Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

www.nmwild.org

ARCTIC NATIONAL

By Chuck Houston and Christianne Hinks WILDLIFE REFUGE: falls from dizzying preci- pices speeding by below “I hope the United States of America is not so us. We’re in a very tiny WHY WE MUST WIN rich she can afford to let these wildernesses pass plane flying through some by, or so poor she cannot afford to keep them” very big country. Having return trip and we are left to make camp in a vast —Mardy Murie spent months planning food and flight schedules, river valley of rock and ice. I need a drink of water clothing and gear, boats and safety equipment, and instinctively search for the water filter. It is in Gazing from the window of Kirk Sweetsir’s confronting weight restrictions and weather delay this moment when I remember I can put my face Cessna 185 flying north from Fort Yukon, Alaska possibilities - we’re on the final leg of a journey to the water and drink without a cup right out of - we see spruce trees dissolving into pale green begun a long time ago in the coziness of a friend’s the river - a big river. It is this moment that I take tundra, tundra disappearing into gigantic slabs and living room. the first step into another world. massive scree slopes of gray rock, water reflecting back to us from lakes, ponds, beaded streams, The plane disappears into the sky for the long see Arctic , pg. 10 OTERO MESA: PARADISE ON THE EVE OF DESTRUCTION s t e p h e n c a p r a • e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r Notes from the Executive Director The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge may seem an unlikely candidate for the cover of a New Mexico Wilderness Alliance newsletter. But as you read on I think the reasoning will become very clear. Let me begin with some full disclo- sure. For a person like me, who dreamed of the Great Plains filled with bison, grizzly bears and passenger pigeons, I often felt that perhaps I was born 150 years too late. That is until I discovered the Arctic Refuge in the early 1980’s.

After personally writing every member of Congress and tabling at street fairs, I was hired by the Wilderness Society in 1989 as a coordinator on the Arctic Refuge, focusing on the mid-west and south. In 1990, I walked 3,200 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Con- tinental Divide, giving talks along the way to raise awareness for the Refuge. To date, I have never set foot in the Refuge, but it remains a personal dream. I have fought hard for more than 20 years to see it protected and I am far from alone in this pursuit. As this issue of New Mexico Wild points out, there are many people here in New Mexico that are determined to see BP can profit even more while our wild heritage this land protected and the Bush administration is thrown away and America’s energy security defeated in its single-minded effort to destroy is ignored. America’s Serengeti. The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance remains Alliance members Christianne Hinks and focused on issues pertaining to public lands in Chuck Huston, who have both spent time in our state. But the Arctic Refuge is special; its the Refuge, are examples of New Mexicans fate may well determine the fate of many wild working hard to protect this priceless landscape landscapes in the Rocky Mountain West. This and the wildlife that call it home. They are orga- is about raw political power being flexed by nizing meetings, going to Washington to lobby, the oil and gas industry and has nothing to do writing to elected officials, showing up at public with lowering prices or making America more events to question representatives, and quite energy secure. Be it the Arctic or New Mexico’s simply refusing to listen to the lies coming from own Otero Mesa, we must hold the line and industry and some of our politicians. They are prevent development. These are our wildest determined to see this area protected as wilder- remaining lands, and they are irreplaceable. As ness, not destroyed so that Exxon, Yates and our human population continues to grow and our cities continue to sprawl, the value of our wildlands continue to increase.

Like the Arctic Refuge, we have a place in DON’T MISS IT! New Mexico that is wild, beautiful and often Arctic National Wildlife Refuge misunderstood. It is a land of wind and prong- Coverage on Page 1, 7 and 10 horn, it is wilderness on a grand scale, more than one million acres of blue and black grama 4 Otero Mesa: Paradise on the Eve of Destruction grass, petroglyphs, and skies so big one senses 7 Arctic Update that the solar system cannot be far away. When 8 Roadless Rule Update I first saw Otero Mesa it was clear that, like the 9 Dona Ana County Update Arctic Refuge, this was a place that defined wil- 10 The Arctic Refuge: Why We Must Win derness: wild, big and untamed. It was also, 13 Bad Alaskan Plan for Intensive Predator Control like the Refuge, a place threatened by big oil, 14 Otero Mesa Continued politics, drought and many people’s perception that grasslands and deserts are not desirable for 15 HIKE wilderness protection. 16 Tijeras Canyon – Hope for Wildlife Linkage 17 New Mexico Wilderness Conference A lot has changed in the past few years. new mexico 18 Our Sponsors People across the state have come together 19 Join us! to fight for this land and our future. Governor Richardson has courageously stood up to the oil and gas industry and demanded that Otero WILD! Mesa be protected. But like the Arctic Refuge, Fall 2006 continued next page New Mexico WILD! Page 3 (from previous page) polling booth, think about wild- comfort. We need our homes to lands and wildlife and pull the be much more energy efficient, not the oil and gas industry continues lever for the candidate that makes wasteful. I think we are all tired of to use fear and misinformation to conservation a priority. Conserva- paying exorbitant heating and cool- push their selfish agenda. Senator tion of our wildest lands is not just ing bills. The technology is here Bingaman has pushed for a study a local but also a national priority. today, not twenty years away. Yet of the aquifer in Otero Mesa, and One way to honor our priorities is government continues to ignore Main Office has taken a strong stand on the to break the grip the oil and gas the technology, offering few tax 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 Arctic Refuge and New [email protected] • www.nmwild.org P.O. Box 25464 Mexico’s Valle Vidal. But Albuquerque, NM 87125 with Otero Mesa, his Las Cruces Field Office important public support 275 N. Downtown Mall Las Cruces, NM 88001 has remained lacking. 505/527-9962 Frankly, by the time the aquifer study is com- Mission Statement plete, we may well find The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is dedicated to the protection, restoration, that the water resource and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s has been contaminated, wildlands and Wilderness areas. should industry be given NMWA Staff the green light to drill. Las Cruces Office I hope that the Sena- Jeff Steinborn, Southern NM Director tor will respond to our Albuquerque Office Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator recent lawsuit loss, by Stephen Capra, Executive Director working to get legislation Tripp Killin, Associate Director Nathan Newcomer, Grassroots Organizer introduced to protect Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager Otero Mesa. Michael Scialdone, Director of Wilderness Protection Trisha London, Membership & Grassroots Assistant The Arctic Refuge and Nathan Small, Wilderness Protection & Tabling Coordinator Otero Mesa are our Board of Directors country’s crown jewels Wes Leonard, El Paso, TX (Chair) Bob Howard, Santa Fe, NM (V.Chair) and they remain the industry has over our daily lives. incentives unless you are big oil. Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM (Treasurer) benchmark for wildness. They are We must demand more from our The Bush energy plan sets only Todd Hotchkiss, Albuquerque, NM (Secretary) Glen Banks, Placitas, NM the areas the conservation commu- elected officials when it comes to one goal: drill, drill, and drill. New Pam Eaton, Denver, CO nity values the most. They are the Dave Foreman, Albuquerque, NM energy development, because it’s energy initiatives for our country Dave Parsons, Albuquerque, NM areas for which we will always fight, energy that is pushing the modern (the country that has taken man Carlos Provencio, Bayard, NM Arturo Sandoval, Albuquerque, NM the special places on which we will day gold rush that threatens so to the moon and developed end- Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM never waver. Politicians should many parts of the Arctic and the less technologies in all fields) are Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM Rick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM understand the importance of these Rocky Mountain West. something Congress should quickly Newsletter Staff areas, as biological reserves, wild- demand. There is something very Many politicians seem to fear the Tisha Broska, Managing Editor life strongholds and as places that American about that. These steps Joe Adair, Design Editor define our core values. The oil and change of alternative energy. They would eliminate the need for drill- seem to think it is too complex for Artists gas industry should understand ing in these beautiful and valuable Cover photo: Immature Snowy Owls by Art this as well. As such, we put these most Americans or they are too Wolfe; Page 3 photo by Pam Miller; Page 4 lands. Owls by Narca Moore-Craig; Page 5 photos crown jewels in the highest realm busy lining their pockets with oil by Nathan Newcomer and Joe Adair; Page 6 of our conservation efforts. These and gas money. But some of the These are but a few of the rea- Agave by Evan Cantor; Page 7 polar bear by Art Wolfe; Page 8 photo by Joe Adair; Page 9 are tough, relentless fights that his- answers are very simple. We do sons why we must use all our photo by Ken Stinnett; Page 12 photo by Art not need to radically change our energy and power to stop oil and Wolfe; Page 16 photo by Kurt Menke; Page tory has repeatedly shown deserve 20 fox photo by Art Wolfe. our endless commitment. lives. We simply need cars that gas drilling in the Arctic National get 100 miles to the gallon or run Wildlife Refuge and in Otero Mesa. The upcoming election will be on other energy sources. We need Unless they are finally stopped, the What is Wilderness? crucial for deciding the fate of these the cars to be safe, sometimes fast, oil and gas industry will continue The Wilderness Act of 1964 estab- landscapes. When you enter the and able to transport a family in to wantonly destroy wildlife, wil- lished the National Wilderness Pres- derness and our children’s ervation System to preserve the last remaining wildlands in America. The conservation legacy. Please Wilderness Act, as federal policy, help the New Mexico Wil- secures “an enduring resource of wilderness Alliance and our derness” for the people. Wilderness is good friends at the Alaska defined as an area that has primarily Wilderness League make been affected by the forces of nature with the imprint of humans substan- a real difference. Losing tially unnoticeable. It is an area that the Otero Mesa lawsuit offers outstanding opportunity for soli- is certainly a setback, but tude or a primitive or unconfined type we will appeal. Trust me of recreation, and an area that contains when I say this fight is far ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or his- from over. Fate is in our torical value. hands. We must demand more from our elected officials and we must demand more from ourselves. The Please visit us at land and the animals, our friends, depend on us. nmWILD.org

