million for tribal rec- endangered species, cultural sites or public lamation of of abandoned mine lands that health are considered before development support economic development. occurs. Sixteen other states, the District of • Chaco Canyon—The bill includes lan- Columbia and Puerto Rico do have these guage to express Congress’ support for laws. HB 206 would have helped communities the delay of the oil and gas leasing around around the state avoid impacts from industrial Chaco Culture National Historical Park projects in their neighborhoods and would until robust tribal consultation and histor- have allowed taxpayers to see more clearly ic preservation studies can be completed. how state trust lands are being used.

• National Landscape Conservation Sys- HB 206 was introduced this year after year- tem—The bill provides $39.8 million to ef- long stakeholder meetings (led by New fectively manage national monuments and Mexico Wild), which included industry, special management areas, including Rio tribes, legislators, conservation groups and Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains- others. Unfortunately, HB 206 got halfway Desert Peaks. Ancient ruins in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. through its second committee hearing before Photo: Tisha Broska

14 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 NEW MEXICO’S WOMEN LEADING ON CONSERVATION

DEB HAALAND to cutting emissions by at least 45 percent of wildlife corridors and would explore poten- Deb Haaland was the state’s 2005 levels over the next 12 years. tial overpass projects in sensitive corridors an advocate for Additionally, Lujan Grisham has signaled her across New Mexico. Stewart is also an avid New Mexico’s pub- support for environmentally responsible state supporter of a Wild and Scenic designation lic lands and natural legislation, including a bill that would commit for the Gila River. resources long be- New Mexico to transitioning to 50 percent fore being elected to renewable energy by 2030 and 80 percent re- GAIL CHASEY represent the state’s newable energy by 2040. State Rep. Gail 1st Congressional Chasey is another District last fall. That lifelong advocacy has STEPHANIE GARCIA RICHARD longtime advocate not gone unnoticed by Haaland’s peers, as the Stephanie Garcia for New Mexico’s freshman representative has been named vice Richard pulled off public lands and chair of the House Committee on Natural Re- a trifecta of “firsts” wild places, serv- sources and the chair of the Subcommittee on when she was elected ing in the state National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. A State Land Commis- Legislature since member of the , Rep. Haaland sioner. She is the first 1997. This year, is also a member of the Subcommittee for In- woman, the first La- Chasey helped New Mexico Wild advance digenous Peoples of the United States and re- tina and the first edu- an ambitious legislative agenda by spon- cently participated in a cleanup of the Petro- cator to be elected to soring House Bill 228, also known as the glyph National Monument co-hosted by New the office. As the head of the agency that ad- Environmental Review Act (ERA). The Mexico Wild. Rep. Haaland is a co- ministers the 9 million acres of surface and 13 ERA, which died in committee, would have of the Antiquities Act of 2019 to protect million acres of subsurface estate that benefit brought New Mexico up to speed with 18 America’s national monuments from unlawful the state’s schools and universities – in addition other states that require state agencies to attacks by the President of the United States. to other institutions – Garcia Richard’s experi- consider the environmental impacts of de- ence as an educator is invaluable. Garcia Rich- velopmental projects. XOCHITL TORRES SMALL ard has hit the ground running her first few Rep. Xochitl Torres months in office, advocating for legislation that ANGELICA RUBIO Small was elected would raise the cap on oil and gas royalties and State Rep. Angelica to represent New announcing plans for a moratorium on new oil Rubio of Las Cruces Mexico’s 2nd Con- and gas leases on state land near the greater is a longtime sup- gressional District Chaco region. porter of the Organ in the southern Mountains-Desert part of the state, SARAH COTTRELL PROPST Peaks National home to the Organ Gov. Michelle Lu- Monument and the Mountains-Desert jan Grisham nomi- economic benefits Peaks National Monument. During the nated Sarah Cottrell of protecting New campaign, Torres Small – who is a water Propst to serve as Mexico’s public lands. In the 2019 Legisla- attorney by trade – frequently touted the Cabinet Secretary of tive session, Rubio co-sponsored legislation importance of the monument to the peo- the Energy, Miner- to create an Office of Outdoor Recreation ple, culture and economy of southern New als, and Natural Re- in New Mexico to promote and enhance the Mexico. At one point, Torres Small sent a sources Department state’s robust outdoor economy, which brings letter to former Secretary of the Interior (EMNRD) in Janu- in $9.9 billion in consumer spending annually. that highlighted the monu- ary. Secretary Cottrell Propst comes to the Rubio was also the driving force behind the ment’s importance and urged Zinke to leave role with high-level government experience, inclusion of the Outdoor Equity Fund in the it alone at a time when national monuments having served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of legislation to fund the initiative. across the country were coming under at- the Environment Department in the adminis- tack by the Trump administration. tration of former Gov. . Upon MELANIE taking the helm at EMNRD, Secretary Cot- STANSBURY MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM trell Propst has been tasked with leading Gov. In 2018, Melanie Gov. Michelle Lu- Lujan Grisham’s Climate Change Task Force. Stansbury was elect- jan Grisham gave ed to serve in State up her seat rep- House District 28, resenting New State Sen. Mimi defeating a longtime Mexico’s 1st Con- Stewart has long incumbent. Since gressional District been a conserva- taking office, Rep. Stansbury has taken bold to launch her cam- tion champion in steps to address climate change in New Mex- paign for governor. New Mexico’s leg- ico, sponsoring legislation to create a sustain- Since taking office, islature, serving as ability and resilience council. The bill, which Lujan Grisham has committed New Mex- a representative or passed the House but failed in the Senate, ico to the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition senator since 1995. would have created a council responsible for of states seeking to combat the adverse im- This year, Stewart developing a plan to prepare New Mexico’s pacts of climate change. As part of the pact, sponsored a bill New Mexico Wild emphati- state government to deal with the growing Lujan Grisham has committed New Mexico cally endorsed – the Wildlife Corridors Act. threat of climate change. The legislation calls for a study on migratory

