WILDERNESS! Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act GIS SPECIAL EDITION VOLUME XI, NUMBER III— FALL 2009 New Mexico WILD! Page 1 stephen capra new mexico executive director WILD! FALL 2009 The Newsletter of the It has been an amazing few months here at the New Mexico New Mexico Wilderness Alliance! The change in political winds has brought good fortune to the Land of Enchantment. It began with the United Wilderness Alliance States Senate introduction of the 302,000-acre proposal for El Rio Grande del Norte, near Questa, New Mexico. Then came the news we have worked toward for years: the introduction of the Organ MountainDesert Peaks Wilderness in the United States Senate. That proposal, including the National Conservation section, would protect close to 400,000 acres of land surrounding the city of Las Cruces, which would become the second largest Wilderness complex in New Mexico since the enactment of the Wilderness Act of 1964. Our thanks go to the real heroes here—Senators Bingaman and Udall—for following through on their promises to help us move forward on Wilderness designation across the state. Being last among all the states in the amount of our work in Chaco Canyon is beginning to indicate. protected public lands we have means New Mexico has So write a letter to Secretary Salazar, asking that buffer a long way to go. These two bills, along with efforts in zones be created for our national parks and Wilderness various parts of the state, however, point toward a new areas. The time has come to make protecting our lands and very serious attempt at preserving wilderness in and heritage a priority, trumping the endless greed and New Mexico. destructiveness of the oil and gas industry. Thankfully, we have good people in Washington who So our state is suddenly poised to add more than are making a real difference. Besides our senators, there 700,000 acres of protected land in the coming year! This are their staffers. Jorge Silva-Banuelos, for example, is is tremendously encouraging, but we remain vigilant on Senator Bingaman’s environmental aide. Many people many other fronts. Recently, for example, we learned of will tell you there is not a more qualified person working plans for opening an area on the northern boundary of on the environment in Washington than Jorge. He has Chaco Canyon National Historical Park to full-scale oil worked his magic over the past few years, helping to and gas development. This land is also adjacent to the craft our El Rio Grande del Norte Wilderness proposal areas that are at the center of our Split Lip Flats and and doing much of the groundwork in putting together Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah citizens Wilderness proposals. the Organ MountainsDesert Peaks Wilderness proposal, It is a surprising and perhaps little-known fact that in spending countless hours meeting with agency officials, the United States today there are only twenty World ranchers, off-roaders, conservationists, and sportsmen. Heritage Sites, out of 890 in the entire world. These are But Jorge has also come to New Mexico to camp, hike, places of natural beauty or of significant cultural value. and see the lands firsthand, asking questions, exploring In the United States, they include sites like the Statue Otero Mesa, and thinking about the potentials for of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, and New Mexico’s own Wilderness designation that remain in our state. He Chaco Canyon. Yet important landscapes like Chaco has also worked with longtime Wilderness craftsman Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns have no buffers from oil David Brooks, who is on Senator Bingaman’s Energy contents and gas development. In Carlsbad Caverns, one can see and Natural Resources Committee. These two men are Courts Rebuke BLM Otero Plan 04 oil rigs from the parking lot, and leasing goes right up to examples of the unsung heroes who have helped to make Otero Mesa Update 05 the park boundaries in many areas. This is a disgrace. this new era of Wilderness a reality in New Mexico. We El Rio Grande del Norte Update 06 In communications with Interior Department officials, thank them, and we look forward to working with them Changing the World, Bit-by-Bit 07 we have asked that Interior Secretary Salazar use an on many more Wilderness proposals. Hikes and Service Projects 07 executive order to create buffers around important Roadless Rule Update 08 landscapes like national parks and Wilderness areas, Which takes us to the long view, or the 11 percent NMWA Credit Union Membership 0 8 not just in New Mexico, but nationally—to preserve the solution. Currently only 2.1 percent of our state is Fear Divides It 09 scenic qualities for which these parks and Wilderness protected as Wilderness. Our goal is to get that number Saving Small Worlds 09 areas were created and to allow them the dignity that to 11 percent—still far behind states like California, A Trip to Washington 10 they and their wildlife so richly deserve. Washington, and others—but a number that is Volcano Hills Wilderness Area 11 Leopold’s Dreams, Our Passions 12 obtainable and that would dramatically change our poor We have been studying these areas, using the most People and Wilderness 14 standing as far as the amount of protected public lands Victory at Sabinoso 15 advanced GIS techniques to identify parcels that have in our state. It would also ensure that future generations Time to Pay Up 17 not been leased for oil and gas, and meeting with various will enjoy landscapes rich in wolves, bears, prairie dogs, Thirds in Seconds 17 agencies to try to broker trades or exchanges that could and all the wildlife that is so important to maintaining Community Land Grants 18 create important buffers for our parks, Wilderness areas, a healthy and balanced environment. Finally, it would Reflections on the Journey 18 and wildlife. These are complex arrangements often protect areas large enough to sustain precious water Enduring Gift of a Penny 19 involving the Bureau of Land Management, the National and wildlife resources. So remember that number—11 New NMWA Board of Directors 20 Park Service, the State Land Office, and sometimes percent. It is a goal that we are working toward, and one WildStyle Book Club 20 tribal entities. The results, however, can be dramatic, as that will be achieved with your continued support! Tax-Free Giving 21 Get Involved 21 Page 2 FALL 2009 in the state), and we have vast areas uninhabited by humans but bearing evidence of previous inhabitants in the many petroglyphs and fossil remains. Broad Canyon is one of the most inter- esting areas an explorer will encounter Main Office in southern New Mexico. It is filled with 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 the artwork of the Ancients. Fossils [email protected] • www.nmwild.org P.O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, NM 87125 Wilderness Explorer and petroglyphs are abundant, rock Las Cruces Field Office formations and the native flora are 275 N. Downtown Mall breathtaking, yet there is currently no Las Cruces, NM 88001 575/527-9962 by Pat Buls those of us who cherish nature, our permanent protection for this area. The Santa Fe Field Office fondest wish—our driving force—is to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and 341 E Alameda St I’ve been an explorer all of my life. I preserve the earth as it was created. its support groups continue to work Santa Fe, NM 87501 505/216-9719 always take the back roads, the scenic Throughout my amazing journey to establish such protection. We know route, the road less traveled. Growing through life, I have had the rewarding that it’s now or never, for once public Mission Statement The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is up in a military family, I had ample experience of bringing other people lands are “disposed of” (sold for private dedicated to the protection, restoration, opportunity to explore many different into the wilderness–my children, my development), there’s no getting them and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s areas in the United States and South horseback-riding students , and now back. Even holding on to public access wildlands and Wilderness areas. America, mostly by horseback. I settled my grandchildren. What a delight it roads becomes difficult when private NMWA Staff in southern New Mexico because of its is to foster that spirit of adventure and ownership is granted. Fences are built, Albuquerque Office climate and its vast, open spaces— watch it unfold into a desire to care for Stephen Capra, Executive Director gates are locked. Nathan Newcomer, Associate Director room to explore. and nurture the earth! It is, after all, our Tisha Broska, Development Director natural habitat—and our only viable For those of us with any sense of Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager Trisha London, Membership & Grassroots Assistant I’ve also been a seeker of the Truth, the one! adventure, it is imperative that we Craig Chapman, Special Events Coordinator reason for our existence here on this become active, not only in exploring Miranda Gray: GIS Coordinator awesome planet. My extensive explo- Here in Doña Ana County, we have some our habitat, but in protecting and Roger Turner: Member and Volunteer Coordinator ration of the backcountry has led me George Duffy, Volunteer Superstar of the most extreme contrasts in habitat preserving it intact, as it was created Carlsbad Office to places where I entered into the very for both human and animal inhab- for our enjoyment, our sustenance, Steve West, Staff Scientist presence of the Creator of this wondrous itants. We are one of the poorest in the and our spiritual renewal. Get involved Las Cruces Office earth and all its amazing creatures. nation in terms of average income, yet by joining a group of like-minded Jeff Steinborn, Southern Director The oldest and most reliable story of Nathan Small, Wilderness Protection Coordinator we are experiencing new growth that individuals, making your voice heard Santa Fe Office creation is that the Creator’s intent was includes some of the wealthiest people by your legislators on a local, state, and David Ehrman, Outreach Coordinator to establish an everlasting paradise. In around. We live in a desert, yet we have national level. And know that by doing Northern New Mexico the book of Revelation (11: 18) he reveals a lush river valley flowing through our so you will be heard as a “voice crying John Olivas, Northern Director that “he will bring to ruin those ruining midst. We have a fair-sized metropolis in the wilderness,” preparing the way Board of Directors the earth!” No wonder then, that for in the city of Las Cruces (second largest for a return to Paradise. Wesley Leonard, Albuquerque, NM (Chair) Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM (Vice-Chair) Nancy Morton, Albuquerque, NM (Secretary) Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM (Co-Treasurer) Nancy Murray, Albuquerque, NM (Co-Treasurer) Rick C. Aster, Socorro, NM Ken Cole, Albuquerque, NM Esther Garcia, Questa, NM Jim Hickerson, Cedar Crest, NM Christianne Hinks, Albuquerque, NM Tripp Killin, Albuquerque, NM Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM Reflections Brooke Williams, Moab, UT Advisory Council Phil Carter, Albuquerque, NM Dave Foreman, Albuquerque, NM Bob Howard, Santa Fe, NM By Nathan Small process that preceded it. Excited phone Top of the World Ridge tour, Valles Rick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM Randy Gray, Missoula, MT calls have come in from new, longtime, Canyon, and more. Climbing high above Jim Baca, Albuquerque, NM The rains arrived late this year. With and even lapsed members asking what the canyon, I saw mist clouds floating Newsletter Staff them the country has sprung to life, they can do to help. below, above, and also at eye level. Nathan Newcomer, Managing Editor green shoots filling in the yellowed Joe Adair, Design Editor clumps of last year’s grass and bright The outpouring of support underscores We’ve been fortunate to take scores of Hilary Handelsman, Copy Editor flowers popping up next to water an important point: conservation can trips over the past several years to the pools in recently dry desert draws. bring communities together. Voices Broad Canyon Country. It had never What is Wilderness? In mid-September, one of the larger in this newsletter eloquently describe appeared this way—veiled in swiftly The Wilderness Act of 1964 storms, replete with midnight lightning the hope, pride, and accomplishment flowing rivers of fog and cloud. During established the National Wilderness Preservation System and sleep depriving rain, heralded an that comes with protecting important these trips, the oldest participant was to preserve the last remaining even more important event: Senator wilderness areas. Increasingly, the over 80, and the youngest had yet to wildlands in America. The Jeff Bingaman and Senator Tom Udall’s economic and quality of life benefits see 10 years of age. Promoting the Wilderness Act, as federal policy, introduction of the Organ Mountains- of wilderness protection are being exploration and enjoyment of these secures “an enduring resource Desert Peaks Wilderness Act. showcased and openly discussed, with wild lands is a wonderful blessing. We of wilderness” for the people. Wilderness is defined as an area conservation and economic opportunity will continue to help introduce people that has primarily been affected There are many perspectives on this going hand in hand. to these extraordinary places. Through by the forces of nature with the momentous event. Most are enthu- the leadership of countless community imprint of humans substantially siastically supportive. Three local On a recent weekend, in the midst of members, businesses, and organi- unnoticeable. It is an area that offers outstanding opportunity governments, Dona Ana County, the all this excitement, I stole away for zations, combined with the strong for solitude or a primitive or Town of Mesilla, and the City of Las a solitary morning trip to the Broad leadership of our two Senators, Jeff unconfined type of recreation, and Cruces, unanimously passed resolu- Canyon Country. A misty fog enveloped Bingaman and Tom Udall, look forward an area that contains ecological, tions supporting the legislation. The the land, courtesy of an all day and all to the day when the Desert Peaks-Organ geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or Las Cruces Sun News and Albuquerque night rain. I began hiking in a familiar Mountains Wilderness Act is passed historical value. Journal wrote editorials praising both place—the beginning of several into law. the legislation but the pain staking common hiking routes, including the Please visit us at