New Mexico WILD! Page 3 OTERO MESA: PARADISE ON THE EVE OF DESTRUCTION genuous once they complained plans, policies, or programs and about the directional drilling stipu- provide written recommenda- lations, citing that the resource tions for changes to the plan.” under Otero Mesa is not expected Governor Richardson submitted to be prolific enough to be able to his Consistency Review for Otero use this practice. If the resource Mesa, and sited six major prob- is not expected to be “prolific,” lems with the BLM’s proposal, then the question of “why are we ranging from habitat degradation even having this debate” comes to watershed vulnerability. Fur- squarely into play. Nevertheless, thermore, the Governor offered industry’s persistence paid off a balanced alternative that would with the new Bush administra- set aside more than 600,000 tion. In January 2004, the BLM acres of Otero Mesa as a National altered its plan and in releasing its Conservation Area, while still By Nathan Newcomer the Bureau of Land Manage- final proposal, authorized opening allowing room for some respon- ment (BLM) estimates the area’s over a million acres of Otero Mesa sible development. The net result Vast desert grasslands, wilder- energy potential at low to mod- to oil and gas development. was a letter from the State BLM ness characteristics, abundant erate (RMPA/EIS for Sierra and Director dismissing the Gover- wildlife and a fresh water aqui- Otero Counties). Although there During the initial planning stages nor’s review, without allowing fer are colliding with the Bush- is a discrepancy in just how much of the draft plan for Otero Mesa, additional public comment to be Cheney energy policy in New oil and gas is under Otero Mesa, the vast majority of public com- submitted. After exhausting every Mexico’s Otero Mesa. A debate both industry and the BLM agree ments were in favor of the most avenue to achieve consensus, that has been on going since that oil and gas drilling can occur restrictive protections for the area. the State of New Mexico had no 1997, when Harvey E. Yates in an environmentally sound Likewise, between the issuance other option than to file a lawsuit Company (HEYCO) first found manner. In fact, the BLM con- of the draft and the final proposal, against the BLM, and on April 22, natural gas in Otero Mesa, has tends that its proposal for the there has been overwhelm- 2005, did just that. pitted ranchers, hunters, conser- area is “the most restrictive fluid ing public support for protecting vationists, and State authorities minerals plan ever developed,” as Otero Mesa, including from the More than a year later, on Sep- against the oil industry and Bush stated by Gale Norton, the former State of New Mexico. tember 27, 2006, the US District administration policies. Secretary of the Department of Court for the State of New Mexico In January 2004, Governor Bill recognized the importance of pro- Nestled in south-central New Interior. Richardson signed an Executive tecting Otero Mesa. The court’s Mexico, Otero Mesa stretches Prior to the Bush administra- Order directing all state agencies decision validated arguments over 1.2 million acres, or roughly tion taking office, the BLM pre- to “provide support for the utmost made by the State of New Mexico the same size as the State of Del- pared and issued in November protection of the Otero Mesa and conservation groups that the aware. It is home to over 1,000 2000, a draft land use manage- grasslands as a matter of State BLM must thoroughly analyze the native wildlife species, including ment plan that called for open- policy.” The governor went on impacts of oil and gas develop- black-tailed prairie dogs, desert ing up nearly 779,000 acres of to further say in his Consistency ment prior to leasing. However, mule deer, mountain lions, Otero Mesa, while placing strin- Review that the BLM’s plan for the Coalition for Otero Mesa golden and bald eagles, over 250 gent restrictions on development Otero Mesa “fails to even attempt will appeal the court’s decision species of migratory songbirds, in the fragile desert grasslands. to acknowledge the Chihuahuan because its requirement for thor- and boasts the state’s healthiest Representatives of the oil and Desert…as an important part of ough environmental analysis is and only genetically pure herd gas industry strongly objected to a larger eco-region; and proposes piecemeal—applying to individual of pronghorn antelope. Further- the draft plan, citing that the plan only a few ad-hoc protections parcels up for lease—rather than more, there is evidence that the was too restrictive, because it at small, isolated sites.” Prior landscape-wide. Furthermore, Salt Basin aquifer, which origi- forced industry to use directional to the approval of a proposed the court’s decision relies heavily nates in Otero Mesa and travels drilling practices for exploration. resource management plan, 43 on the hope that the BLM will do south into Texas, is the largest Directional drilling, by many stan- C.F.R. 1610.3-2 requires that the the right thing and protect Otero untapped fresh water resource dards, causes few impacts when BLM State Director submit the Mesa. But as shown in a recent remaining in New Mexico. producing energy resources, in proposed plan for review to the report issued by the Coalition for Governor to identify any parts of By contrast, the oil industry that only a few wells are needed Otero Mesa, Hollow Promises in the management plan that are claims that the area holds a vast in order to successfully drill. Our Land of Enchantment: Why the “inconsistent with state or local reservoir of natural gas, though However, industry became disin- Bureau of Land Management Can’t

Page 4 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 and gas resources. gas development in Otero Mesa This type of reck- can occur in an environmentally less policy is com- sound manner. This statement pletely out-of-touch is baseless. Over the course of with New Mexico’s five years, the BLM is still of yet quality of life and to offer any proof to back up measures must be their claims. Professor Whitford taken to stop it. confirms, “cleared well pads should be considered as irrepa- One major prob- rable clearings within the grass- lem with the BLM’s lands.” Furthermore, because of proposed plan for the unique species of grasses in Otero Mesa, is their Otero Mesa it is nearly impossible claim that the area for the BLM to find “commercially can be drilled in available seed” to restore the dis- an environmentally turbed areas. Even if BLM used a sound manner, more common grass seed, such and that restora- as tussock, this type of seed is tion practices can almost entirely absent from Otero and will ensure that Mesa and thus should be consid- the area’s wildlife ered an exotic species. Therefore, continues to thrive. the BLM’s reasoning that oil and The large array of gas development will not harm wildlife that Otero the fragile black grama grasslands Mesa is able to and that restoration of this unique Be Trusted to Protect Otero Mesa, like Saudi Arabia (www.eia.gov). nourish is due in ecosystem can in fact be accom- the BLM’s track record suggests With this equation in mind, it large part to the expansive black plished is flawed. Furthermore, otherwise. You can read the full soon becomes apparent that the grama grasslands. Grassland neither the draft plan nor final report at www.oteromesa.org. United States can never drill its expert, Professor Walter G. Whit- proposal, by the BLM explained way to energy independence, ford notes that the soils, which In a recent statement, Governor how they would “restore” the no matter how many holes we support the black grama grasses, Bill Richardson said, “Make no disturbed areas. Apparently, the drive into the ground. Yet, the are remarkably shallow and as a mistake; we will continue to fight public and Otero Mesa are sup- Bush administration has made result are particularly sensitive to to protect Otero Mesa.” Before posed to rely on the BLM’s word domestic oil and gas production any type of activity that would proceeding, though, he said he and the track record of the oil and one of its top priorities during the alter its composition. Whitford would confer with Attorney Gen- gas industry. past six years, including targeting also points out that introducing eral Patricia Madrid on whether to National Monuments, National oil and gas development in Otero Approximately 90% of the pop- continue to challenge the BLM in Forests and other public lands, Mesa would require hundreds of ulation of New Mexico depends court or “to fight to protect Otero mainly in the West, for oil and gas miles of new roads, pipelines, on groundwater for drinking Mesa through other avenues.” development. well pads, and waste pits, all of water and nearly half of all water which would act as extremely used in the State for any purpose Since the filing of the State’s The debate over whether to large fetches for wind and water is groundwater, as indicated in lawsuit, former Secretary of the drill in New Mexico’s Otero Mesa erosion. In addition, the cumu- a document written by Nada Interior Gale Norton received in has reached a point where local lative impacts of development Culver, a lawyer with The Wilder- excess of 50,000 letters, facsimi- authorities, and the citizens of would cause “a greater risk of ness Society. In 2002, the State les, and/or emails from people the State have made clear that degradation and fragmentation of New Mexico released a report throughout the United States, they want to see this natural trea- of Otero Mesa.” Yet, with these that concluded a large fresh water regarding the protection of Otero sure protected. Yet, the powers facts affirmed, the BLM, led by aquifer, called the Salt Basin, Mesa from oil and gas develop- in Washington, D.C. have con- State Director Linda Rundell, still ment. These letters of support sistently ignored these wishes, continues to claim that oil and —continued next page back the State of New Mexico and continued and Governor Richardson’s posi- to move ahead tion that the most fragile and with an unbal- sensitive areas of Otero Mesa be anced plan that protected for present and future could irrevocably generations to enjoy. decimate this wild It is a well-known fact that desert grassland America heavily relies on oil and and its fresh water gas resources to heat our homes, resource. After a drive our cars, and even make thorough analysis products like plastic milk car- and understand- tons. However, it is not widely ing of the agencies known that the United States plan, the Bureau possesses only 3% of the world’s of Land Manage- total oil reserves (reserves mean- ment’s proposal ing a resource still under ground for drilling in Otero that has yet to be produced), Mesa is absolutely as stated by the governmen- erroneous, con- tal agency Energy Information sequently short- Administration (EIA). The EIA sighted, and heav- also attests that approximately ily influenced by 60% of America’s oil is imported the Bush admin- from foreign countries, including istration’s per- many Middle Eastern countries petual lust for oil