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 15 HISTORIC LEGISLATION for OUR PUBLIC LANDS BY U.S. SENATOR MARTIN HEINRICH

early 100 years protect places New Mexicans have long recognized as national trea- ago, a forester sures. We are now protecting the most rugged and unique habitats Nworking in in each monument as wilderness. We also established the Ah-shi- New Mexico named Aldo sle-pah Wilderness and added to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Leopold recognized the in northwestern New Mexico. beauty and irreplaceable value of protecting the The public lands package also includes my bipartisan bill, the Every untrammeled landscapes Kid Outdoors Act, which will allow every fourth-grader in America that we have grown to to visit our nation’s parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and public lands treasure as wilderness. free of charge-and bring their families along with them. I am so ex- More than 50 years ago, cited that we are encouraging a new generation of youth to explore New Mexico’s Senator the rich natural and cultural history on display in our parks, forests, led the and monuments. effort to pass the Wilder- ness Act into law. We also permanently reauthorized what I believe has been one of America’s most successful conservation programs: the Land and Water I am so proud to an- Conservation Fund. In New Mexico, LWCF has protected iconic land- nounce that we have scapes like the , Ute Mountain, and Valle de Oro, with- successfully passed a out costing taxpayers a single dime. It has also provided for community projects like baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Now we will no longer need to worry year after year about renewing I am pleased that we have found a way this clearly successful program. forward on these measures. And I am In a state that proudly calls itself the Land of Enchantment, we all so thankful to New Mexico Wild, your know how much our public lands mean to us. These are the places members, and all the New Mexicans who where generations of families have gone to explore our natural won- played a role in getting these conservation ders and learn about our rich history and culture. They also fuel a thriving outdoor recreation economy that supports nearly 100,000 victories over the finish line. jobs in our state. That’s why this legislation is so important. landmark package of bipartisan legislation that I championed to build In a frustrating political time in Washington, when it can be difficult on that legacy. The public lands package that just passed in Congress to find any areas of agreement, I am pleased that we have found a way establishes 13 new wilderness areas in New Mexico on a scale we forward on these measures. And I am so thankful to New Mexico have not seen since the New Mexico Wilderness Act of 1980. Wild, your members, and all the New Mexicans who played a role in getting these conservation victories over the finish line. I have no We advanced community-driven conservation visions for New doubt that these measures will go a long way toward ensuring that the Mexico’s two newest national monuments: the Río Grande del outdoor places we all treasure will be protected for future generations Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. These two monuments of Americans to enjoy.