New Mexico WILD! nmWILD.orgPage 3 TOM WOOTTEN — WEST POTRILLO MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS AREA by Steve West

The recent introduction of the Doña Ana County Wilderness Bill in the United States Senate is a great step forward in protecting large landscapes across that part of the Chihuahuan Desert. One of the main components of this bill is designation of the West Potrillos as a Wilderness area. This is a large area with forty-eight cinder cones and numerous other geologic, cultural, and biological features.

We are also working to honor one of our wilderness leaders by adding his name to the designation. Tom Wootten was a quiet, unassuming man who lived in Las Cruces and frequently wandered the Potrillos in his quest to learn more about desert plants. Tom passed away suddenly and far too soon a little over two years ago. During his time with us, he and his wife supported a wide variety of conservation measures. He was a founder and former board member of NMWA. He and Eleanor founded T & E, Inc. and supported hundreds of projects undertaken by students, professors, and agencies great horned owls, and Swainson’s hawks without additional protection. who were studying threatened and endan­ So what is the Tom Wootten-West Potrillos nesting here. Peregrine falcons have been It is amazing to realize that a largely gered species, ecosystems, and biological proposed wilderness area and why should reported during migration. Other species untouched gem of this size exists so close processes, primarily in the Chihuahuan it be designated Wilderness? of animals that can be found here include to the cities of El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, Desert. This support, which still continues, The plant community found in the West mule deer, pronghorn, coyote, black-tailed New Mexico; and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. has greatly increased our understanding Potrillo Mountains is typical of the jackrabbit, scaled quail, and even ducks, These cities contain in excess of 2.5 million and has helped to preserve species that Chihuahuan Desert. A wide variety of who appear on ephemeral ponds in the residents, many of whom value open space might otherwise have passed on. grasses occurs, and much of the landscape fall. The area also has a high diversity of and depend on it for weekend getaways. is covered with creosote, the result of bats. There are over 700 established Wilderness years of overgrazing. Yucca, mesquite, The Potrillos area is also known for its Tom Wootten was a mentor to many who areas in the United States and almost fifty acacia, and creosote currently make up cultural importance. There is ample work in protecting the land today. T & of them have been named after wilderness the majority of the plant cover. Netleaf evidence of pre-Columbian Native E, Inc. supported many of those people heroes. Some of these areas are named hackberry occurs in draws and arroyos American habitation in caves in the East who continue to study the land, work after people with national wilderness where additional moisture may collect. Potrillo Mountains. Located in the region to preserve biodiversity, and promote credentials such as Bob Marshall, Aldo Junipers are found at higher elevations in is a classic Mimbres Pueblo, which has the education. Tom’s name should be Leopold, or Henry Jackson. Others are the wet Potrillos but can occasionally be highest concentration of bird bones found associated with an area that he studied local wilderness heroes—people who found at lower elevations as well. Most of at any known Mimbres site. There are also and loved. His name also serves as a often worked quietly to protect landscapes the moisture comes in August-September several undisturbed El Pasophase struc­ reminder of what an individual can do to and species and to increase environmental and can result in a profusion of flowers, tures in the West Potrillo Mountains. The make things better, working quietly and awareness and protection. Tom was one of including white and yellow desert zinnias, name “Potrillos” comes from Spanish, showing the commitment that can bring those. desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, meaning a foal or a young horse, and about changes that last for generations. various species of globe mallow, mountain reflects the Spanish influence. How that People who hike in the Tom Wootten-West Tom spent a great deal of time in the pepperweeds, Chihuahuan flax, summer name became attached to this area may be Potrillos Wilderness Area a hundred years Potrillos; it was one of his favorite places. poppies, and sunflowers. In one of the a mystery lost to history. from now will be reminded of a wilderness And the Potrillos, both West and East, are large basins in the center of the West hero from another generation. deserving of Wilderness designation. The Potrillos can be found a unique type of This large area is important for a variety of proposal concerning the West Potrillos, vegetation called the cholla savannah. reasons. Not the least is that its being close NMWA is asking that people write letters located southwest of Las Cruces, would In this area grow grasses and large cane to Mexico means that it forms a biotic link to Senator Bingaman and Congressman include over 140,000 acres and extend into cholla with heights up to ten feet (3.05 between species that the U.S. and Mexico Teague in support of this wilderness the far reaches of eastern Luna County. meters). Large barrel cactus are also found share. The area also provides large-scale area. A copy should be sent to Steve West, This area is a broad volcanic field that in this vegetation type and elsewhere. protection for plant and animal commu- Staff Scientist and Southeast Director encompasses numerous cinder cones, nities in an area that has already been for NMWA. His address is 1105 Ocotillo large craters, and signs of extensive lava This area is also important to a wide drastically changed. Some species, such Canyon Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220, or flows that occurred about 10,000 years variety of wildlife. Numerous birds of as aplomado falcons and Mexican gray e-mail: [email protected] ago. prey use the area, with golden eagles, wolves are gone, and others will disappear

Page 4 FALL 2009 Wilderness in Doña Ana Gets Its Chance

Looking for scenic landscapes? Southern term “wilderness” as “An area where New Mexico offers breathtaking sights the earth and its community of life are such as lava flows, limestone cliffs, and untrammeled by man, where man himself winding canyons; these natural beauties is a visitor who does not remain.” The can be found in the surrounding wild areas main purpose of designating Wilderness of our own Doña Ana County. Hiking, areas in Doña Ana County is to preserve camping, fishing, bird-watching, and these wild lands in their natural condition, horseback riding are some of the recre- which means protecting them against an ational activities these places offer. ever-increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and an increased Doña Ana County is part of the northern use of mechanized vehicles. Chihuahuan Desert, an area considered high desert, with elevations raging from In addition to ecological soundness, there efforts such as those of the Wilderness as protected Wilderness areas. The next 3,000 to 5,000 feet. This diverse, high are many reasons to justify wilderness Alliance, the citizen’s proposal has step, which we support and advocate, desert ecosystem supports nearly 4,000 protection, not excluding personal ties reached the ears of Senators Jeff Bingaman will be encouraging Congressman Harry species of plants and animals, including to the land. Piedad Mayagoitia, a New and Tom Udall. On September 17, 2009, Teague to introduce this bill in the House endangered species such as the Mexican Mexico State University member of the both senators introduced a bill called of Representatives. wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), the black-tailed NMWA, sees her connection to wild lands the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicanus), and as an opportunity to be part of a natural Wilderness Act, which would protect the The New Mexico State University chapter the recovering Aplomado falcon (Falco existence so seldom found these days. following wilderness areas: the Organ of the Wilderness Alliance will continue to femoralis). Current threats to these species, Along similar lines, chapter member James Mountains, Sierra de Las Uvas, Broad pursue wilderness advocacy as our main among others, include a growing human Morel describes his personal connection Canyon, Robledos, and the Greater Potrillo goal. We also organize hiking excursions population and the increasing popularity to wilderness: “I experience significant Mountain Area. This bill would create with the purpose of demonstrating the of ATV recreation. Off-road vehicles moments of clarity when I spend time 259,000 acres of Wilderness and 100,000 need for wild land protection, while also present a serious risk to wildlife, causing in the wild; time seems to slow down in acres of National Conservation Area. enjoying the fresh air, beautiful views, direct mortality, habitat fragmentation,and the tranquil atmosphere of wilderness.” Watersheds, outstanding hunting and wildlife, and plants. If you are interested damage to native vegetation. Charles Britt, another member of the recreational opportunities, and cultural in participating in our organization or in university chapter of the NMWA, says that resources like petroglyphs and other the state chapter, send an e-mail to the Preservation of wild areas such as those in wilderness is, for him, “A place to escape historical features would all be protected student chapter at [email protected] Doña Ana County is of utmost importance anthropogenic pressures, gain a clear under the provisions of this bill. This or to Nathan Small, at the state chapter, to protect the natural habitat that is critical mind, and relish the solitude found in the legislation seeks to promote local tourism at [email protected]. You can for all species. For this reason, local citizens mountains.” and economic development, as well as also visit the Web site of the Doña Ana selected several areas in southern New maintaining healthy habitat for game and Wilderness Mexico to be designated as Wilderness. Southern New Mexico wildlife issues have sensitive species, and represents a big The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines the gained importance, and, thanks to local step toward designating our wild lands Perceptions by Jim Bates perceived that they wanted to prevent us Doña Ana County Sportsman from using these areas.