Page 4 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 authorize oil and gas development on public lands, without regard to the potential degradation of environmental, recreational, or cultural values. In the case of Otero Mesa, the agency was charging full steam ahead regardless of the fact that not all of the environmental con- sequences of such decisions had been thought through by the agency, or that the public had not yet had opportunities to fully participate in these decisions. Most disturbing though, is that State Director Rundell puts forth the argument that the plan to drill Otero Mesa is “the most restrictive that has ever come out with respect to oil and gas exploration and development on public lay beneath Otero Mesa, with aquifers or other aspects of the ing to carry out a water study, this lands.” This statement is designed enough fresh drinking water to condition of the water resources analysis alone will not halt drill- to mislead the public and placate supply 1 million New Mexicans (RMPA/EIS for Sierra and Otero ing as currently proposed by the any oppositional argument—it is for 100 years. Steven Finch, Vice Counties). Nonetheless, BLM BLM. It appears that the BLM is simply not the truth. Nada Culver President and Senior Hydrologist remains confident that it can rely ignoring the potential for ground- of The Wilderness Society ana- with John Shomaker and Associ- on the oil and gas industry to water contamination in the aqui- lyzes the BLM’s “most restrictive” ates, expresses concern about the not irreparably damage this pre- fer beneath Otero Mesa because plan and offers the facts in an potential for groundwater pollu- cious resource. However, the tion from oil and gas drilling: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Depart- “The groundwater sits in a frac- ment (NMEMNRD) found in 2001 tured limestone aquifer that’s sus- that out of 734 cases of soil and ceptible to surface pollutants, as well groundwater contamination, oil as hazardous fluids that could seep and gas operations were respon- into the basin during drilling activ- sible for a staggering 444 of them, ity. Drilling fluids used in the gas or roughly 60 percent. Further- industry can contain contaminants. more, the Oil Conservation Divi- A byproduct of drilling for natural sion (OCD), a sub-agency of the gas is a salty, brine-like water that NMEMNRD, recently published is also produced from the wells. That a report on their website, which water is then moved through collec- shows over 1400 additional cases tion lines and stored in tanks, where of groundwater contamination it is eventually injected deep into the due to oil and gas operations aquifer through an injection well. The (www.emnrd.state.nm.us/emnrd/ problem is that this salty, sometimes ocd/). Thankfully, Senator Jeff petroleum-laced water can make the Bingaman (D-NM), is requesting groundwater unfit to drink.” that the United States Geologi- their plan for drilling in this wild unbiased manner: Out of the 1.2 The BLM has acknowledged that cal Survey (USGS) work with the Chihuahuan Desert grassland is million acres that comprise the surface water and groundwater in New Mexico Interstate Stream shortsighted and driven by D.C. wild public lands of Otero Mesa, Otero Mesa are both vulnerable Commission to conduct a thor- politics. the BLM will open 95% to oil and to contamination from oil and gas ough aquifer study of the Salt Basin to determine its quantity gas development. Only 5% of this operations, and that it does not In May of 2001, the National and vulnerability. However, even endangered ecosystem will be have complete information on Energy Policy Development if USGS does get the federal fund- closed to development, of which Group, better known as the almost half (35,000 acres) must Cheney Energy Task Force, con- legally be closed. cocted a report for President Bush that overwhelming recom- It is unmistakably evident that mended the expansion of domes- the BLM’s plan to drill in Otero tic energy production on public Mesa is heavily influenced by lands in the West. Accompanying the Bush administration’s per- the release of the Cheney report petual thirst for oil and gas, and were two important executive that it pays to have friends in orders, which directed all federal high places. The Harvey E. Yates agencies, including the BLM, to Company, HEYCO, is no stranger “expedite energy-related projects to friends in high places. HEYCO, […] and accelerate the comple- which started this whole debate tion of energy related projects.” when it drilled two tests wells in Consequently, all State BLM Otero Mesa in 1997, is a com- Directors, including New Mexico’s pany, and more particularly a Linda Rundell, received a memo- randum ordering the agency to continued on page 14

Page 6 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 several decades. It is time to end this debate, have Congress designate the coastal plain as a part of the National Wilderness Preserva- tion System, and give this gift of enduring wilderness to all people ARCTICARCTIC UPDATEUPDATE for all time. What You Can Do By Erik DuMont House-Senate conference commit- year extension and they generally tee, but this year the budget never feel relatively free to pass what they Write your Senators and Rep- As members of Congress are went to conference and is unlikely want. Senator Stevens will very resentatives! Tell them that they gearing up for their final few days to ever do so. likely want to take one last run at shouldn’t allow ANY riders on the of campaigning before the mid- completing his personal quest to Appropriation Bill, especially ones term elections, the Arctic National The House did pass a bill that pass a bill opening up America’s that destroy our special places Wildlife Refuge remains as it has allows drilling in the Arctic, but it Arctic Refuge for oil drilling. The in Alaska. It’s time to keep the for thousands of years: a breeding was the so-called American-Made most likely place for Senator Ste- Appropriation Bills clean and not ground for millions of our nation’s Energy and Good Jobs Act spon- vens to try this will be on an omni- hijack the process for the sake of birds and tens of thousands of sored by Representative Richard bus appropriation bill. This is what one Senator’s pet project. Call or caribou; the chief denning area for Pombo (R-CA). Unlike a budget happens when Congress isn’t able write to your legislator’s offices polar bears in the United States; a bill, the Senate can filibuster (block) to agree on passing the appropria- BEFORE the election and ask them completely intact Arctic ecosystem; any other bill. This bill was never tions bills and they end up lump- to oppose any attempt in the lame and a vast and enduring wilder- even introduced on the Senate ing several of the appropriation duck session to include Arctic drill- ness offering solitude and peace to side. bills together (called an omnibus) ing in any appropriation bill, or any anyone who ventures there. other bill. In Late July, yet another “drill- and passing them all at one time. That it would remain so was in it-all” bill was introduced in the Because they are must-pass bills doubt as recently as the end of last House, this time by Representa- that fund the government and are year. In December, Alaska Senator tive Devin Nunes (R-CA). The key therefore very difficult to derail, the Arctic Refuge Ted Stevens attached an Arctic drill- selling point of this bill is to funnel appropriation bills are tempting tar- Illusions vs Reality ing provision to the bill that simul- revenues generated by lease sales gets to which Senators can attach their pet projects as Illusion #1: That oil from Amer- riders. For Senator Ste- ica’s Arctic National Wildlife vens, there is no bigger Refuge would solve any short pet project than winning term problem with prices, avail- approval for drilling in ability, or job creation. America’s Arctic Refuge. Reality: According to oil industry Look for some kind of experts, it will take ten years to shenanigans sometime move the first barrel of oil from in December. America’s Arctic Refuge to the A Gift of Enduring marketplace. Cleaner, better Wilderness solutions exist to save money at the pump, save oil, and create If the elections go as jobs, all of which can be done expected, the House sooner than the ten years Arctic of Representatives will oil would take to be available. have a much more Wil- Illusion #2: There is 16-20 billion derness-friendly make- barrels of oil under America’s up in the 110th Con- Arctic Refuge that could replace gress. The opportunity nearly 20 years of oil from the will exist next year to Middle East. actually advocate for taneously funded Katrina relief in the Arctic Refuge directly into and potentially even pass a Wilder- Reality: According the United and our fighting men and women alternative energy research, which ness bill to permanently protect the States Geological Survey, the abroad. A bipartisan filibuster in is using a good idea to leverage coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge. most likely amount of oil under the Senate resulted in the Arctic support for an extremely dumb The networks of people and the America’s Arctic Refuge that provision being yanked out and idea. The Nunes bill has not come coalitions that have been built over is economically recoverable is the rest of the defense / Katrina aid up in the House for a vote, but on the past 5 years in our efforts to around 7 billion barrels. This is slightly less than what the United spending bill allowed to pass. September 21, Senator Richard defend the Refuge can finally be States burned in 2005. Burr (R-NC) introduced the com- turned toward passing a good bill, This year has been a relatively panion bill in the Senate. No action not just blocking a bad one. If this quiet one for the Arctic Refuge. Illusion #3: Drilling for oil in has been scheduled for either bill at opportunity materializes as it is In March, the Senate once again America’s Arctic Refuge would this point. looking increasingly likely to do, we used a back door tactic to include somehow lower gas prices. will every person to again rise up Arctic drilling in the federal budget Up Next: Lame Duck and declare in one loud voice that Reality: Oil from America’s resolution. Efforts to remove the the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Arctic Refuge wouldn’t change drilling provision failed, 49-51. On The real danger this year will the price of gas for 20 years, is for all people for all time. The the House side, the budget went come when Congress returns to and then by only a few pennies Arctic Refuge has so far been pre- through without the bad Arctic drill- Washington after the election to per gallon according to a report served through the efforts of thou- ing provision. Typically, any bill finish up the spending bills. Repre- issued by the US Department of sands upon thousands of dedicated that passes both chambers in dif- sentatives have either just lost their Energy’s own Energy Information citizen activists over the course of ferent forms then goes to a joint jobs, or they have won another two Administration.