Federal and State Legislation Roundup continued from page 14 projects along highways. SB 228 passed the INTERSTATE STREAM COMMISSION caps on the amount) was incorporated into legislature and was sent to the Governor. MEMBERSHIP SB 5 (Wirth): SB 5 HB 546 (Small, Montoya, Egolf) which did changes the Interstate Stream Commission pass and was signed by the Governor. WILDLIFE PROTECTION AND makeup in a similar way to the Game PUBLIC SAFETY ACT HB 366 Commission reform bill. The Interstate SOUTHWEST WATER PROJECTS HB (McQueen, Chandler, Gonzales): Similar Stream Commission is a board responsible for 417 (McQueen/Martinez): Similar to bills in to previous iterations of the bill, HB 366 bans water management throughout New Mexico previous years, HB 417 would have directed traps on public lands. It passed two House and has some control over what happens to money from the Arizona Water Settlement committees but did not get a vote on the rivers like the Gila. It passed the legislature Act to local and conservation-oriented Gila House floor. This bill will be reintroduced but was pocket vetoed by the Governor. water projects as an alternative to the Gila in 2021. diversion proposal. It passed House Energy OIL CONSERVATION DIVISION and Natural Resources and stalled in the ENERGY TRANSITION ACT SB 489 POWERS AND DUTIES SB 186 House Agriculture and Water Committee. (Candelaria, Small, Stewart, Roybal- (Martinez): This bill would have allowed Caballero, Egolf): This bill provides the Oil Conservation Division to impose HB 28 (Stansbury): This bill would have a mechanism for closing the San Juan fines when companies violate state laws. The required state agencies to plan for climate Generating Station and requires New Mexico agency used to have this power, but it was change and passed the House, but died in the to be 100% carbon-free by 2045! Arguably rescinded during Gov. ’s Senate Finance Committee. the biggest piece of environmental legislation administration, and fines now have to go this session, SB 489 passed the legislature, through a court process to be implemented. HB 651 (Stansbury, Armstrong, Sedillo- making New Mexico the third state to pass It passed Senate Conservation and Senate Lopez): This bill improves water-data carbon-free legislation, and is a huge step Judiciary before dying in Senate Finance. integration, transparency, and tools for state towards combating climate change. However, in the last moments of the session water planning. It passed the legislature and the ability of OCD to assess some fines (with was signed by the Governor.

16 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 WELCOME NEW STAFF

Welcome to Our New Wilderness Rangers The 2019 Wilderness Rangers are: Zack Bumgarner, Doug Campbell, Brennan Davis, Becky Fitzpatrick, Jesse Furr, James Lautzenheiser, Tobias Nickel, Irene Owsley, and Andrew Reville. These rangers will be responsible for providing a range of important services including Wilderness character monitoring, trails assessment, trail clearing, campsite rehabilitation, public outreach, volunteer coordination and Wilderness education. This year’s Wilderness Ranger program will cover Cibola National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, Santa Fe National

Wilderness Rangers with Volunteers Forest – Pecos, and – West. Welcome, Wilderness Rangers!

Joey Keefe, Communications Coordinator As a lifelong New Mexican who grew up camping and hiking all across the state, Joey Keefe views protecting our public lands as a necessity. Most recently the communications director at the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office, Joey has served in communications roles for various private companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Joey is responsible for helping to advance the mission and goals of New Mexico Wild through effective communication to the public and media.

Joey Keefe Simon Sotelo, Gila Community Organizer Originally from Mimbres, New Mexico, Simon Sotelo III is now an artist in Silver City working in mediums ranging from ceramics to oil and acrylic on canvas to traditional beadwork. He has also worked in the field of food sustainability nonprofit organizations and advocated in various ways for the long-term sustainability of his community, running the local mission and food pantry and volunteering on projects like Wilderness designation campaigns. Simon is now a grassroots community organizer with New Mexico Wild for the Gila Wild & Scenic Campaign in southwestern New Mexico.