Then came the public forums and meetings With the state of the nation—and the world on the wilderness proposal. For me, they in general—as they are, it is not difficult to were a real eye-opener. Instead of being understand why so many of us are skeptical confronted by wilderness zealots with about things. Sometimes, though, events dastardly intentions of preventing me from occur that can give us hope. Such has participating in the activities I cherish, been the case with the events leading up I found the individuals involved to be to the recent wilderness bill introduced in reasonable, amicable, and willing to listen Congress by Senator Bingaman. to the concerns of others; they possessed an attitude of compromise that was unexpected As an outdoorsman and hunter who has and quite refreshing. used the proposed Wilderness areas The discussions that took place between extensively for several decades, I was those willing to focus on the “big picture” extremely concerned about the Wilderness of preserving these landscapes and the it are substantial and reasonable. Assuming perspective, my faith has been restored in designations, especially given some of the plant and animal communities that reside that the legislation that has been intro- the “process” and the ability of reasonable suggested boundaries and road closures in them were civil and productive. Although duced passes, these treasured areas will people with varied and differing outlooks in the original study areas. I vowed, along every effort was made to bring them into the finally be protected in a manner that allows on things to come together and make good with many others like me, to oppose any fold, those who could not get beyond their the parties from all sides—even those who decisions. The wilderness folks should take legislation that would essentially eliminate own selfish interests and shortsightedness continued to balk throughout—to feel good pride in the work they have done through our ability to utilize these areas for our were—reluctantly—left behind. about their interactions with one another individuals like Jeff Steinborn, Nathan traditional recreational purposes. We were and the resulting accomplishments. Small, and many others. Kudos to you all! skeptical, to say the least, of the Wilderness The final product that came out of the entire proponents’ underlying intentions; we process is a good one. The compromises in From a consumptive-use outdoorsman’s

New Mexico WILD! Page 5 Otero Mesa Update where we stand America’s Wildest Grassland - Otero Mesa by Nathan Newcomer Associate Director

Think for a brief moment about luck and chance, and imagine the meaning of destiny and fate.

A soaring pair of golden eagles; a herd of fifty pronghorn grazing in a valley, the clouds hanging low; countless songbirds scurrying up and down through several feet of undulating grass; and old, brittle carvings etched on volcanic rocks spark the imagination to dream of a time when land tamed men.

A pack of coyotes streaming along the horizon as a monsoon storm quickly rolls in behind them. A story of pronghorn bones found 800 feet up the side of Wind Mountain in a den that could only belong to a mountain lion. A ceaseless night sky, filled with stars and the Milky Way as thick and clear as a jar of marbles let loose Wilderness Alliance has been working a lack of satisfaction with the agency’s lawsuit brought by the New Mexico on the heavens. to protect this grassland from oil and management plan for the area. Specifi- Wilderness Alliance and the State of gas drilling. Surprising to some, but cally, the Senator sighted concerns over New Mexico, declaring that the federal A deluge, then the rush of water cascading testimony to those that have worked on contamination of the Salt Basin Aquifer Bureau of Land Management’s plan down cliff sides, overpowering arroyos this campaign, we have been successful underneath Otero Mesa, and emphasized for oil and gas drilling in the area was and breathing new life into the desert; a in curbing leasing and development – for that the public voice needed to be heard fatally flawed. yellow carpet of small flowers that blanket now. more in the discussion. the entire terrain for miles on end, and a landscape that ostensibly swallows up Along the way, we helped form a coalition As a congressman, Senator Tom Udall The court went on to say that the everything else around it, including the of conservationists, sportsmen, ranchers, joined Senators Bingaman and Pete agency’s plan inadequately addressed thoughts and worries of the traveler that religious and business leaders, as well as Domenici in calling on the Bureau of Land measures to prevent habitat fragmen- has just stepped foot into it. elected officials at the state and national Management (BLM) to suspend all oil and tation, and water contamination, level. This was truly a campaign built by gas leasing and drilling in Otero Mesa admonishing the agency that “[d] This is New Mexico’s Otero Mesa – the the people of the state of New Mexico – a until a thorough study of the aquifer was evelopment is a possible use, which largest and wildest grassland remaining real grassroots effort. completed. BLM must weigh against other possible on public lands in America. uses—including conservation to Senator Jeff Bingaman wrote many letters Governor Bill Richardson has perhaps protect environmental values, which For the past eight years, the New Mexico to the Department of Interior, expressing been the most outspoken champion for are best assessed through the NEPA preserving Otero Mesa’s process.” Furthermore, the court ruled wilderness, water, and that the BLM must write a new alter- wildlife (SEE PAGE …… native that closes Otero Mesa to oil and ) gas leasing, and allow the public to comment on this new option. Numerous other munici- palities, county commis- This is a tremendous victory for the sions, state senators, campaign to save Otero Mesa – and and representatives have we would not be here in this moment supported, adopted or without the support of our robust passed resolutions calling coalition and supporters throughout for the protection of the state and country. It is because of Otero Mesa. Newspapers the multitude of voices that cascaded throughout the state from every corner of the state that we have editorialized in are able to say – “oil and gas devel- favor of preserving this opment in Otero Mesa is suspended, ecological gem. And most indefinitely.” recently, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals So hats off to ALL of you! issued a decision on a

Page 6 FALL 2009 El Ri o Gr a n d e De l No r t e National Conservation Area (NCA) Proposal by John Olivas Northern New Mexico Director

Forty-five years ago, a bipartisan group of lawmakers agreed to legislation that would have a lasting impact on our nation’s public lands—not by changing them, but by making sure that some portion of these magnificent wild places would stay as they were for all time and for all generations to use and enjoy. The Wilderness Act, signed into law September 3, 1964, was an acknowledgment that our public lands are part of what shape us as a people and that there is value in protecting some of them in their pristine state as a natural legacy.

Over the last four and a half decades, this act, which created the National Wilderness Preservation System, has been used to protect forever some of New Mexico’s wild treasures, including the Gila, Aldo by President Barack Obama in March, Grande Del Norte National Conservation extinct volcano cinder cones. Senator Leopold, and Blue Range Wilderness protecting 16,030 acres for future genera- Area. His bill, which has won the backing Bingaman has crafted his bill to allow for areas in southwestern New Mexico, and tions. of the Taos County Commission and longstanding traditions, such as grazing the Pecos and Wheeler and Latir peaks in the support of the Mora Valley and Taos and the collection of firewood and piñon the northern part of the state. Earlier this A similar group of diverse interests has County Chambers of Commerce, would nuts, to continue. It also protects the year, after years of work by sportsmen, been working with Senator Jeff Bingaman ensure that this area, rich in wildlife and rights given land grant members under conservationists, business leaders, and to add more special, wild places to the plants, would stay as it is—for camping, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. ranchers, the Sabinoso Wilderness, located Wilderness treasury. Efforts are underway hunting, fishing, and quiet solitude. The in eastern San Miguel County, became one to designate the Cerro de Yuta Wilderness legislation would preserve an important We applaud this conservation effort and of the nation’s newest Wilderness areas. and the Rio San Antonio Wilderness part of our natural heritage—an area hope to see it become the law of the land as Sabinoso Wilderness was part of a major as part of a measure introduced by the that boasts high mesa sagebrush grass- soon as possible. lands package that was signed into law senator to create the 235,980-acre El Rio lands, woodlands of piñon juniper, and