Page 6 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 Roadless Rule Update

Protecting Our Roadless Fe) who depend on the watersheds in these roadless areas, will continue National Forests to have a clean source of fresh drinking water. By Nathan Newcomer saddled with the burden for paying On September 20, 2006, United for these roads once the loggers and States Magistrate Judge LaPorte of Here in New Mexico this means Until recently, New Mexico’s natu- miners have pulled up stake and the Northern District of California that roadless areas will continue to ral heritage was on the chopping gone home. Furthermore, these ruled on New Mexico’s lawsuit and act as critical sanctuaries for wildlife block and the Bush administration national forests belong to all Ameri- ordered that the federal government and for countless recreational oppor- was all but liquidating every last bit cans, and while some states will reinstate the Roadless Area Conser- tunities including hunting, hiking, of our roadless National Forests. But petition for protection, others may vation Rule. fishing, horseback riding, and camp- times are changing, a recent ruling destroy them in by a judge in California could have the short term. promising impacts on the protection of New Mexico’s and America’s wild Despite its forests. “local control” rhetoric, the In late 2000, the Roadless Area administration Conservation Rule, or Roadless Rule, designed the was created to safeguard the last petition process thirty percent of America’s roadless to ensure that national forests from logging and the federal gov- other commercial development. ernment has the The roadless rule was an iron clad final say. If states guarantee that these pristine forest- submit petitions lands and their watersheds would judged too favor- be protected for future generations to able to conserva- come. Over 1.6 million public com- tion, the Forest ments, 600 public hearings, and the Service is under involvement of federal, state, tribal, no obligation to and private agencies were apart of approve them. the roadless rule process, making it one of the most comprehensive Recognizing public involvement endeavors to that this process ever take place in American history. would not only waste count- In New Mexico, the roadless rule less amounts of would have protected almost two money, time, and million acres. Overall, 95 percent of put our precious the comments submitted were in natural heritage at risk, New Mexico More than a month later, the court’s ing. According to the New Mexico favor of the strongest protection for Attorney General Patricia Madrid decision still seems a bit unclear as to Department of Tourism, the outdoor these last wild places. filed a lawsuit in conjunction with whether or not it is a true victory for tourism industry in 2005 generated America’s National Forests. Salvage $5 billion to the state coffers. However, in 2001, just hours after the states of California, Oregon, and logging projects continue, oil and being sworn in, the Bush adminis- Washington challenging the Bush gas leases are still active in roadless More and more people are travel- tration halted the implementation of administration’s dismantling of the forests, and the Bush administration ing to the ‘Land of Enchantment’ to the roadless rule, and in 2005 took “roadless rule.” is looking for ways to get around visit our wild, national forests, and a chainsaw to the achievements of At the same time, Governor Bill the new ruling. Yet, two days after more people in the state our going this bi-partisan effort to safeguard Richardson (D-NM) recognized the the ruling, Forest Service Chief Dale to explore these valuable conserva- America’s forests, wildlife, clean air importance of preserving New Mex- Bosworth ordered forest managers tion resources and the wildlife that and fresh water. The protections for ico’s roadless areas for their wildlife, to “not approve any further man- call them home. That translates into our national forests were gutted and watersheds, and economic pro- agement activities in inventoried real tourism dollars for New Mexico a clumsy process was set-up requir- pensity. In May of 2006, Governor roadless areas that would be pro- counties. ing individual states to jump through Richardson became the first west- hibited by the 2001 Roadless Rule.” needless hoops to hang onto their The people of New Mexico have ern Governor to petition the Bush Bosworth’s order, however, doesn’t roadless areas. overwhelmingly supported protect- administration for roadless area pro- mention the projects — at least 14 of tections. ing our undeveloped national for- The Bush administration’s new them, from energy development to ests. Lead by the strong initiatives logging — that have gone forward in policy of ‘roads to ruin’ was designed This tandem approach demon- and governance of Attorney General roadless areas since 2001. to give governors of states the local strates real leadership amongst New Madrid and Gov. Richardson, our authority to petition the federal Mexico’s elected officials who, real- If the court’s decision stands, or if quality of life will not only improve government on whether to protect izing the convoluted mess that was the Governor’s petition is approved but also become the benchmark roadless national forests. Determin- before them decided to play this that means here in New Mexico for prosperity and leadership in the ing forest road policy on the local battle on both fronts by petitioning that nearly 30 communities (includ- American West. level may sound like a good idea, and suing the federal government. ing Las Vegas, Farmington, Ruidoso, but it is the federal taxpayer who is Alamogordo, Silver City, and Santa

Page 8 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 Broad Canyon’s permanent protection. �� ORV leaders opposed this protection, and most other wilderness designation DOÑA ANA COUNTY in Doña Ana County. Where to Next— WILDERNESS UPDATE Let Your Voice be Heard Now, the City of Las Cruces is host- ing three public meetings to gather input By Nathan Small County’s eight current Wilderness Study meetings increased public involvement from community citizens. The third New Mexico blossomed under this (WSA) areas, and a large NCA around in Doña Ana County’s land management and final meeting will be in Las Cruces, year’s late monsoon rains. Arroyos ran the Organ Mountains. decisions. November 1st at the New Mexico Farm- ing and Ranching Heritage museum. It clear water for weeks, and the land was Senators Domenici and Bingaman The meetings drove home several reborn under carpets of wildflowers, is a great opportunity for everyone to In September, the New Mexico Wil- points. First, most agree that the Organ speak up for conservation in our county. grass, and perennial vegetation. Now, Mountains are too important for piece- as fall turns summer’s green grasses derness Alliance and our allies visited Concerned citizens should strongly sup- the offices of Senators Pete Domenici meal protection. A commonsense port the Citizens’ Wilderness and NCA golden, it is time to take stock of where approach is designating a large National wilderness protection efforts stand in and Jeff Bingaman. Both Senators have proposal. After this process is concluded, strong records protecting some of New Conservation Area that would protect the City will ask representatives from all Doña Ana County, and where they are the entire Organ Mountain/Franklin headed. Mexico’s most special wild places. Sena- seven stakeholder groups to meet later tor Domenici worked hard to designate Mountain Recreation Area and important this year. Currently, Doña Ana County has no wilderness in the Sandia Mountains, lowlands west from the Organ Moun- permanently protected public land, outside of Albuquerque, and both Sena- tain foothills to Weisner Road, giving a Along with calling/e-mailing, this meet- a dangerous situation in one of New tors worked closely with wilderness few important miles of protection for ing is your chance to tell the city and Mexico’s fastest growing counties. Spe- advocates to pass the Ojito Wilderness recreation, wildlife, and traditional land county committee how much wilderness cial wild places like the Organ Mountains last year. Senator Domenici’s office uses. Only protecting the Organ’s upper means to YOU! face threats from nibbling development, expressed interest in “getting it right,” reaches and leaving the East Mesa while other areas like Broad Canyon, and permanently protecting land in Doña defenseless is unacceptable. and the East/West Potrillo mountains see Ana County. We look forward to working Broad Canyon’s Growing Support increasing damage from unmanaged off- with Senators Domenici and Bingaman road vehicle traffic. Without permanent and their staff to protect some of Doña Second, the momentum for protect- Protect our protection, we face losing our natural ing the Citizens’ Proposed Broad Canyon Natural Heritage Ana County’s natural heritage. Make Your Voice Heard Today! heritage. unit is building. Although relatively City and County Spearheading unknown, the sportsmen stakeholder Citizens’ Proposed Wilderness and Public Input group voiced strong support for protect- Send letters/emails National Conservation Area ing Broad Canyon, in particular for its to: “Regional Land Man- Following resolutions passed earlier agement Committee” Wilderness and National Conserva- this year, the City of Las Cruces and immediate and surrounding wildlife and tion Area (NCA) protections are two Doña Ana County are working to build habitat values. c/o Robert Garza important ways to protect valuable consensus behind a comprehensive 200 North Church St. The Broad Canyon watershed drains Las Cruces • 88001 public lands in Doña Ana County. While public lands recommendation to give approximately 71 miles of surrounding the Bureau of Land Management recog- our federal delegation. Last month, the land. Deer, fox, and many other animals nizes eight areas in Doña Ana County for City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County [email protected] leave tracks in the canyon floor as they 505-541-2271 their wilderness values, there are other held initial stakeholder meetings seeking travel through it and surrounding moun- wild, natural lands that citizens have input from the following constituencies: tains. This connectivity also funnels bird prioritized which qualify for permanent developers and homebuilders; neigh- species, including numerous raptors, Support the Citizens’ protection. Wilderness gives the stron- borhood groups; conservationists; trail through Broad Canyon and its high cliff Proposed Wilderness gest legislative protections because it users--Back Country Horsemen and walls, where many make their nests. limits roads and mechanized access, still Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) users; sports- and NCA. Protect Broad allowing for traditional uses like hunt- men; farmers and ranchers; and local Canyon and the East ing and grazing. NCAs provide strong governments. Culturally, Broad Canyon and some Potrillo Mountains, and protections for areas that don’t qualify of its feeder canyons contain well pre- as wilderness. Around the Organ Moun- Each stakeholder group received preserved petroglyphs dating back to distant all current Wilderness tains, a NCA could allow for things like sentations on Doña Ana County land cultures. Today, ranchers maintain a tra- Study Areas (WSA’s), the construction of visitor centers, rest management issues, including wilder- ditional way of life in the Broad Canyon in addition to a large ness and NCA designation. After pre- areas or new trails. area, a heritage that stretches back to National Conservation senting, the city solicited feedback on the the late 1800’s. We continue talking The Citizens’ Proposed Wilderness location and amount of wilderness and with local ranchers, looking for common Area around the Organ and NCA would permanently protect NCA designation, and comments on the ground to protect Doña Ana County’s Mountains. the Broad Canyon and East Potrillo Bureau of Land Management land dis- outstanding open, natural, and free land. Mountain units, in addition to Doña Ana posal process. Although imperfect, the Back Country Horsemen supported