Will Ribbans, Wilderness Stewardship and Outreach Manager Simon Sotello Will’s passion for the outdoors began as a young kid playing by the river in his hometown of Corrales. His passion for conservation grew at Bosque School through programs like BEMP (Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program) and he went forward to pursue a degree in environmental studies at Eckerd College on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Upon graduation he returned home to Albuquerque to continue his passion for conservation work and environmental stewardship. He worked for Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for five seasons, doing a variety of conservation projects such as conservation outreach, backcountry trail maintenance, volunteer coordination, invasive species removal and more. He loves hiking mountains and experiencing New Mexico’s beautiful Wilderness areas. Will Ribbans Logan Glasenapp, Staff Attorney Logan has called New Mexico home since 2015, when he moved to Albuquerque to pursue his law degree at the School of Law. Entering law school with a background in grassroots organizing, Logan set his academic and professional sights on environmental law and policy, securing a position on the editorial board of the Natural Resources Journal and internships with the New Mexico Environment Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and several environmental and conservation organizations. Logan completed his law degree in May 2018 and spent a year clerking at the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Logan is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will always have a soft spot in his heart for a good cheese curd. Logan Glasenapp

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 17 WILDERNESS FAQS

CAN I DRIVE IN A WILDERNESS AREA? The Wilderness Act generally pro- hibits the use of motor vehicles in Wilder- ness. The law contains special provisions for motor vehicle use when required in emergen- cies or as necessary for the administration of the area. Motor vehicles may also be permit- ted for special uses such as to access a private inholding, to support grazing or to exercise valid existing rights.

CAN I BIKE IN A WILDERNESS AREA? The 1964 Wilderness Act prohibits motorized or mechanized forms of recreation, and this includes bicycles. Instead, visitors are required to walk or ride horseback.

HOW DOES WILDERNESS HELP WILDLIFE? Habitat fragmentation caused by roads, power lines, fences, dams and other structures seriously affects the abil- ity of animals to move through their ranges. The roadless quality of Wilderness preserves large tracts of habitat needed for healthy populations of animals that need space to roam, like large predators, migratory species and herd animals. Pecos Wilderness boundary sign. Photo: Vincent Franzen, www.ultrazona.com DOES A WILDERNESS AREA WHAT IS A WILDERNESS HOW MUCH WILDERNESS INCREASE THE RISK OF FIRE? AREA? EXISTS IN NEW MEXICO? Wilderness areas are to be primarily affected by the forces of nature, The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines Approximately 1,695,598 acres though the Wilderness Act does acknowl- wilderness as “an area where the earth and are protected as Wilderness in the edge the need to provide for human health community of life are untrammeled by man, state. Though this seems like a lot, New and safety, protect private property, control where man himself is a visitor who does not Mexico actually ranks next to last among insect infestations and fight fires within the remain” and “an area of undeveloped Federal Western states in the percentage of its land area. Wilderness areas are managed under land retaining its primeval character and in- designated as Wilderness, at roughly 2 per- the direction of the Wilderness Act, subse- fluence, without permanent improvements cent. On average, Western states (not in- quent legislation (such as the Alaska Na- or human habitation, which is protected and cluding Alaska) have 5 percent of their land tional Interest Lands Conservation Act) and managed so as to preserve its natural condi- designated as Wilderness. agency policy. tions.” There are currently 765 designated Wilderness areas, totaling 109,129,657 acres, WHERE WAS THE FIRST I LIVE IN THE CITY … or about 4.5 percent of the area of the United WILDERNESS AREA WHY DOES States. ESTABLISHED? WILDERNESS The Gila Wilderness in southwestern New MATTER? WHAT QUALIFIES A PLACE TO Mexico was the world’s first designated Wil- BECOME WILDERNESS? derness area, created on June 3, 1924. It’s Wilderness protects open space, water- sheds, natural soundscapes, diverse eco- The following conditions must general- ironic that the state where Wilderness got its systems and biodiversity. The literature of ly be present for an area to be included in the start now is lagging behind in total acres of Wilderness experience frequently cites the National Wilderness Preservation System: Wilderness created. inspirational and spiritual values of Wilder- 1. the land is under federal ownership and ness, including opportunities to reflect on management, 2. the area consists of at least WHY IS WILDERNESS the community of life and the human place 5,000 acres of land, 3. human influence is IMPORTANT? on Earth. Most Wildernesses are also car- “substantially unnoticeable,” 4. there are op- Through the Wilderness Act, bon sinks that help combat climate change. portunities for solitude and recreation, and 5. Congress recognized the intrinsic value of Wilderness provides a sense of wildness, the area possesses “ecological, geological, or wildlands. Some of the tangible and intangible which can be valuable to people whether or other features of scientific, educational, sce- values mentioned in the Wilderness Act in- not those individuals actually visit Wilder- nic, or historical value.” clude “solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation,” as well as “ecological, geo- ness. Just knowing that Wilderness exists WHO DECIDES WHAT logical, or other features of scientific, educa- can produce a sense of curiosity, inspiration, PLACES ARE WILDERNESS? tional, scenic, or historical value.” Wilderness renewal and hope. Designated Wilderness is the areas provide habitat for wildlife and plants, HOW CAN I LEARN MORE highest level of conservation pro- including endangered and threatened species. ABOUT WILDERNESS? tection for federal lands. Only Congress may designate Wilderness or change the CAN I HUNT AND FISH IN A Join the New Mexico Wilderness status of Wilderness areas. Wilderness ar- WILDERNESS AREA? Alliance! We are your most complete re- eas are designated within existing federal Hunting and fishing are allowed in source for information about wildlands and public land. Congress has directed four fed- Wilderness areas, subject to applicable state Wilderness areas in the state. As a mem- eral land management agencies—the Forest and federal laws. ber you’ll get our newsletters, E-news, ac- Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish tion alerts and notices about hikes, service and Wildlife Service and National Park Ser- IS GRAZING ALLOWED IN projects and special events. You can help us vice—to manage Wilderness areas to pre- WILDERNESS? Keep it Wild! Join on our website at www. serve and, where possible, to enhance their Livestock grazing is permitted nmwild.org or use the convenient mail-in Wilderness character. where it occurred prior to an area’s designa- form on page 23. tion as Wilderness. On rare occasions, Con- gress prohibits grazing in Wilderness at the time of designation.