‘Time out’ a chance to defend ‘Roadless-Rule’

cause erosion and drying of vegetation that requiring secretarial-level review of any borders the roads, leading to increased projects that might be inconsistent with fire danger. In developing the Roadless the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Rule, the federal government garnered an This, in essence, is a time-out for the almost unprecedented amount of public legal challenges. Additionally, Sen. Jeff involvement. It received more than 1.6 Bingaman and Reps. Martin Heinrich million comments from the public, and and Ben Ray Luján have all signed on as it held some 600 public hearings. Federal, original co-sponsors of the Roadless Area by Kathy Holian Santa Fe — depend on the National Forest state, tribal, and other pubic agencies were Conservation Act of 2009. This legislation Santa Fe County Commissioner land for their watersheds. As such, they involved in drafting the rule. More than would make the roadless rule the law and are an integral part of our life, and our 95 percent of the comments were favorable ensure permanent protection for wild Five National Forests are contained in health. About a third of the National toward establishing roadless areas in areas of our National Forests and the the state of New Mexico: Carson, Cibola, Forests across the country are in a special our National Forests. Unfortunately, in vast wildlife, recreation, and economic Lincoln, Santa Fe, and Gila. These forest category called “Roadless.” It is critical to the eight years since the inception of the benefits they provide. I urge our entire lands are among the most important of have some areas that are unfragmented Roadless Rule, it has been challenged in congressional delegation to support the our state treasures. Most people are aware and pristine. The Roadless Area Conser- court on a number of occasions, and the act vigorously, and I urge everyone to take of the recreational opportunities that vation Rule, or “Roadless Rule,” was federal government has been deliber- a moment to think about how National they afford — hunting, fishing, hiking, created in 2001, not only to safeguard ately recalcitrant to defend against those Forests contribute to our lives in so many horseback riding, among other activities. a significant fraction of America ‘s challenges — up until now. ways, and how they are a priceless legacy But it is also important to recognize that National Forests from logging and other to our future generations. they help serve as our community lungs commercial development, but also to President Obama and his administration Kathy Holian is a Santa Fe County by cleaning our air, and as our community protect unbroken areas from the ravages have recently taken a step toward protection commissioner in District 4. She lives in kidneys by cleaning our water. Fifteen that roads can cause. Roads always cause of these areas. On May 28, the Department Santa Fe. communities in New Mexico — including fragmentation, but moreover, they can of Agriculture issued an interim directive

New Mexico WILD! Page 7 “Thousands of NewEl Mexico ranchers,legado hunters and de Otero Mesa conservationists, regardless of party affiliation, are opposed to oil and gas leasing at Otero Mesa.” - Governor Bill Richardson (January 2005) It’s not often that you get to work on an significant wilderness area.” The governor exciting campaign like the one to protect went on to add that he would “remain America’s wildest grassland—Otero opposed to any drilling in this area unless Mesa. It is even more uncommon to find the BLM conducts a new wilderness study.” a true champion for a place such as this, a champion like the one we’ve had in Governor In late January 2004, Governor Richardson Bill Richardson (D-NM). made a surprise appearance at the Otero Mesa public forum, which was held at the In 2002, when he was running for his first KiMo Theater in downtown Albuquerque. term as governor, Bill Richardson wrote a Halfway through the event, the governor letter to the Bureau of Land Management got up on stage in front of 700 people and (BLM) requesting that the agency conduct signed an executive order directing all state a new Wilderness inventory of Otero Mesa. agencies to work to conserve and protect the The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance had resources of Otero Mesa. and the results were not pretty. Close to 90 catalyst that led to the landmark decision done its own comprehensive fieldwork, “The federal government just got notice percent of the region would be available for issued by the United States Court of Appeals finding that 500,000 acres of this grassland that, if they want to drill in Otero Mesa, this leasing and development, with a piecemeal for the Tenth Circuit in April of 2009. qualified for Wilderness designation. Yet governor and this state are going to fight 10 percent remaining closed. This was the BLM had only formally recognized two them,” said Mr. Richardson. obviously neither balanced nor prudent, Without the strong leadership of Governor small areas for Wilderness status within the and, as the facts would later demonstrate, it Bill Richardson, and the tireless efforts broader 1.2 million-acre area. In March of 2004, the governor submitted was also arbitrary and capricious. of other, unsung, champions within state a Consistency Review & Recommended government, Otero Mesa could very well be Richardson’s request for a new Wilderness Changes to the agency. In this compre- In response to the BLM’s lopsided drilling overrun with oil and gas development. It is inventory by the BLM was a bold step, but it hensive and lengthy document, the governor plan, the governor stated that “the state is also important to remember that the citizens was only the beginning. outlined the case for preserving Otero Mesa going to fight this with everything we’ve got,” of this great state are the ones who helped and highlighted key errors in the agency’s and in April of 2005, the state of New Mexico to push our leaders to take an active role in In February of 2003, the newly elected drilling plans. The governor also proposed filed a lawsuit in conjunction with the New safeguarding this wild grassland. governor wrote a letter to then secretary a new alternative that would establish a Mexico Wilderness Alliance against the of the interior Gale Norton, expressing his National Conservation Area in Otero Mesa. federal government over Otero Mesa. This We wholeheartedly thank Governor opposition to opening Otero Mesa to drilling Despite the vast chorus that was calling for was the first time in history that the state Richardson for being a vigorous defender of and stating that “any future development protecting Otero Mesa, in January of 2005 of New Mexico sued the federal government Otero Mesa and working to leave a lasting would have to include the designation of a the BLM released its final plan for drilling, over a public lands issue, and it was the legacy of wildness for future generations. Otero, Etc. Area of Critical Environmental 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Concern (ACEC) Decision – The Landmark Victory

As reported in our last newsletter On April 28, 2009, the 10th Circuit U.S. (New Mexico Wild! Summer 2009), the Court of Appeals issued its decision inval- Coalition for Otero Mesa, submitted an idating the Bureau of Land Management’s ACEC nomination to the Bureau of Land drilling plan for Otero Mesa. Management, recommending that 600,000 acres of this 1.2 million acre area be The court rejected the BLM’s position that designated as critical Chihuahuan desert there were no significant risks to the Salt grassland habitat. Basin Aquifer, which contains millions of acre-feet of potable water, from oil and gas, This occurred in June of 2008 and to noting that the agency had not reviewed date, we have heard very little on what the “relevant data” and characterized the agency intends to do with this nomination, information included in the agency’s own although they have expressed some documentation as “point[ing] uniformly positive views about the concept. in the opposite direction from the agency’s determination, we cannot defer to that Consequently, our ACEC nomination was determination.” submitted during the agency’s Tri-County Management Plan for Otero, Sierra, and Further, the court required the BLM Dona Ana Counties, before the 10th Circuit to thoroughly examine the potential Court of Appeals issued its landmark destruction of fragile desert grasslands decision in the Otero Mesa litigation. from its proposed management approach, approach as claiming “that analyzing of impact—habitat disturbance—is the which was not included in the original draft the likely impacts of building a dirt road same under either scenario.” A draft of the Tri-County Management provided to the public. In dismissing the along the edge of an ecosystem excuses As of the publication of this article, we are Plan might be available to the public for agency’s claim that wildlife habitat would an agency from analyzing the impacts still waiting to hear back from the BLM on comment in spring 2010. not be affected by a complete change in of building a four-lane highway straight how they intend to comply with the courts approach, the court analogized the BLM’s down the middle, simply because the type decision. STAY TUNED!!