Page 8 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 to the sea before freeze-up. The bands we see around the plover’s neck are gifts from the river fish. Day 8 - Afternoon on the Canning The Arctic - WHY WE MUST WIN River and a lone female wolf makes her way downstream across the river from camp. Curious but wary, Continued from page 1 she has a black head and legs blend- cooling themselves on ing to a reddish body and a bright aufeis on a ‘hot’ after- white spot on her chest - a strik- noon, and the elusive ing sight. She watches us over her wolverine hurrying past shoulder trying to catch our scent. our camp with its curious Sensing that she is ready to leave gait. We watched a grizzly I let out an anemic self-conscious bear mosey along and howl, not wanting to scare her and another streaking across concerned about the reactions of my the tundra at full speed companions. Surprisingly she sits - an impressive display down facing our camp and answers. of animal strength. Per- A few tentative yips and head tosses egrine parents harass and then she really cuts loose and a golden eagle, rough- we are treated to a series of howls, legged hawk and per- learning who she is and what she egrine chicks call from thinks. Hearing only nonsense from cliff nests 25 yards apart. a pack of humans, she left after a In one canyon willows good long while, giving all of us an sport northern shrikes experience we’ll never forget and a like ornaments. We duck visceral connection to this place. our heads from aerial attacks by mew gulls, Day 6 - a day off the river, Christi- jaegers and arctic terns anne and I decide to hike up a ridge and wonder how long- northwest of camp to view Dall We are in the Arctic National Wildlife out a trip. Climbing a scree slope tailed ducks and golden sheep - cousins of our Desert Big- Refuge. “ANWR” is an oilman’s term finding exquisite horn coral fossils, plovers can find so much to talk horn. We reach a saddle and cross that does not convey the respect that marveling at the complexity of plant about. Merganser and harlequin the threshold into a sheep haven. such a treasured wildland deserves. life on hands and knees, waking up ducks scoot out of the way as we Trails lead in every direction and the to the peaty smell of tundra and paddle down the river. Buff-breasted unmistakable scent of Ovis is in the This is only our second trip to the walking with your shadow after mid- sandpipers and semi-palmated plo- air. On a sheer face across the drain- Refuge but it feels as though we night are all precious events. vers lead us away from their nests. age a band of 30 ewes and lambs have returned to an old friend. The The Kobuk people of western Alaska negotiate faint trails on their way to peaks of the Brooks Range tower The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge believe the semi-palmated plover is new forage. Two young rams rise above the Canning River as we covers 19.5 million acres and shares the guardian of river fish. The fish and crack horns on a precipice that set up our tents. I fall into familiar a common border with Ivvavik and give him treasure such as beads to wouldn’t hold a toothbrush. I joke habits - scanning for wildlife, look- Vuntut National Parks in Canada. ensure he will let them journey back about naming this place Dallywood, ing for recent grizzly sign, monitor- This combination constitutes one ing wind direction and locating my of the largest conserva- two arctic essentials - binoculars and tion areas in the world. bear spray. It is July and I’m hoping The Refuge contains there is enough water to navigate the greatest concentra- our boats. Hiking out across the tion of animal and plant heavily braided river, I crunch across life of any conservation an expanse of aufeis, relishing the area in the circumpo- scene. We are in no hurry. One lar north. It says much key to a successful arctic journey is about our country that to allow yourself plenty of time to such a viable wilderness leave civilization, explore the intrigu- still exists in a world ing side canyons, blend with your with an insatiable appe- surroundings or just wait out bad tite for energy. weather and catch up on your arctic We spent a great natural history book. It takes time to deal of our time in the learn how to comprehend the scale Refuge confirming the of this landscape - out on the tundra claims of an abundance distances can be quite deceiving. of life. We watched cari- Though exceptional wildlife and bou with calves fording scenery are prime attractions, it swift rivers, musk oxen seems the more subtle things flesh ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline Thousands of years ago, native people settle in the Arctic Fwä 1889-Olaus Johann Murie is born on March 1st; the Smithsonian Annual Report decries the bison’s extermination Fwä 1890’s- Musk Oxen exterpitated from the Arctic Refuge Fwä 1901- President Roosevelt creates the first federally protected wildlife Refuge: Pelican Island, in Flordia Fwä 1902-Margret (Murie) Elizabeth Thomas is born on Fwä August 18th Fwä 1905-The first national conservation group, the Audubon Society is founded Fwä 1906-Congress passes the American Antiquities Act, which allows Presidents to establish protected wildlands Fwä 1916-Congress passes the National Park Service Act to

Page 10 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 Christianne is not amused. Refuge, musk oxen were elimi- After a short lunch we head south nated by hunters as it begins to rain. I glance back in the 1890’s. over my shoulder to a ridge above They were rein- us. Silhouetted on the horizon are troduced to the two large hairy animals. Briefly, I Refuge in 1969- think ‘Grizz!’ and feel that ‘hair on 1970 with 64 the back of your neck, too close for animals from comfort, what’s next?’ adrenaline Nunivak Island. spike. As they stand up for a better Their numbers look at us, I realize they are musk reached a peak oxen - animals whose ancestors left of 450 but have tracks during the Pleistocene. For greatly declined twenty minutes we watch, dazzled in recent years by their long coats billowing in the possibly due to howling wind. Not wanting to dis- predation by turb them further we walk down grizzly bears and the saddle and below the ridge far- climate change. ther away. Happily we find Denis We were very with his spotting scope trained on fortunate to the ridge. The scope reveals thir- have had such teen musk oxen greatly varying in an encounter. age and development. We sit in the Like the caribou, able vs. valuable habitat is ludicrous. the explosion. I imagine the picture rain watching them bedded on the snow geese and many others, musk The mountains and coastal plain are of another Prudhoe Bay planted in ridge seeming comfortable taking oxen rely on the sustenance from linked physically and biologically, the middle of this vast so-called on the brunt of the storm. Later they the coastal plain. Oil development and yes, spiritually. Any develop- “wasteland”. It seems that those become restless and trot down the ment that occurs in the 1002 lands who favor drilling for oil here should will affect the entire refuge. at least spend some time on the ground to have a good look at those We’re relaxing into the last days who will be displaced. of our trip with leisurely hikes and long looks toward the Arctic Ocean. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Although we are still 65 miles from has reached mythic status in its Prudhoe Bay the unwelcome smell ability to lead the U.S. to energy and sounds of industry are in the air. independence. The facts dispel the Sitting on a high bluff overlooking myths - with only 3% of the world’s the vast coastal plain I spy a plume oil reserves and consumption rates of smoke far out on the horizon. at 25% we cannot drill our way to Close by several families of foxes energy independence. Particularly play, hunt and rest on a large den- egregious is the 2000-acre limit, a ning area. We learn later that this so-called “compromise” designed year has been a high point in the to mislead the public. First, there cycle for lemmings, and that popu- is no requirement that the acre- lations of fox and snowy owl in this neighborhood have benefited from —continued next page

slope right toward us. Taking their would have a detrimental effect on time, stopping to graze, they con- their chances for survival. tinue heading our way. We discuss retreat, but our options are limited Day 14 on the Canning River. and they do not seem alarmed by We stop for lunch on the bound- our presence. They come to within ary between the Wilderness and fifty yards, close enough for us to the 1002 lands. To the west the hear their grunts and calls through tundra stretches to the horizon and the falling rain. Finally they change a faint haze from Prudhoe Bay. To their course and lope to the other the east a low ridge runs parallel to side of the drainage following it to the river. Directly on the east-west the river. Grazing on willow they borderline a red fox watches us - an work their way upstream passing icon for the responsibility we hold our camp, then rest on the aufeis for its future. As one travels from until ‘evening.’ the mountains down to the coast it becomes readily apparent that any Though never numerous in the political border delineating expend- ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline protect scenic wildlands, partly in response to public outcry over the 1913 approval of Hetch Hetchy dam being built in Yosemite National Park Fwä 1914-Olaus Murie spends two years in the Canadian Arctic collecting birds for the Carnegie Museum Fwä 1920-Government biologist Olaus Murie takes part in a six-year caribou study in the Alaska Territory Fwä 1923- Leaded gas goes on sale in Ohio, President Harding creates the twenty-three million acre Petroleum Reserve (eighty miles west of today’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Fwä 1935- The Wilderness Society is created by Aldo Leopold and Arthur Carhardt to protect wilderness Fwä 1938-Bob Marshall proposes