18 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 olorado ollees State of the ocies TE OUTDOOR RECREATION Conservation in the West Poll ECONOM

sa the abilit to lie near recreate on and NEW MEXICO eno ublic lands lie national forests ars or trails was a significant reason the lie in the West

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OMDP Wilderness continued from page 13 most extensive record of previous Native American habi- tation within the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region.

ROBLEDO MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS (16,776 acres)

The Robledo Mountains house the internationally significant Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, a small section of which is within the new Wilderness area. Named after Spanish colonist Pedro Robledo, Nathan Small these mountains sheltered Billy the Kid in the late 19th century and are potential habitat for desert bighorn Farewell to Nathan Small, Conservation Wrangler sheep reintroduction. Nathan Small joined New Mexico Wild in 2006 and began by educating people all over the country about threats to Otero Mesa. We called it ORGAN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS the Otero Mesa Road Show, and it was just the beginning of Nathan’s (19,916 acres) work on the range to connect people with landscapes. If you have ever met Nathan, you know he has a way with people and that he can really spur others to take action. His down-home approach and enthusiasm for This Wilderness is the focal point of the Organ Moun- wild places is part of his charm and stable personality. Born and raised tains section of the monument and provides great recre- in New Mexico, Nathan’s passion for the outdoors began early, fueled ation opportunities, important wildlife habitat and critical by hunting, woodcutting, horseback riding and fishing trips with his watershed protection. A wide variety of vegetation types grandfather in the Cibola National Forest. are found here, and the presence of seasonal springs and streams makes the area critically important to wildlife, in- After building support for protection of Otero Mesa and taking the cluding golden eagles, hawks, owls and mule deer. The jag- reins to develop a tabling outreach program, Nathan moved from our ged, high spires of the Organ Mountains define the Mesilla Albuquerque office to help lead organizing efforts in southern New Valley and form one of the steepest mountain ranges in the Mexico from our Las Cruces office. Nathan was always in the saddle Western United States. The Organs were mentioned in the when representing New Mexico Wild, organizing hikes, horse packing earliest Spanish journals, and now are popular with hikers trips and service projects in areas that were potential Wilderness in Doña Ana County. This laid the foundation for our Organ Mountains-Desert and rock climbers. Peaks campaign, which resulted in protection of 496,330 acres as a national monument in 2014 and 241,554 acres of Wilderness designated in In total, these 10 new Wilderness areas comprise 2019. We will miss Nathan’s great dedication and persistence, but know 241,554 acres. All are managed by the Bureau of Land that he will always be part of the landscapes of New Mexico. Management.