Page 8 FALL 2009 Impacts to Real People: Why the 1872 Mining Law Needs Reform

by Claire Wilcox both written and verbal, were so vague on downstream irrigation water for 1,986, really matter to them? The next day, that ultimately I grew even more nervous agriculture, lack of clarity about how the by e-mail, I heard the great and surprising Palms sweaty and chest tight, I intro- because of the false sense of reassurance company would irrigate the project, its not news: the commissioners had voted duced myself to the woman next to me, that they gave me. I was afraid that the having yet obtained state permits, lack of the application down. Within a month, and she said, “I know, I’m your neighbor.” commissioners would buy in. For all I emergency services. Residents stated that however, Outlook Resources filed a lawsuit I apologized, told her I was tense, as knew, he would get a thirty-year blank- they didn’t want Rico to change, citing against the Dolores County commissioners many of us were. It was June 11, 2009, at slate permit and then turn around and sell firsthand experience of boom and bust because of their decision, and confidential a public hearing in the Town Hall of Rico, to another company that would do what it mining economy, and asserting that they discussions are underway between the two Colorado. Rico: population range 200500, pleased. wanted Rico to develop not along the lines entities. The outcome of these discussions altitude approximately 8,825 feet, nestled of its not-so-distant past (mining having is still unknown. in 12,000+ foot peaks among aspen and But the commissioners impressed me, left less than fifty years ago, the town still spruce, surrounded by miles of some of asking good questions about where he recovering and cleaning up from past Last week, I went backpacking along the the most spectacular undeveloped alpine wanted to mill, how he would propose mining damage), but as a residential, Colorado Trail just northwest of Durango, wilderness in the country. The hearing to keep the water clean, what exactly the family-oriented community. The town which overlooks much of the land that was an opportunity for the Dolores County exploration process entailed, exposing that manager was soft-spoken and relentless. would likely be accessed for mining. From commissioners to hear from Marc Levin, it was a more costly and invasive of Outlook Mining Resources, which had process than I had otherwise applied to explore for and mine molyb- imagined: that it would cost denum about one mile up Silver Creek about a million dollars per hole from the town of Rico, about 4,000 feet to drill; that each patch, of which below the ground surface. It was also an there would be at least fifteen, opportunity for the commissioners to hear would be about fifty by fifty feet from the Rico public about its views on the in size; that from each initial application. Our fates were in the hands hole would stem other holes, like of the Dolores County commissioners— a root system; and that many three individuals, all of whom live in a would be on public land, where different town, and whom many of us he imagined he would remove don’t know personally. The hours ahead the ore if it was found, etc. They would determine the course of history for further exposed that Levin us. I cared desperately about the outcome, didn’t have a concrete plan; that as I felt this proposal was threatening my the mill might go up along the home. Dolores River scenic Hwy 145; that his potential ore removal Mr. Levin spoke first. During his half-hour site couldn’t be specified, presentation, he spoke of using “just because he hadn’t “contacted a ventilation shaft in the Silver Creek the rancher yet.” I watched their drainage during the mining phase” and faces closely as he talked, and “minimal traffic during the exploration especially as he spoke about phase.” The symbol of his company is the potential financial benefits a columbine flower, representing the to Dolores County (200300 jobs; 1520 The attorney was unshakable and legally this trail, the Needles and Grenadiers, the minimal environmental impact of his million dollars annual payroll), since I firm, and 100 percent behind Rico, Lizardhead Wilderness, the La Sals, and work. He stated that there would be little knew this might be the hook that would protecting the rights of its citizens against La Platas are visible. Much of this land is impact on the quality of the water, despite ultimately reel them in. I couldn’t read the potential damage from an application. public land, undeveloped. Mountain lion, the fact that the initial mining opera- them. The meeting went very late—past 1:00 bobcat, coyote, elk, and deer roam across tions would take place near the Silver AM—and one of the speakers offered a miles of this territory. I could envision Creek drainage, Rico’s source of drinking Thirty-three members of the public signed room at the hotel to the commissioners. multiple metal structures; more roads water. He also asserted that the ore would up to speak. The floors creaked as people Rico was friendly, open, intelligent, and and traffic; increased air dust, decreasing not be removed by open pit (which is the moved forward to share their concerns. firm in its stance: we love Rico the way it visibility; and, perhaps even worse, an standard way that Molybdenum is mined “I’m more afraid the floor is going to fall is, and we beg that you don’t approve the open pit that could be seen from here; and in other places) and would take place up in than that he’s going to get rights to application as it stands. I felt horrified. It’s uncivilized that the to ten miles away. He said that it would mine,” my neighbor whispered. But I felt Mining Act of 1872 stands valid to this be so expensive to begin the process … to different. I was scared. But I was also I left the meeting a bit early (at 12:30 AM), day, and that public lands are still easily explore … that the actual mining might amazed by the eloquence, clarity, intelli- feeling impressed, but still uncertain mineable. There are so few places left not happen for more than a decade. For gence, and, above all, the unity of the town about the way the commissioners would that are truly pristine. It’s only a matter a moment, I felt seduced by it; he almost voice. Presentation after presentation cited vote. Would they choose the potential for of time before Rico, its citizens, and the had me convinced that I’d never notice the practical concerns, mentioning wildlife, minor, short-term economic reward over spectacular gifts that surround it are presence of any mining at all, despite the water purity, proposed access routes for environmental and water protection? Did threatened again. Whatever we can do fact that it was a mile from my home. Yet the mining operations (through town), the fears and happiness of a town whose to act now, today, would be well advised, he used so many likely’s and probably’s trails access, lack of detail in the proposal, year-round population gets just above before our last remaining beautiful places during his presentation, and his proposals, violation of county codes, potential effect 200, in a county with a population of are destroyed.

New Mexico WILD! Page 9 Mexico portion of the Permian Basin practice. For the purposes of this map, we in southeast New Mexico. Natural gas assigned a small footprint value to active The Human Footprint: extraction is concentrated in the San Juan grazing allotments on the basis that grazed Basin in northwest New Mexico. lands may still qualify for wilderness. A Tool for Wilderness Protection Human Settlement & Access Human settlement and access has Invasive Plants caused significant biodiversity loss; The invasive plant species footprint is sprawling neighborhoods permanently another of those subtle but serious threats by Miranda Gray for wilderness protection and restoration replace natural habitat, and roads to biodiversity and native habitat regimes. GIS Coordinator work and other transport corridors cause The invasive plants that are well-estab- • Refinement of habitat suitability models habitat fragmentation, increase wildlife lished in New Mexico out-compete native A lot of wilderness can still be found in to incorporate species-specific response to mortality, and provide access to habitats plants for water and space, and spread New Mexico, and to recognize it requires human land use that were formally remote from human quickly on the trail of human disturbance. a hard look at where wilderness is not. • Easy replication of the model with any encroachment. Human settlement over GIS data for invasive plant dispersal in The human footprint refers to the extent new data the years has also altered predator-prey New Mexico is far from complete, but this of our disturbance of the land. A model interactions and in general set natural model incorporates what data does exist. of the human footprint serves to highlight Mining ecological systems off balance. Settlement Crops Agriculture places most untrammeled, natural, Mines have the potential to cause signif- pressures were evaluated by population and undeveloped. This GIS analysis is icant localized damage through direct density, housing density, and the In our arid environment, water used in an estimate of the cumulative human habitat removal and the contamination distinction of rural vs. urban in the 2000 large-scale irrigation largely evaporates, footprint in New Mexico, attributable to of local water sources. New Mexico is census. Access was evaluated by a multi- and the percentage that does find its way modern human settlement, human access, a lead mining state with significant level classification of road data to capture back to streams is increasingly laden human land use, and electrical power production of coal, copper, potash, and varying degrees of use, infrastructure, with pesticides, herbicides, and fertil- infrastructure. molybdenum. Mining activity is most and edge-effects. izers. Invasive plants find a good home in pronounced in areas with large reserves areas designed for plant growth, making The final human footprint map is a of these commodities: the San Juan Basin Large Dams agricultural lands sources of invasive synthesis of ten datasets, weighted and coal district, Tyrone and Chino copper The Human Footprint accounted for 105 plant dispersal. Industrial Agriculture combined in such a way as to reflect a mines in Grant County, the Carlsbad dams larger than 15 meters throughout in New Mexico is focused in Doña Ana relative contribution to land conversion potash district in Eddy County, and the New Mexico. Alterations of a river’s flow County and east-central NM. and biodiversity loss. GIS becomes an Questa molybdenum mine and mill in impacts aquatic and semi-aquatic species especially important support tool for Taos County. by changing water temperature, water Data sources for this map came from: wilderness protection when its scientific levels, sediment and nutrient levels, U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Geological results are readily understood—mainly Oil & Gas while dams themselves act as a barrier Survey (USGS); Environmental Systems in the form of simple, good-looking maps. Oil and gas wells are scored to reflect to wildlife movement. Human Footprint Research Institute (ESRI); New Mexico With a robust database of defen¬sible mostly localized impacts on biodiversity scores accounted for large dam sites, as Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources data, the possibilities for GIS analysis for as a result of habitat alteration and the well as the further-reaching impacts both Department (NM EMNRD); Petroleum wilderness support become equally robust, associated risks of spillage, leaks, and downstream and upstream of the site. Recovery Research Center; National as do the possibilities for wilderness emissions at the well site. The combined Inventory of Dams; Nationalatlas. protection. While the human footprint can pressure of densely roaded areas can Livestock Grazing gov; and Southwest ReGAP. The model itself serve as a useful tool for conservation further fragment habitat and open up Because New Mexico has a long history borrowed methodology from the article planning and public awareness, it can also remote areas to increased human access, of livestock grazing and presumably only “Rescaling the Human Footprint: A tool for be used for further analysis, such as: which is accounted for by a high score an extremely small percentage of land has conser¬vation planning at an ecoregional for producing oil and gas leases. Most of not been grazed, it would be difficult to scale,” which appeared in Landscape and • Prioritization of wilderness-quality lands today’s oil production occurs in the New quantify the all-pervasive footprint of this Urban Planning, Volume 87.

than that. GIS is a rapidly growing techno- of spatial data, which can then be used in been nearly impossible in the age of paper logical field that is now incorporated into GIS. For instance, GPS could collect the maps. It is a tool with which we can analyze What is GIS? the daily work flow of a growing number coordinates of a user-created route, and and model what is happening spatially on of government agencies, organizations, we can use GIS to determine whether that the planet. It then also provides a means to Miranda Gray is GIS specialist businesses, and universities. Broken down route is encroaching on a wilderness area. easily produce custom maps that highlight for the New Mexico Wilderness into its essential components, it consists With GIS one can overlay these different the answers to geographic questions such Alliance. She has been with the of a computer, software, spatial data, and mapped features as layers stacked on top as these: organization since 2007. She someone who knows how to use it all. of one another. This structure allows us Where are the best dispersal corridors for sits in the far back corner of the Spatial data is the backbone of the entire to see associations and patterns between cougars in New Mexico? office, cooking up models and system. This is information that identifies multiple data layers and allows us to begin What is the human footprint on the maps in NMWA’s state-of-the- the geographic locality and associated to answer more interesting questions, landscape? art GIS laboratory. Kurt Menke attributes of features on the Earth’s such as, “What grazing allotments cover Where are the best alternative energy helped coordinate NMWA’s surface. If our dataset consists of lake the Pecos Wilderness?” Working with sites, and which of those areas contain first GIS activities in 1999 and boundaries, the attributes might include multiple data layers also allows us to derive important habitat? lake names, depths of water, or whether new GIS data layers. For instance, we can The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is has since started up his own a lake is perennial or ephemeral. The model potential habitat for jaguars by in constant need of volunteers to help out conservation GIS nonprofit, combination of spatial data and attributes merging such factors as elevation, terrain with our GIS program. If you’re interested BirdsEyeViewGIS. He continues allows us to query information by location ruggedness, road density, population in helping us gather data from field work, to contribute his invaluable GIS and by attributes. For instance, we may density, and available prey in a logical or you have a knack for plugging these expertise to the New Mexico wish to identify all lakes in New Mexico scheme. datasets into the GIS system, please contact Wilderness Alliance. deeper than thirty feet. Or, we may wish Another key component for collecting GIS Miranda Gray ([email protected]) to Those are the people; now here’s to compare the attributes of lakes above data is conducting on-the-ground surveys learn about how you can GET INVOLVED! a much-needed introduction to 10,000 feet. and inventories. This is a critical element Continue reading to see how GIS is used to GIS is different from GPS (Global in fact-checking what is actually on the protect New Mexico’s natural heritage. Graphic Information Systems Positioning Systems). GPS communicates ground and provides us with the ability to with satellites to tell us precisely where “defend” our data if ever challenged. At its most basic level, GIS is the modern on Earth we are. For a GIS professional, With modern GIS we can conduct very way we make maps, but it is much more GPS is a means to collect the coordinates sophisticated analyses that would have

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New Mexico WILD! Page 11 Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks by Stephen Capra Executive Director

Southern New Mexico is home to some of our state’s richest, wildest, and most remote lands—from Carlsbad Caverns in the east, past Otero Mesa, just west of Fort Bliss, into the Organ Mountains, then folding into the incomparable Big Hatchet Mountains, and finally sprawling into Arizona, the biologically rich Pellincillos.