Page 10 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESERVE WHY WE MUST WIN

(from previous page) age be contiguous. Development to the Refuge have fueled a passion could occur all across the 1.5 mil- that reaches far beyond its borders, lion acre coastal plain. The limit leading us to places and events we excludes seismic exploration, roads, never anticipated. airstrips, gravel pits and pipelines From Fairbanks to Washington, (except where supports touch the DC, from Arctic Village to Albuquer- ground) and most other infrastruc- que, the people we have met along ture needed to deliver oil. Claims the way have been truly inspiring of a million barrels a day from 2000 - Alaska natives fighting to maintain acres are irresponsible and not in a healthy way of life for themselves the best interest of our country. To and for their future generations; con- mislead Americans about the impact servation activists from New Mexico of oil development in the Arctic is and from all over the US who have dishonorable. Though appropriate in never been to the Refuge but rec- some areas, this year’s events con- ognize its worth. The support of cerning British Petroleum only rein- our friends here at home has been force the fact that oil development is incredible. Many Alaskans appreci- a dirty industrial process and does ate our efforts to protect the Refuge. not belong in the Arctic National Native people, biologists, guides, Wildlife Refuge. pilots and outfitters who depend To try to convey the experience of on the Refuge for their livelihood, an arctic journey in a few pages or sportsmen and wilderness travelers a series of photographs is next to looking for adventure or inspiration impossible. We have returned with have all expressed a desire to see it a passion that keeps our journey protected. alive and moves us into new adven- Our friend Ken Madsen once wrote, tures. Whether in New Mexico or the “A land with drinkable water is a land Arctic, we all have places that are a worth fighting for.” We agree. Your part of us - that have shaped our voice does make a difference. Make characters as individuals. Our trips sure it is heard!

ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline ARCTICtimeline

that Congress protect all of Alaska north of the Yukon River Fwä 1946-Olaus Murie quits the U.S. Biological Survey and becomes the director of the Wildernesss Society; the Survey is renamed the Fish and Wildlife Service Fwä 1953-Park Service Planner George Collins reconnoiters Alaska for inclusion in a series of Parks or wildlife sancturaries and recommends that Olaus spearhead protection of the northeast corner of the territory Fwä 1956-Congress defeats Echo Park Dam in Colorado; conservation movement gains new momentum. Murie surveys the proposed Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Fwä 1957-Oil discovered and exploited in south-central Alaska, in the Kenai Moose Range ( a wildlife Refuge) Fwä 1959-Alaska proclaimed a state by President Eisenhower after decades of failed statehood bills. Olaus Murie receives the Audubon Medal for his conservation achievements Fwä 1960-Secretary of Interior Seaton creates nine- million acre ANWR by public order. But it lacks wilderness protection Fwä 1961-Secretary of Interior Udall blocks Alaska delegation’s attempts to overturn ANWR Fwä 1963-Olaus Murie dies of cancer on October 21st Fwä 1964-President Johnson signs the Wilderness Act Fwä 1968-Oil is discovered in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, sixty miles west of the Refuge Fwä 1969-Musk Oxen reintroduced to Arctic Refuge Fwä 1970- Congress passes Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA); indigenous Aslanans receive forty-four million acres (including ninety-six thousand on ANWR Fwä 1975-Mardy Murie appointed member of Alaskan Task Force to identify protecting wild lands Fwä 1977-First Arctic oil flows down completed pipeline Fwä 1978- Morris Udall Wilderness Bill is proposed to protect ANWR’s coastal plain Fwä 1979- Mardy Murie receives the Audubon Medal for her conservation achievements Fwä 1980-President Carter signs the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) -103 million acres of new Parks and Refuges are created. The Arctic Refuge is expanded to 19.6 million acres, with 8 million acres preserved as wilderness. But section 1002 of the bill directs Congress to study oil drilling for the 1.5 million acre coastal plain Fwä 1987-The first of many oil drilling bills is proposed for the coastal plain Fwä 1989- Exxon Valdez oil spill devastates Prince William Sound, squelching plans for drilling the coastal plain Fwä 1998- Mardy Murie receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom Fwä 2001- President Bush takes office and vows to drill the Arctic Refuge Fwä 2003-Mardy Murie dies; she was 101 years old Fwä 2005-Congress comes within a hair of opening the coastal plain to drilling Fwä 2006-Gas Prices soar, President Bush’s approval plunges. In December a lame-duck session of Congress awaits and the Refuge will be on the table again.

Page 12 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Alaska Board of Game’s Plan for Intensive Predator Control for Wolves and Bears

Implementation plans for federal management of wildlife on extreme predator control were federal lands. finalized by Anchorage Alaska’s Essentially, the Board of Game Communicating effectively state Board of Game in May BE HEARD. has pulled out all stops in order with agency personnel and 2006. The board voted to make to allow the maximum killing GOVERNMENT your elected officials is one its “emergency predator control” CONTACTS of the most productive permanent and to implement of bears and wolves, under the methods of volunteering extreme wolf control in a vast new assumption that drastically reduc- for Wilderness. Please write area covering several game man- ing the numbers of these predators Call Washington, D.C. toll-free. a letter to your Representa- agement units.. The justification is will increase the moose population Capitol Switchboard Number: tive or Senator and let them that hunters from Anchorage and allowing local subsistence hunters know that you support Wil- the Matsu valley are being forced to harvest more moose. 877-762-8762 derness preservation. You Just ask the operator to connect to move farther away for hunting A resolution passed by over 500 can also visit our website at you to your New Mexico Senator due to the decreasing local moose members of The American Soci- www.nmwild.org and Take populations. The new measures or Congressman. Action to send decision ety of Mammalogists, calls on the will affect 50,000 square miles of Governor of Alaska and the Alaska makers an electronic letter. Senator Pete V. Domenici Alaska’s public lands. Board of Game to collect reliable Also be sure to sign up with 328 Hart Senate Office Bldg. the NM Wild Action Center data on populations of large carni- The board amended regulations Washington, D.C. 20510-3101 so you will receive impor- to allow land-and-shoot as well as vores and ungulates, and to work (202) 224-6621 tant e-mails about upcom- use of snow machines for posi- closely with professional wildlife (202) 228-0900 ing events and actions. tioning wolves for killing. Snow biologists to ensure the sound machines are now also allowed to design of predator-control pro- “position” the hunter to kill brown grams. Senator Jeff Bingaman 703 Hart Senate Office Bldg. bears in two areas. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Learn Washington, D.C. 20510 about current litigation being Alaska’s national parks encom- (202) 224-5521 undertaken by Alaska Wildlife Alli- pass about 52 million acres and (202) 224-2852 fax its wildlife refuges, more than 70 ance (www.akwildlife.org) against million acres. These lands are the Board of Game’s current inten- Congresswoman Heather Wilson currently off limits for the state’s sive predator control. And please 318 Cannon House Office Bldg. extreme predator control program. send letters to the editor to: Washington, D.C. 20515 However, a twice appointed chair- Anchorage daily News man, of Alaska Board of Game, (202) 225-6316 PO Box 149001 (202) 225-4975 fax Mike Fleagle, was named to serve Anchorage, AK 99514 as chairman of the Federal Subsis- Fax: 907-258-2157 Congressman Steve Pearce tence Board. Fleagle replaces a www.adn.com Native leader who had served as 1408 Longworth House Office Bldg. chairman of the federal board for Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Washington, D.C. 20515 11 years. Mike Fleagle, a strong 200 N Cushman St. (202) 225-2365 advocate of intensive predator PO Box 70710 (202) 225-9599 fax control, helped to re-launch the Fairbanks, AK 99707 state’s aerial wolf control program Fax: 907-452-7917 Congressman Tom Udall in 2002. Conservation groups are www.newsminer.com 1414 Longworth House Office Bldg. quite concerned about what effect Washington, D.C. 20515 Help Protect his appointment may have on the our National Parks (202) 225-6190 (202) 226-1331 fax Tell them: - to leave the National Parks Governor Bill Richardson Management Policy alone; Honor Heritage Office of the Governor - give the National Parks more Attend the Final Land Management Public Meeting State Capitol Bldg., Suite 300 funding; Summary Report Presentation Santa Fe, NM 87501 - and stop the outsourcing of (505) 476-2200 National Park Service jobs. Wednesday, November 1st: 6:30pm (505) 476-2226 fax New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum Write to: Dirk Kempthorne 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces Department of the Interior Attend a public meeting on land protection efforts in Doña Concerned about oil and gas 1849 C Street, NW development on our public lands? Washington DC 20240 Ana County. Support wild places like the Organs, Broad Phone: 202-208-3100 Canyon, & others. Viva Wilderness! write: E-Mail: [email protected] Linda Rundell Also write the Chair of the National Call 505-527-9962 for more information, BLM State Director Parks Subcommittee, or if you plan on going. Email: [email protected] Congressman Steve Pearce P.O. Box 27115 Santa Fe, NM 87502-0115