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 19 The Gila Update continued from page 9

“In this era of divisiveness in the nation “While women of a certain age may no longer and our state, the designation of part of the be designated scenic, we are most certainly still Gila River as Wild and Scenic is something wild. There is no finer place than the unspoiled that can bring New Mexicans together re- wilderness of New Mexico to really unwind, gardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or let our hair down and form lasting and mean- whether you are a native of the state or you ingful relationships. One might say that this came from elsewhere. Preserving the river exceptional group of retired ladies is finally in in free-flowing condition is in the best in- their element.” terests of those who have been able to en- joy it as such in the past as well as those —Walkie Talkies, from front to back: Tina who will come to our state to experience Oldknow, Brenda Smith, Rose Richards, it in the future. Let’s take care of our state Jane Spinti, Suzanne Bryant, Susi Brown by supporting efforts to preserve as much and Shirley Parotti of it as we can.” —Patricia Cano, Western New Mexico University, professor emerita

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 WOLF STAMP ARTIST ROBIN BULGER

During my years of living in New Mexico, I’ve spent many a day painting the state’s landscapes and creatures. As a wildlife Citizen Eyes and Ears technician I have been lucky Protecting New enough to work with some of Needed: the state’s endangered wildlife, Mexico’s public land is a big and conserving these vanishing job, and we need your help! species means a lot to me. This, along with my years of exploring so many of the state’s beautiful wild places, inspired me to paint the Mexican gray wolf. — Robin Bulger, 2019 Wolf Stamp Contest Winner New Mexico Wilderness Alliance does its best to ensure that federal agencies New Mexico Wild issued its are managing our public lands in first Mexican Wolf Conservation accordance with the law and to let Stamp in 2011. This collectible them know when there are problems stamp is similar to the U.S. Fish on the ground. and Wildlife’s duck stamp, which You can help us by being our eyes funds wetlands conservation – but and ears. When you see violations or the stamp is in no way related to abuse in New Mexico’s designated hunting. All proceeds from sales Wilderness areas and other protected of the wolf stamp directly benefit places, please let us know so we can activities to support Mexican report it to the responsible agency. wolf conservation and education projects. The 4.5×5.5- inch, full- Some common problems are: color self-adhesive stamp is sold • ATVs or mountain bikes in designated exclusively through New Mexico Wilderness areas Wilderness Alliance and is a • Broken fences framing-quality print for collectors. • Illegal wood cutting • Cows in rivers and streams

Order your 2019 Wolf Stamp at To report a violation, please visit nmwild.org/violation. www.nmwild.org/ Thanks for helping us keep support-us/shop the Wild West wild!

20 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 UNM WILDERNESS ALLIANCE – The Next Generation of Wilderness Protectors BY ANDREW GUNN

first moved to New Mexico from a sub- urb of Atlanta, Georgia, in the winter of I 2016. Growing up in a family with an affinity for camping in the Appalachian foot- hills, I had always maintained an intrinsic re- spect and appreciation for the outdoors, but it wasn’t until I experienced the Southwest firsthand that I truly understood the sheer breadth of the beauty and fragility that con- stitutes our natural world.

I didn’t have to look far.

I joined the UNM Wilderness Alliance after the very first meeting. The group became my second family: a disparate band of biology, English, finance, pre-med and philosophy students, all with a conservation ethos and a UNM Wild. Photo: Andrew Gunn youthful optimism — the environmental stew- ards of the future and, indeed, the present. of why we care about our environment in gressional outreach and activism. At the state the first place. UNMWA and conservation/ level perhaps the most progressive and envi- Education on pressing environmental con- restoration enthusiast Jan-Willem Jansens ronmentally friendly legislature New Mexico cerns was a high priority for UNMWA dur- led a troop of roughly a dozen in spreading has ever seen gives us a tremendous opportu- ing the fall term. Biweekly meetings regu- slash (tree branches) for soil cover and ero- nity to ensure the continued protection of our larly featured talks from experts in various sion control on a Glorieta Mesa ranch. A Wilderness areas. conservation-related fields. Dr. Joseph smaller crew installed new signs in the Man- Cook, professor of biology at UNM, was a zano Mountains with the assistance of a New All the oil and gas riches in the world would regular presence, giving insight into the det- Mexico Wild Wilderness ranger. A bosque be an inadequate substitute for the tears of rimental effects of the southern border wall restoration project in Galisteo reaffirmed the ethereal reverence I shed after seeing the on biological diversity. UNM alum and New importance of our riparian ecosystems. Milky Way for the first time from the Gila Mexico Wild staff attorney Judy Calman Wilderness on a bitterly cold New Mexico gave a terrific presentation on her oversight Exciting and validating as those projects night. The stark beauty of Bisti/De-Na-Zin, work with the Bureau of Land Management were, UNMWA recognizes the enduring the quiet magnificence of the Rio Grande and federal interference with the agency’s threats posed to our natural heritage by a Gorge and the solitude of the Ojito Wilder- Carlsbad Draft Resource Management Plan. hostile and self-serving administration in ness instill in me and countless others a sense Washington, D.C., and the necessity of sus- of truth and belonging that can be derived As vital as being informed on conserva- taining our forward momentum. We plan to from nothing else. The very least we can do tion issues in the lecture hall is, getting your focus our efforts more intently on the legisla- is fight to protect these wild places. hands dirty in the field is a worthy reminder tive approach to conservation through con-