Since 2005, we have been focused on protecting lands around the rapidly growing community of Las Cruces. However, if you speak to some of our Board members the fight has gone on for more than thirty years. During the past four years, we have looked at old, frayed maps, spent countless hours doing GIS and hundreds of hours of on-the-ground field checking.

The community of Las Cruces has exploded in growth in recent years. It has made headlines as a community worth retiring to. People have come from across the country, and new schools are being built; million-dollar homes are being punched in near the base of the Organ Mountains. To the south, plans for more than 30,000 homes are in the works, to the north, the Space Port. Therefore, the time for wilderness was now—now or never.

We will also push hard to see the strongest possible Wilderness proposal pass. We feel strongly that the wilderness proposal in Doña Ana Country has been completely vetted, with every conceivable party able to weigh in on the proposal. As a result, many changes to the proposal, including roads, cherry stems, and whole areas of wilderness were removed to ensure access is maintained for ranchers and to address other issues. However, as the proposal moves forward, a small subset of radical ranchers and off-road vehicle enthusiasts have attempted to fight all wilderness protections and encourage large-scale land sell offs of public land. We simply will not allow that to occur, and we will continue to ask for your help and support. Heroes If you have ever been involved in a campaign, you find people of all types that come together for a common goal. investing the time and energy to get this goal: Wilderness in Doña Ana County. We When it works right there is a sense of proposal introduced and to truly get it began to plan, but it was these two staffers In 2001, we held a focus group in Las magic that comes from the intensity of right. But frankly, this proposal would who met with elected officials, many in Cruces, where one of the questions asked the interaction. That magic has been have never come to fruition without the the business community, and countless was, “What are public lands to you?” The on display for some time in Doña Ana endless hours and tireless effort of our meetings with ranchers, sportsmen, and answer most people responded with was County. The heroes in this case begin two Las Cruces staffers, Jeff Steinborn community groups. The list is as endless restrooms on the side of the interstate. In with Senators Bingaman and Udall for and Nathan Small. Back in 2005, we had a as were the meetings. our 2009 polling, 79 percent of the people

Page 12 FALL 2009 in the area supported our Wilderness Washington and tell our congressional proposal. That is an amazing accom- delegation how important this proposal plishment. In the time both Jeff and was to the community. He wrote letters Nathan worked on this campaign, Jeff and went into the field to look closely at was also elected as a State Representative the lands covered by the proposal and and Nathan became the youngest city would comment on changes and work to councilor in Las Cruces history. help ensure that the bill was introduced. Without the support of people like John, During these times, our incredible staff this bill would still be a fantasy. With also led countless outings to Broad their support and the countless hours they Canyon, opening many people in the invested, we are now moving forward. community to the wonders of this desert canyon—from the petroglyphs that line The Hispano Chamber of Commerce is the canyon walls to the spectacular vistas another group whose support for our revealing the valley below. On countless wilderness proposal has been vital to Saturdays and Sundays, they have taken its success. Early on, it worked with our people, from Scout troops to Catholic organization and came out in support school groups, and one time a Methodist of the proposal. That was an important youth group from Kansas, across these milestone for our efforts and may have special lands on foot and horseback. helped bring other business groups into Still, we are far from the finish line with the campaign, giving us an important spent hours, calling and e-mailing and set, the sounds of life started to rise. Here this campaign., Their work to this point voice in framing the debate. The Hispano making sure that, in the end, we had the the song of the common poorwill and the in creating and maintaining such a Chamber continues to work with our people to make the case for Wilderness. hoot of great horned owls began to fill the strong and diverse alliance for the Organ coalition, and will be an important part As Hillary Clinton was fond of saying, it dry, quiet air. With evening descending, MountainsDesert Peaks Wilderness, and of an exciting Wilderness Economics takes a village. It takes a community of we sat quietly listening to the sound of their personal passion for these lands, is conference that will take place in Las people to push forward to ensure a quality nearby coyotes as the Milky Way took why we are enjoying such an ambitious Cruces on December 5th. of life for themselves and for generations form above. proposal. yet to come. There are other unsung heroes, like To the north are lands that few have However, no campaign is taken to this Pat Buls and Don Patterson of the Back As the recent Ken Burns series on walked - the Las Uvas and Broad Canyon. level without the many unsung heroes Country Horsemen. They have been to national parks made clear, no matter In a good rain year, the Uvas can be lush, that play such a pivotal role in its devel- countless meetings with our congressional how spectacular the landscape, no matter with grassy meadows, some perennial opment. That begins with the sportsman delegation and taken many groups on trips how important the wildlife, there remain water, and a coolness in the evening that community in Doña Ana County. People into the areas targeted by our proposals. people focused solely on the present, on lets you know you are at a slightly higher like Sandy Schemnitz, former Chair of Pat has written poetry and articles about their own needs and special interests, not elevation, removed from the stark and the Wildlife Department y at NMSU, an wilderness and our proposal, and Don those of the greater community. Burns heated desert floor. You can walk up dry avid quail hunter and world champion has traveled north for editorial board focused on our victories, not the lands canyons, filled with minerals and rocks dog trainer who supports our Wilderness meetings at the Albuquerque Journal that were lost to dams, stupidity, and that lend color and definition to the efforts. Sandy has met with congressional and has always maintained a smile and greed. Nor the wildlife slaughtered by rugged land. leaders, testified before city councils, and a sense of humor, no matter how serious ignorance. The fight to protect wilderness spoken to people in the community about the moment. remains just that—a fight. For some, the Nearby is Broad Canyon—a special place, the need to protect these lands. But there concept of protected federal lands smells and one that originally was not considered are other sportsmen, like John Moen, who Then there are people like Joel Hoffman of socialism. For most of us, it reflects for Wilderness designation. Hiking into at first were leery of Wilderness desig- and Kay Shade. Every time we had a tough thought, vision, and a respect for land, Broad Canyon, you start by following a nation but became convinced that such resolution to get passed or a need to bring water, and wildlife. large, dry riverbed. It is a must to be alert, protections were in the best interests of members out to an important congres- however, as you may pass close to a black- the community. John would go back to sional meeting, these two super volunteers The Land tailed rattlesnake. If you live in Las Cruces, then you under- stand that the Organ Mountains are the As you walk, you will see rock formations soul of your community. They are the that are pink with rich mineral content, sentry that stands over the communities and the walls reveal stories of genera- east side. They are the mountain range tions past. The rock art is impressive, but that the full moon climbs up to frame the so are the nests of red-tailed hawks, the city. It is a mountain range that is craggy whistle of a western screech owl; the echo and tall, filled with canyons, wildflowers, of your voice off the canyon walls; and and wild cactus species such as claret cup, the deer, javalina, and coyote prints that queen of the night, and horse crippler. dot the sandy washes. The canyon, too, is It is a mountain that absorbs the heat of cooler—a relief from the summer heat. the Chihuahuan desert while providing shelter for mule deer, badger, mountain As you continue to walk, the greatness of lions, and Montezuma quail, to name just this land becomes clear. Each wilderness a few. unit reflects a personality and an ecological difference. But collectively they The Potrillos are a landscape that astro- represent a spectrum of environments, all nauts once trained on for moon landing. of them wild. They are “untrammeled,” It is a wild and rolling land, filled, in as the Wilderness Act defines wilderness. places, with rising cinder cones. I recall They are awe-inspiring to those who a camping trip several years ago where take the time to travel through them and we camped on the east side of the East sense the silence of wild lands, those who Potrillo mountains. As evening began to take hold, and the baking sun began to …continued on page 23

New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Cougar Corridors of New Mexico

By Kurt Menke

Habitat fragmentation is now widely recognized as one of the leading causes of species extinction. The four million-mile network of roads we have constructed in America has allowed unprecedented mobility for human travel and commerce. These same roads, and the developments associated with them, however, have negatively affected the mobility and survival of wildlife by creating “fracture zones” between suitable habitats. Animals following their instinctual movement patterns often encounter development and roads as they seek food, water, mates, and territory. The environmental impact of roadways extends far beyond the edge of the pavement. This “road- effect zone” is estimated to be fifteen to twenty times as large as the actual paved right of way itself. One of the unintended adverse consequences of habitat fragmentation is that this process effectively creates smaller, more isolated habitat patches and wildlife populations. Isolated populations are more vulnerable, less resilient in the face of natural distur- bances, and thus have a higher probability of local extinction. As growing human infrastructure fragments the landscape, it becomes less permeable to wildlife movement. Perme- ability is a measure of how easily an animal can cross the landscape.