Page 12 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 ments were made, according to researching the data provided OTERO MESA: PARADISE ON THE EVE OF DESTRUCTION the CPAL report. It was during this by the BLM in their draft and time that the BLM began to make final proposals for Otero Mesa, changes to better accommodate it becomes clear that the area continued from page 6 the requests of HEYCO. Further- does not hold vast amounts of more, during the 2002 election oil or gas. What drilling in Otero family, with strong ties to the draft BLM plan for Otero Mesa is cycle, George Yates, President Mesa will do, however, is destroy Bush administration dating back being issued. According to a 2004 of HEYCO, held a fundraiser in the largest and wildest Chihua- more than twenty years. The report by the Campaign to Protect Roswell, NM for congressional huan Desert grassland left in Yates family has played a domi- America’s Lands (CPAL), Yates candidate Steve Pearce, with Vice America, contaminate one of nant role in oil and gas production Petroleum in 2001 paid then-lob- President Dick Cheney as the the last sources of fresh drink- since the 1920’s and has obtained byist J. Stephen Griles more than guest of honor. Pearce went on to ing water in a drought-ridden enormous political power since $40,000 to lobby BLM to “secure win the 2nd congressional seat in New Mexico, and perpetuate a then. Today, the family operates funding for BLM staffing.” That New Mexico and has since been myopic 19th century approach to or is affiliated with more than 24 meant ensuring that an official at a strong advocate for drilling in achieving energy independence, companies. In the early 1980’s, BLM would create or revise a land Otero Mesa. Though there may without consideration or respect one of these subsidiary compa- use plan to allow an oil or gas not be a smoking gun linking the to our quality of life. The Bureau nies, Yates Petroleum, illegally company to drill, CPAL reported. Yates family to the Bush admin- of Lands Management’s plan for bulldozed a road into the Salt istration’s national energy policy, drilling in Otero Mesa is without Creek Wilderness just north of Shortly thereafter, Griles or subsequently to the BLM’s final a doubt downright obtuse. It is Roswell, NM. The ensuing pro- became deputy Interior secretary, proposal for Otero Mesa, there simply not necessary. tests and court challenges that under Gale Norton. In his new remains considerable evidence followed this action were unable role, Griles met on December 6, that this family and its companies The time has come for not just to stop this powerful company 2002, with BLM Deputy Direc- has pushed its power beyond the New Mexicans, but all Americans from drilling in a Wilderness area, tor Jim Hughes and BLM Chief of borders of New Mexico and into to stand up in a united voice and which has never occurred in New Staff Conrad Lass to discuss the policies being written from Wash- demand protection for Otero Mexico history. During this time, Otero drilling plan. ington. Mesa, no matter what the cost. there were two stout support- While at Interior, Griles contin- We cannot afford to sacrifice or ers of the actions of Yates Petro- ued to receive $284,000 per year Opening New Mexico’s Otero jeopardize our future because of leum, one being then Secretary under a buyout agreement from Mesa to oil and gas drilling will a few politicians whose beliefs of the Interior James Watt, and his former lobbying firm, National most certainly not be done in an live in the past. a congressman from Wyoming, Environmental Strategies (NES), “environmentally sound manner,” Dick Cheney. Flash forward to which had represented Yates for neither will it improve the nations the first term of the George W. several years and continued to energy security, nor lower the Bush administration, just as the represent Yates while the pay- cost of gasoline at the pump. By

About the map NMWA Wilderness Inventory Units In 2000 and 2001, NMWA conducted on-the-ground documentation of public lands in Otero Mesa using the guide- lines from the Wilderness Act and the BLM. We recorded the area’s wild nature, solitude and overall wilderness characteristics, as well as its human impacts, such as roads, powerlines, structures and other evidence of man. We found that over 480,000 acres of Otero Mesa qualify for Wilderness designation.

Nominated Leases If a company wants to lease a particular tract of BLM public land, they must first nominate the area(s) for leasing. The BLM is supposed to analyze whether oil and gas operations will be compatible and that natural resources are protected if drilling moves forward. If no conflict is found, the BLM approves the nomina- tion and offers the lease up for auction, which are held four times a year.

State Leases BLM Leases In 1997, the State Land Commissioner of New Mexico leased all of BLM leases also have a shelf life of 10 years, unless the lease the state lands in Otero Mesa to oil and gas companies, primarily is in production, which gives the company an automatic renewal. owned by the Yates family, including HEYCO. After 10 years, if a Leased BLM lands typically cost the oil and gas companies $2.75 lease is not in production, a company must re-nominate those lands. per acre in Otero Mesa. The state lands in Otero Mesa, which currently are not in production, are set to expire in 2007.

Page 14 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 December 16, 2006—Doña Ana County Hike NMWA is working with a number of partners to pass a wilderness bill for Doña Ana County. Join us for a dayhike to one of the areas we are working to protect. Maximum participants: 20 Contact: Nathan Small at 505-843-8696, [email protected] for more info. Hiking distance: Approximately 4 miles round-trip Time: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving time Difficulty: Easy Albuquerque Area November 4, 2006—Ojito Wilderness—Full Moon Hike We will take a short hike into the new Ojito Wilderness, with our destination being a panel of ancient petroglyhs and the excavation site of the world’s largest dinosaur: Seismosauras. For information on upcoming hikes, please visit our website: Rainbow banded mesas guard natural sculpture gardens filled with amusing hoodoos of all sizes and shapes. Twisted old junipers and dwarf ponderosa add a touch of green to the fantas- tic, multi-colored rock forms. www.nmwild.org Maximum participants: 20 Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696, [email protected] for more info. Hiking distance: Approximately 3 miles round-trip Upcoming Hikes Time: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving time Elevation range: 5,800 to 6,000 feet Las Cruces area Difficulty: Easy October 28, 2006—Broad Canyon Hike NMWA is working with a number of partners to pass a wilderness bill for Doña Ana Upcoming Service Projects County. Broad Canyon clearly deserves Wilderness protection, but was overlooked by November 4, 2006—Tijeras Canyon Wildlife Passages BLM in their 1980 Wilderness Inventory. Come see it for yourself. Hosted by Albuquerque Wildlife Federation and the Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition, Maximum participants: 20 the project will involve clearing out brush in an effort to provide passages for wildlife moving Contact: Gil Sorg at 505-527-9962, [email protected] for more info. between the Sandia and Manzano Mtns. Hiking distance: Approximately 4 miles round-trip Maximum participants: 30 Time: 2-3 hours round-trip plus driving time Contact: Jon Schwedler at 505-270-3637, [email protected] for more info. Difficulty: Easy Driving time: Approximately 1/2 hour drive east of ABQ

Save the Date!! What: Second Annual Rally to Protect America’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge When: March 20, 2007 Where: West lawn of the Capitol, Washington DC Who: You! Your friends! Everyone interested in protecting Wild Alaska! arctic refugeaction

For more details, please contact Erik DuMont at [email protected]

Page 14 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 Tijeras Canyon – Hope for an Endangered Wildlife Linkage