Get Your New Mexico Wild Swag Today!

Visit nmwild.org/support-us/shop to check out our new inventory and make your purchases today! From Boonie Bucket and Trucker hats to glass water bottles and crew neck tees, we have something for everyone.

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 21 Wolf at Biopark Zoo continued from page 6 has been collaborating with national efforts wolf population. for the overall Mexican gray wolf recovery After a century of wolf persecution, the and reintroduction program. The BioPark At the end of 2017, there were a minimum of Mexican gray wolf, Canis lupus baileyi, was has bred wolves on site, contributes wolves 114 wolves in the wild in Arizona and New on the brink of extinction. With only 13 in- for breeding at other sites and serves as a Mexico, according to the agencies involved. dividuals left in the world at one point, the holding facility for adult wolves. The final goal for Mexican wolf recovery is NewMexican Mexico wolf Wildwas listed ! by the U. S. Fish a wild, self-sustaining population of at least “Will”and Wildlife Ad! Service as an endangered spe- The ABQ BioPark has been an integral 300 individuals. Releases continue every Horizontalcies in May version 1976 and! was considered ex- part of the Mexican gray wolf breeding year. It should be noted that these wolves !tinct in the wild up until their reintroduc- program, producing 69 Mexican wolf pups can also legally be killed by ranchers on pri- tion in 1998. over the years. We are all hoping Ryder vate land if they are seen attacking livestock. and Kawi hit it off to continue the effort to Nevertheless, through these successful cap- For the past 30 years, the ABQ BioPark support a genetically diverse Mexican gray tive programs, the Mexican wolf once again

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY CONSIDER A LEGACY GIFT TO NEW MEXICO WILD

If you’d like to help protect Wilderness for future generations but feel you cannot make a significant gift today, consider making a charitable contribution through your will in the form of a bequest. It is simple to designate New Mexico Wild for an estate gift and your contribution will help protect our public lands far into the future.

You can learn more about making a bequest through your will at: http://www.nmwild.org/support-us/legacy-giving-bequests or by contacting Tisha Broska at [email protected], 505-321-6131.

Looking to Volunteer in Wilderness?

Check out our website at nmwild.org for upcoming volunteer service projects.

Photos: Mark Allison

Become a Wild One! Monthly giving is the most effective way to support our work.

• Your monthly donation helps us keep working all Join now and you’ll receive our quarterly year long. newsletter, e-news and action updates, • Your credit card is automatically billed each month, invitations to special events, member nothing to remember or mail. discounts, and more! • You set your donation amount—as little as $10 a month makes a difference! Help us speak with a louder, stronger voice in support of protecting New • Change your donation amount or cancel at any time. Mexico’s Wilderness, Wildlife, and Water. • Your membership in New Mexico Wild never expires— you are renewed automatically. New Mexico Wild is • Monthly donating saves administrative time and paper. the premier wilderness organization in New • Donate at a level of $20 or more monthly to receive Mexico. Become a free gifts. Wild One! Sign up at • As a Wild One monthly donor, you are the backbone www.nmwild.org of our membership! photo: mike groves, organ mountains, nm

22 New Mexico WILD! www.nmwild.org Spring/Summer 2019 If you… • Hike or backpack • Camp or climb • Hunt or fish • Kayak or canoe • Stargaze or study plants • Photograph or paint • Enjoy beauty outdoors • Love clean water • Want to breathe fresh air • Crave wide open spaces …then you belong in the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. You can help keep New Mexico Wild! The Wilderness Alliance is the only nonprofit organization exclusively focused on protecting We advocate for the protection of New wilderness areas, wildlands and critical habitat Mexico’s wildlands and wilderness areas. in the state of New Mexico. We push hard Education, service projects, public outreach, for protection for the critically-endangered special events and grassroots support of Mexican gray wolf, we hold land management citizen wilderness proposals are all ways agencies accountable for following the the Wilderness Alliance strives to law, and we build broad grassroots protect the rarest and most special community support for wilderness of landscapes: those that remain protection. relatively untrammeled by man. Please join us—together we As a member, you’ll receive our will continue the fight to keep quarterly newsletter, e-news and public lands in public hands. action updates, special advisory newsletters, invitations to members- www.nmwild.org only events, member discounts and more. Your support is vital to our work.