To model a corridor, one must first identify the areas to connect. For this study, I used a combination of the results of the 2003 Critical Mass Workshop carnivore roadkill data and a cougar decided that corridors should be modeled were modeled. Several corridors showed should be undertaken and as an initial habitat suitability model to identify the across each of the four Critical Highway strong correlations to carnivore roadkill focus for such studies. patches of habitat to connect. The 2003 Segments and many of the High and records. Critical Mass Workshop resulted in the Moderate Highway Segments where they This study was funded by the New identification of four Critical Risk Highway serve to generate a connected landscape It should be noted that these are considered Mexico Department of Game and Fish Segments, thirteen High Risk Segments for cougars in the state. Cougar and other potential corridors. While many show Share with Wildlife Program. The full and fourteen Moderate Risk Segments. carnivore roadkill records were also used strong relationships to existing roadkill report can be downloaded at: http://www. These were based on the knowledge of to inform the decision on where to model data, they should only be used as an birdseyeviewgis.com/downloads.html the attendees and represented known corridors. In total, twenty-six corridors indication of where on-the-ground studies animal-vehicle collision hot spots. It was

Page 14 FALL 2009 Jaguar Habitat in New Mexico

By Kurt Menke

Historically, jaguars once roamed north to Santa Fe, west into California, and east as far as Mississippi and Louisiana. Today, the northern extent of their range has been greatly reduced. In recent years there have been increasingly regular sightings in southeast Arizona and occasional sightings in southwest New Mexico. The northernmost documented breeding population lives about one hundred miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border in Sonora. The first step in protecting vital habitat for these cats in the United States is identifying where it is.

This map shows the results of a model developed to identify potential jaguar habitat in New Mexico. This analysis was done in coordination with the Jaguar Conservation Team, an interagency team tasked with studying jaguar conservation in the United States. The study area was defined as areas within fifty miles of reliable jaguar sightings. We included only those sightings that were reported with sufficient precision that we were able to map their locations reliably. The model focused on five habitat variables documented to be important in defining jaguar habitat. These were population density, road density, distance to water, prey availability, terrain ruggedness, and Madrean evergreen forest. These were weighted, with the help of expert opinion, and combined.

The model predicted two areas as having the highest probability of being able to support jaguars in New Mexico. These areas were the Peloncillo and Animas Mountains in far southwestern New Mexico, and the river canyon and adjacent areas of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers. jaguars, nor were slightly less suitable efforts in Arizona and Mexico to help further evaluate the connectivity of suitable Very little is known about jaguars in the habitats classified as “unsuitable.” We habitats and their ability to support a jaguar population in the border region. northern end of their range. Therefore, merely labeled them as most suitable and we did not define these two areas as less suitable. We hope that the results of The full report can be downloaded at: “suitable” for breeding populations of this study will be combined with similar http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/w_c/jaguar/JagRpt4%20doc.pdf

Chupadera Peak CHACO CANYON VICTORY! able to get these eight leases pulled Wilderness Designation from the October oil and gas lease For the past several years our organization sale. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has notified has been hard at work on protecting Congress that he intends to include 140 Chaco Canyon National Historic Park. Chaco Canyon National Historic acres donated to Bosque del Apache Our proposal includes getting more than Park is one of the most spectacular National Wildlife Refuge into the adjacent 20,000 acres of wilderness designated in areas in New Mexico. Its combi- Chupadera Wilderness. Notification went the park. Today, the park continues to be nation of natural beauty and to Congress on July 15; the Wilderness Act threatened by oil and gas development on cultural significance justifies requires 60 days notice to the President of its boundaries. its World Heritage Site status, the Senate and the Speaker of the House making it beloved by visitors the before donated land can be incorporated In late September we learned of plans world over. into existing wilderness. to auction off eight leases right on the boundary of the park. Obviously, we were Today we have the protection The land - Chupadera Peak -- was very concerned about drilling so close to of Chaco Canyon intact and purchased and then donated by the Friends such a national treasure. the ability to continue working of the Bosque del Apache NWR. This is towards our wilderness proposal, the first time that the Fish and Wildlife After working closely with the Governor’s understanding that we’re not going Service has accepted a land donation for office, the congressional delegation, and to have oil and gas development on inclusion into a designated wilderness. the State Director of the BLM, we were the perimeter of this park.

New Mexico WILD! Page 15 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance 2009 Wilderness Outdoor Connection Leadership Program Activities

The Wilderness Outdoor Connection Senator Jeff Bingaman, advocating getting Leadership Program (WOCLP) youth S874 through Congress. group had an exciting summer with lots of projects and activities for the youth In May the group visited the Valles of northern New Mexico. One of the first Caldera. On this trip they joined with activities was a trip in February to Carson thirty other youths from northern New National Forest, where the group took to Mexico who toured the Caldera. They Campground Area. NMWA headed the and water conservation. the hills and did a snowshoeing expedition. heard a presentation by the wildlife youth activities for the weekend, which This trip was a first snowshoeing biologist from the Valles Caldera about the included groups from all over northern The highlight of the trip was the llama experience for all of the kids. elk herds that exist in the area. The treat New Mexico. The groups that participated hike—a three-mile trek up McCrystal for the kids at the Caldera was the search in the event were the NMWA Wilderness Creek to the archeological site of the In April the group went out to visit for fallen antlers the elk shed each spring. Outdoor Connection Leadership Group McCrystal Place, where the McCrystal the proposed El Rio Grande Del Norte In June the youth participated in the from Mora and Questa, the Rocky family once lived and ranched in the National Conservation Area in Taos north Pecos Wilderness Service Project. Mountain Youth Corp group out of Taos, Valle Vidal. The history and importance County. The tour included a drive around The students had the opportunity to work the northern New Mexico Sembrando of watershed management in the area the northern end of Ute Mountain to the with the recreation coordinator from the Semilla Youth Group, the New Mexico was shared with the students. There was Rio Grande Gorge. The group viewed a Peñasco Ranger District on a trail mainte- Acequia Association, and the Fit in Taos discussion about why the Valle Vidal drop of 200 feet at the rim of the Gorge on nance Youth Leadership Group. In total twenty- Coalition was put into place and the work the northern boundary of the NCA near project, which included the installation of seven students participated in the event. that it did back in 2006 in preventing oil the Colorado Border. The students then bollards on a trail to prevent off-highway and gas development in the area. went to La Junta Point, where the Red vehicle (OHV) access to an existing, closed Events included an ecological presentation River and the Rio Grande come together. trail. They were briefed on the effects of by the Fitness in Taos leadership; a hike The AWF and NMWA split up into groups, The drop at this location from the rim OHV use on forest land. led by Wild Earth Llama AdventuresTake conducting several on-the-ground service of the Gorge to the rivers below is 800 a Llama to Lunch; team building and projects in conjunction with the youth feet. The members of the group all saw Our biggest project took place in July, when group activities for youth led by the Rocky activities. We would like to thank NMWA, firsthand the beauty of the area and the NMWA and the Albuquerque Wildlife Mountain Youth Corp; and storytelling AWF, U.S. Forest ServiceQuesta Ranger reason why this New Mexico jewel should Federation partnered to do a joint project around the campfire. On one of the District, the New Mexico Acequia Associ- be preserved. Each student wrote a letter around volunteer service work and youth evenings there were leave-no-trace ethics ation, the Sembrando Semilla Youth of support to Congressman Ben Lujan and education in the Valle Vidal McCrystal discussions around the campfire that Group, the Taos Rocky Mountain Youth engaged the students in talking about the Corp, Wild Earth Llama Adventures, and environment and the importance of land Fit in Taos for participating in the event.