By Kurt Menke and find ways to address the prob- project is underway and wildlife forced to cross the frontage road lem. This Feasibility Study was fencing is being erected. This to access the perennial watering Tijeras Canyon has been identi- the first of its kind in New Mexico, will definitely address the issue hole of Tijeras Creek, where it fied by two independent assess- and The New Mexico Chapter of of animals being hit, but may meanders between the Interstate ments as the most endangered The Wildlife Society awarded Mark also decrease the permeability and NM 333. The two roads have wildlife linkage in New Mexico. Fahey and Jeff Fredine (NMDOT) of the wildlife linkage connecting created an ecological trap for wild- Two years ago the Tijeras Canyon the 2005 Conservation Award as the Sandia and Manzano Wilder- life. Phase two of the Feasibility Safe Passage Coalition (TCSPC) a result. nesses. The Coalition feels that Study includes recommendations formed to work on protecting this more wildlife dedicated under- for construction of a wildlife-dedi- linkage. The TCSPC is an all-vol- The Feasibility Study made rec- passes, and perhaps overpasses, cated underpass beneath NM 333 unteer group of organizations, ommendations in three phases. will have to be constructed to adjacent to the HI property. If built agencies, and individuals work- The first phase consisted of mea- this would allow wildlife to safely access the watering hole. From there they can continue along Tijeras Creek to the Manzanos via an existing underpass beneath the I-40. Last February TCSPC learned that Hawkwatch was planning on selling the property to gen- erate revenue. Though HI is sympathetic to the ecological importance of the property they have a bottom line they need to meet. Obviously if the property is sold to a developer, this linkage will be forever broken. TCSPC enlisted the help of Scott Wilber, Executive Director of the New Mexico Land Conservancy. This June Wilber entered into a one- year option agreement with HI to find a conservation buyer. The Coalition met with Albuquerque Council President Martin Heinrich to explain the ecological importance of the parcel. In September Heinrich unveiled a 3.8 million dollar Open Space proposal which includes the purchase of the HI property as Open Space. TCPSC feels this is the best opportunity to protect this parcel and the bears, deer, coyote, cougars and bobcats ing to provide safe crossings for sures that could be implemented ensure the viability of this wildlife that use it as a passage. wildlife and safer travel for people within the project budget – wild- corridor long-term. through Tijeras Canyon. life fencing, which would funnel This bill represents a critical step Another issue is that the con- wildlife to existing underpasses, in preserving the Tijeras Canyon As we were getting organized, struction project only addresses lighted motion sensor signs, and wildlife linkage as a whole as well we learned that NMDOT was plan- I-40 and not NM 333 (old RT 66). escape ramps. To their credit as the safety of those traveling ning a construction project through The location where NM 333 goes NMDOT incorporated almost all through the Canyon. To support the canyon. The Coalition invited under I-40 is called Dead Man’s of the Phase 1 recommendations this bill (R-06-129) please con- NMDOT engineers to one of our Curve. This location is a well- into the final construction plan. tact Martin Heinrich (505-768- monthly meetings. DOT explained known hotspot for animal-vehicle The second two phases proposed 3152) or your Councilor (http: the highway project to the Coalition collisions and was identified as measures to be taken in the event //www.cabq.gov/council/) . and learned how serious the prob- that phase one was unsuccessful. such by the Feasibility Study. lem of animal-vehicle collisions in This success is to be measured by Deer trails lead south out of the Kurt Menke the Canyon is. Shortly thereafter a monitoring program run by NM Sandia Wilderness across a piece TCSPC Co-Chair NMDOT hired Marron and Associ- Game and Fish. of property owned by Hawkwatch ates to conduct a Feasibility Study International (HI). Here deer, www.safepassagecoalition.org to look at the issue in more detail As I write this, the construction black bear and other animals are

Page 16 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 NMWA SPONSORS PLEASE SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT US!

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance would like to Thank our friends for helping us with our Fundraiser in Santa Fe held in August!

Thank you to: First National Bank of Santa Fe Inn of the Anasazi Santa Fe Greenhouses Whole Foods Market in Santa Fe David Ehrman Susan Spinell Misty Braswell Kim Freeman Bob Howard Sharon Little Nancy Murray

Lorraine Gardner, PT 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite N Los Alamos, NM 87544 YOUR Natural Foods Co-operative! Phone: 505-661-6191 1300 El Paseo Suite M. Las Cruces, NM 88001. (505) 523-0436

Page 16 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 WildernessNew Mexico Conference The Future of Wilderness November 11 • 9 to 4 pm Wild Reception & Auction 4 to 6 pm

You are invited to join us for a fun movement. and informative day at the 2006 Wilderness Conference Sponsored Renowned Arctic photographer by the New Mexico Wilderness and activist, Subhankar Banerjee Alliance. The Conference will fea- will present a slide show and talk ture interesting workshops that will titled Wilderness and Imagination. explore the future of wilderness in Subhankar Banerjee has worked New Mexico and across the con- closely with the public, conserva- tinent. You’ll meet other people tion and native american organi- who care deeply about protecting zations, and members of the U.S. New Mexico’s wildest places and Senate and House of Representa- learn specific actions you can take tives to tell the story of the Arctic to create a legacy of wildlands for Refuge, its importance for our soci- future New Mexicans. ety and the urgent need to protect the coastal plain from oil and gas Father of Conservation Biol- drilling. His two-year photographic ogy, Michael Soule, will present journey in the remote northeastern his grand landscape conservation Alaska refuge encompassed 4,000 vision: The Spine of the Continent. miles, and was undertaken by foot, Michael Soule was a founder of raft, kayak, and snowmobile in all the Society for Conservation Biol- four seasons. He lived with native ogy and The Wildlands Project. He Gwich’in Athabascan and Inupiat has written and edited 9 books on families where he learned their biology, conservation biology, and way of life and came to understand Auction from 4 to 6 pm. Cost is To register please call New Mexico the social context of contemporary their relationship to the land and $40 per person. Space is limited, Wilderness Alliance at 505-843- conservation. He has published the wild animals that live there. so please pre-register. 8696 or register online at more than 150 articles on vari- His experience resulted in a deep ous subjects including population love for this landscape, that even at https://secure.ga1.org/05/nmwild_ and evolutionary biology, popula- home in New Mexico, he continues tion genetics, island biogeography, to work to protect. 2006conference environmental studies, biodiver- sity policy, nature conservation, The Wilderness Conference will and ethics, and continues to do also include a discussion of the The Inn at Sunrise Springs research on the genetic basis of fit- diverse landscape and people of 242 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507 ness and viability in natural popula- New Mexico presented by Arturo Includes Gourmet Lunch Sandoval. Workshop sessions tions, on the impacts of “keystone” from the Blue Heron Restaurant (vegetarian option available) species, and on the causes of the will feature: the Mexican Wolf pre- destruction of nature worldwide. sented by Michael Robinson; a presentation by award-winning writer, Featuring: Wilderness Specialist, author and photographer and conservationist, Michael Soule “Spine of the Continent” US Fish and Wildlife Service Pilot, Ken Madsen; Saving the Gila: New Roger Kaye “The Last Great Wilderness” Roger Kaye, will present The Last Mexico’s Last Wild River by Dutch Subhankar Banerjee “Wilderness and Imagination” Great Wilderness: The Campaign Salmon. Additional workshop Dave Foreman “The Future of Wilderness” to Establish the Arctic National sessions will be offered covering: Wildlife Refuge. Roger Kaye tells Wilderness and the Human Spirit Ken Madsen “The Arctic Connection” the story of the fight to protect the (A Secular Approach for Resource Arturo Sandoval “Diversity in New Mexico” Arctic Refuge over the last three Agencies); Otero Mesa Workshop; Michael Robinson “The Mexican Wolf” decades, tracing the transforma- Arctic Workshop; and Volunteering Dutch Salmon “Saving the Gila: New Mexico’s Last Wild River” tion of this little-known expanse and Activism. of mountains, forest, and tundra Additional Workshop Sessions: into a symbolic landscape embody- The 2006 Wilderness Conference Wilderness & the Human Spirit by Roger Kaye ing the ideals and aspirations that will be held Saturday, November Volunteer Workshop by Christianne Hinks and Nancy Morton led to passage of the Wilderness 11, 2006 from 9 to 4 pm at the Arctic Refuge Workshop by Ken Madsen and Erik DuMont Act in 1964. Among the visionary Sunrise Springs Retreat in Santa Fe, Saving Otero Mesa by Nathan Newcomer and Stephen Capra conservationists who launched this New Mexico. The conference will controversial campaign to preserve include a tasty gourmet lunch from a remote corner of Alaska were the Blue Heron Restaurant (veg- and etarian option available) and will be Wild Reception Auction Olaus and Margaret Murie, who following the Conference with Auctioneer Dave Foreman became icons of the wilderness followed by a Wild Reception and

Page 18 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 ��

Alaska Wilderness League’s mission is to lead the effort to preserve Alaska’s wilderness by engaging citizens, sharing resources, collaborating with other organizations, educating the public, and providing a courageous, constant and victorious voice for Alaska in the nation’s capital.

YES! I want to help protect the wildlife and wild places of Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge! o $25 Regular o $50 Supporter o $100 Contributor o $35 Family o $75 Patron * o $250 Donor Name:______Street:______City, ST, ZIP: ______Phone:______122 C Street NW, Suite 240 Card #______exp.date______Washington, DC 20001 . Signature______Phone: 202-544-5205 *Get a copy of “Arctic Wings: Birds of the Arctic National www.AlaskaWild.org Wildlife Refuge” when you give $75 or more. Sign up for the AlaskaWild alerts – a bimonthly update on the latest events affecting Alaska Wilderness! Email:______specializing in print-based communications for Join New Mexico Wilderness Alliance the environmental ENVIRONMENT

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

Call Joe Adair YES! I want to be a member of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance!!! My contribution will go Mail your towards the continued protection and wilderness designation of New Mexico’s natural heritage. 505.319-3754 Tax Deductible INTO q$25 – Individual q$100 – Contributing qOther $______Donations to: q$30 – Family q$500 – Lifetime q THIS IS A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FROM ______q$50 – Supporting q$10 – Student/Senior New Mexico Name ______Phone______Wilderness Alliance Street ______E-mail______PO Box 25464 City, State, Zip ______Albuquerque, NM 87125-0464 £ Enclosed is my check payable to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance  Please charge my £ Visa or £ Mastercard Questions? Card# ______Expiration Date: ______505/843-8696 Signature: ______

Page 18 FALL 2006 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 NMWA’S BIG ANNU AL vote WILDERNESS e n v i ron m e n ta l CONFERENCE NO VEMBER 11 SEE PA GE 18 FOR DETAILS

NMWA L OGO ON-THE-GO Nalgene Bottles COOL Slate Blue or Sage Green $1200 NMWA Includes Shipping

STUFF!Proceeds help protect New Mexico’s Wildest Places

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