NeNeww MeMexicxicoo WILDWILD Yes!Yes! I I wantwant to to support support Wilderness Wilderness in in New New Mexico Mexico I want to become a Monthly Donor.I want to become a Monthly Donor. Become a Monthly Donate at a higher level and enjoy these great gifts! Bill my credit card for the amount selected. Become a Monthly Donate at a higher level and enjoy these great gifts! Bill my credit card for the amount selected. Donor Give $100 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp from our collectible series. Protector $10 monthly ($120 Annual) Donor Give $100 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp from our collectible series. Protector $10 monthly ($120 Annual) by July 1 and your by July 1 and your Give $240 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp and a copy of our book Advocate $20 monthly ($240 Annual) Advocate $20 monthly ($240 Annual) entire year’s entire year’s Give $240 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp and a copy of our book Wild Guide: Passport to New Mexico Wilderness Defender $40 monthly ($480 Annual) giving will be giving will be Wild Guide: Passport to New Mexico Wilderness. . Defender $40 monthly ($480 Annual) matched dollar for Wilderness Warrior $83 monthly matched dollar for Give $480 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp, a Wild Guide, and a hat with our Wilderness Warrior $83 monthly dollar by a fellow Give $480 or more to receive a Wolf Stamp, a Wild Guide, and a hat with our ($1,000 Annual) dollar by a fellow New Mexico Wild logo!New Mexico Wild logo! ($1,000 Annual) member!member! Give $1,000 or more to receive a Wild Guide, a hat with our New Mexico Wild I want to give a single gift:I want to give a single gift: Give $1,000 or more to receive a Wild Guide, a hat with our New Mexico Wild logo, AND a color logo water bottle!logo, AND a color logo water bottle! $25$25 $100$100 $1,000$1,000 $35 $250 Other amount YES! My donation amount qualifies me to receive a gift. Please send it. $35 $250 Other amount YES! My donation amount qualifies me to receive a gift. Please send it. $50 $500 (gifts of any amount are appreciated) $50 $500 (gifts of any amount are appreciated) Please charge my credit card. PAYMENT OPTIONS:PAYMENT OPTIONS: Enclosed is my check payable to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Enclosed is my check payable to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Please charge my credit card. Exp. Date: CV V: Card #: Card #: Exp. Date: CV V: Name: Phone: Email: Name: Phone: Email: __ _ Address: City/State/Zip: Address: City/State/Zip: ______Donate easily online at www.nmwild.org

Conservation efforts for New Mexico’s wild public lands need citizen support to thrive. Please go to NMWILD.ORG to give your support today! 23 If You Love Wilderness, UPCOMING EVENT You Need This Book! Yak Ranch Campout and Fundraiser WILD GUIDE: August 30- September 1 Passport to New Mexico Wilderness! Spend 3 days and 2 nights camping in beautiful Southern Colorado. This 148-acre yak ranch located near Crestone, Colorado offers a wonderful, shady There’s no place like location for camping. Special yak-based meals will New Mexico for be provided for breakfast and dinner. Campers Wilderness will be free to explore the surrounding Wilderness areas during the day, with 4 near-by trailheads and adventure. close access to Great Sand Dunes National Park. All proceeds to benefit New Mexico Wild. Cost $250 Only per adult; kids are free. Space is limited.

$19.95 For more information on this event, or to view a Plus $3.25 S&H full list of all upcoming New Mexico Wild events, please visit www.nmwild.org/events-outings. Available online at www.nmwild.org

This comprehensive guide to New Mexico’s protected wildlands is the only book that features each of the state’s designated wilderness areas and wilderness study areas as well as other treasures, such as the new Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument.

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New Mexico Wilderness Alliance P.O. Box 25464 Albuquerque, NM 87125 Not a member yet? Go to nmwild.org.

Hiker at Bisti. Photo by Lois Manno