Organ Mountains Sites Deserve To Be Saved

Albuquerque Journal Oct. 4, 2009 The area has been under study since 2006, EDITORIAL when Domenici proposed protecting more than 200,000 acres of federal land in Doña The Organ Mountains provide a dramatic Ana County as wilderness, creating a backdrop to the vibrant and growing 35,000-acre conservation area around the community of Las Cruces, the state's Organ Mountains and allowing the BLM second largest city, much as the Sandias do to sell off about 65,000 acres. It didn't to Albuquerque. More than 30 years ago, fly at the time, and years of negotiations at the behest of now retired U.S. Sen. Pete ensued. Domenici, the Sandias were designated as a protected wilderness area. Now a fairly broad consensus has been reached by some interests — conser- Now, our U.S. senators, Tom Udall and vationists, hunters, business people, Jeff Bingaman, have introduced the Organ hikers, local governments and even some Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness ranchers — that the areas should be Act. It would designate 259,000 acres protected, although other ranchers and as wilderness and create a 100,850-acre off-road enthusiasts still have concerns conservation area around the Organ and over access. Doña Ana Mountains and parts of Broad Canyon. The Bureau of Land Management The bill is expected to be heard this would manage the land to protect it from week in the Senate Energy and Natural development, but current uses, such as Resources Committee, which Bingaman hunting and grazing, would continue. chairs. This is a rare opportunity to set aside some natural resource gems for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Page 16 FALL 2009 West Texas Sojourn by Steve West Wilderness designation. The proposal Staff Scientist would mean that about two-thirds of Big Bend would be Wilderness—where now, Eeveryone (even those who have never none of it is! been there) knows a lot about The Lone Star State. But not all of it is well known, Why is Wilderness right for Big Bend? especially that west wedge located between Wilderness designation would protect southern New Mexico and northern those special places that bring people to Mexico. The least populated part of the visit the park today. Big Bend is as unique state has the only two national parks in as any park in America. The uniqueness Texas and also has a national historic here that deserves the protection of a site, a national memorial, a national trail, Wilderness designation includes more a wild and scenic river, as well as several birds than any other national park; state parks and other lands set aside for species found here and nowhere else in the wildlife and/or recreation. While Texas country—some, nowhere else on Earth. park for a wider variety of reasons. of limestone. Inside the park, however, has a higher percentage of privately Wilderness would preserve the flavor and are numerous canyons and hiking trails, owned land than any other state, there sense of what the area was like when the The biggest attraction at the park is the as well as spotted owls, black bears, and are multiple opportunities in west Texas first Europeans walked across the land. October-November hikes into McKittrick about 1,000 species of plants, including for enjoying wilderness, hiking, camping, Wilderness in Big Bend would also draw Canyon to see the fall colors of the maples several orchids. And wilderness—lots of exploring, and virtually any other outdoor needed attention to the conservation of and other trees. Running along the it. Park plans are to expand Wilderness activity in which one could be interested. desert areas. Establishing Wilderness in canyon bottom and adding to the pleasant areas and, once completed, Guadalupe this park would provide an example of sounds of a fall day is McKittrick Creek, Mountains will have one of the highest The gems in west Texas are the two how land can be preserved and managed the largest water source in the Guada- Wilderness percentages of any national national parks, and the New Mexico for the future and would, one hopes, bring lupes. To the south is Guadalupe Peak, park. NMWA is also working to support Wilderness Alliance is deeply involved about both greater cooperation across the at 8,749 feet the highest point in Texas. this expansion by coordinating with the in both those areas. NMWA met with Big border and additional protection for lands While the peak is the lowest of any of the park and building local support. Bend’s superintendent in March to discuss to the south. NMWA is actively involved state high points in the West, the view the potential for Wilderness there, where in pushing for Wilderness and building from the top of Guadalupe Peak is hard While Texas attracts many superlatives, none currently exists, at least not legis- Wilderness support in Big Bend National to describe. To the west are the gypsum many of the best are justified by these two latively. Big Bend has just over 800,000 Park. dunes, on the west boundary of the park, national parks. They both preserve areas acres (about 1,250 square miles) and is as well as the Cornudas Mountains, and vital to protecting wildlife and unique the best and largest preserved area in the To the north is a park with which more Otero Mesa. To the east and south are the plant communities, and it is in Wilderness Chihuahuan Desert north of Mexico. Big New Mexicans are familiar, but that is Delaware Mountains, the Sierra Diablo areas that this is best done. Proposals Bend has had a Wilderness plan gathering entirely in Texas: Guadalupe Mountains Mountains, and, to the far south, the to increase Wilderness in Guadalupe dust for over twenty years. The time National Park. Designated in 1972, the Davis Mountains—another special area Mountains and establish it at Big Bend wasn’t right, and sometimes it takes time park was established to protect a large in Texas. will not close any roads or deny any access to gather public support for Wilderness. portion of the exposed, fossilized Capitan currently available. Work by NMWA and Now is the time. With a wilderness- Reef, one of the best fossil reefs in the While one drives along the highway other organizations will help to make friendly Congress and president and with world. Geologists from around the world between Carlsbad and El Paso, the conservation (and Wilderness) a main local support for Wilderness, it may be have visited the area for decades to learn south end of the Guadalupes looks like component of land management in one only months before Big Bend joins over about the area, and they continue to do so a large, imposing, and even barren cliff of the most special corners of the United 700 other areas in the country that have today, though most visitors come to the States.

THE TEXAS I NITIA TIVE When we talk about preserving wildlands For those who donate $50 or more, we and wildlife, it is foolish to stop at will send you a copy of The Guadalupe artificial boundaries such as state lines. Mountains Symposium. NMWA was For this reason, NMWA is expanding its given about one hundred copies of this efforts into west Texas and elsewhere. excellent work, which is the product of Trans-Pecos Texas (that area west of the a symposium held in Carlsbad in 1998. Pecos River) is home to two national parks The book contains over fifty chapters on of great value—Guadalupe Mountains various aspects of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend. Together, the two parks National Park and nearby areas. The contain almost 900,000 acres. At just over articles were written by the presenters at 800,000 acres, however, Big Bend contains the symposium, and there are chapters on not a single square mile of designated resource management, biology, cultural Wilderness! resources, ecology, geology, history, inter- pretation, social science, and other fields. NMWA is actively supporting additions Some of the titles are: “Mountain Lion to the current Wilderness in Guadalupe Ecology and Population Trends in the Mountains and has been working for Trans-Pecos Region of Texas,” “Historic months to promote Wilderness in and Archaeological Investigations of Big Bend. None of this will be easy or Apache War Sites,” “Permian Extinctions: attention. Texas Fund and state whether or not you inexpensive to accomplish. We are asking A Fusulinacean’s Way of Life and Death,” would like a copy of the book. Supplies are for supporters of wilderness and wildlife and “The Butterfield Overland Stagecoach The money donated to the Texas Fund will limited, so please move quickly on this in west Texas to donate to a special “Texas through Guadalupe Pass.” No matter what assist NMWA in protecting and promoting one before we run out of these books. Fund” that will support our efforts to the your interests, there are articles in the wilderness in west Texas. When you south. symposium proceedings that will get your donate, please specify that it is for the

New Mexico WILD! Page 17 Connecting Exhibitions: Grasslands and Separating Species by Mary Anne Redding sufficient and alone, walking for weeks, sometimes a month at a time. The land is This fall, 516 ARTS is hosting the what’s important to him — a metaphor concurrent exhibitions Grasslands for consciousness, what he feels art should and Separating Species as part of the also be. large collaboration called LAND/ART (www.landartnm.org). As the curator, I In his essay in the exhibition catalog developed this two-part project starting (published by Radius Books, radiusbooks. with the work of photographer Michael org), William deBuys describes how P. Berman, who has an unbroken Berman’s process makes him a ”poet of connection to the land and art making. place.” He says, “On foot (Berman) lugs his He has a long involvement with the New view camera down washes and up ridges Mexico Wilderness Alliance; longer is his where no trails exist; sometimes he has a involvement with the grasslands of the plan, sometimes he hasn’t. He hunts the southwestern deserts that he calls home. angle and moment that shape the visual It is appropriate that he is one of the speech of the land into a clear declarative speakers at this year’s NMWA conference sentence… These wordless sentences are Species are permeated with a passion telling is also virtuous. The images in focusing on the grasslands. His work in the poems he hauls back to his studio and for revealing wildness and increasing a Grasslands and Separating Species tell this exhibition focuses on the Chihuahuan commits to paper.” global understanding of community to multiple truths and reveal multiple grasslands of New Mexico, Texas and include grasslands, birds, butterflies and complexities. northern Mexico. Although vastly different in their moths, animals, rocks and ridges, rivers approaches and the resulting imagery, and people. As Terry Tempest Williams, Mary Anne Redding is the Curator at Rather than making site-specific sculpture Michael Berman and artists David Taylor, the honored speaker at last year’s NMWA the Palace of the Governors/New Mexico to insert into the landscape like the Dana Fritz, Krista Elrick and Jo Whaley conference says: “We need another way History Museum. original artists of the Land Art movement, in Separating Species, visually investigate of being in the world. We can learn to Berman creates gallery installations that what happens when species are separated, live more deeply, more fully in place, our Grasslands / Separating Species is on view translate his intensive experiences in the whether in the wilderness, in protected eyes wide open to the wild. We don’t have October 3 – December 12 at 516 ARTS in land. It would be nearly impossible for wildlife refuges, urban zoos or other to develop every acre in sight or drill for Downtown Albuquerque. For more infor- most people to walk his walk. He makes artificially created environments, or even oil simply because it’s there. Restraint is mation, please visit www.516arts.org or time to look, to be in the violent desert across political, economic and cultural a virtue we have yet to cultivate.” Truth call 505-242-1445. lands on both sides of the border, self- borders. Grasslands and Separating

roots music and points in between, and Erika Blumenfeld: Early Findings: DJ Spooky explores vanishing 516 ARTS, a museum-style gallery in Artifacts from The Polar Project (www. Downtown Albuquerque that focuses on levygallery.com), and an Open House next environment in multi- adventurous arts programs and collab- door at 516 ARTS (516 Central Ave. SW) media performance orative projects. As part of his residency in which features the exhibitions Grasslands Albuquerque, DJ Spooky will give a lecture and Separating Species (www.516arts. to the high school students at Albuquerque org). For information on the performance, by Tom Guralnick Academy. call 505-268-0044 or visit www.outpost- His large-scale, multimedia work, Terra space.org. The LAND/ART project spans grasslands Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica, is an acoustic The concert on October 24 will be followed to Antarctica in one day on Saturday, portrait of a rapidly changing continent, by a reception with DJ Spooky across the Tom Guralnick is the Founder/Executive October 24. Following the NMWA translating his first-person encounter street at the Richard Levy Gallery (514 Director of the Outpost Performance Space conference 11am-3pm, come Downtown with the harsh, dynamic landscape Central SW) which features the exhibition in Albuquerque. to the KiMo Theater, Richard Levy Gallery of Antarctica into visual and and 516 ARTS for more arts events and sonic portraits. In Terra Nova, exhibitions focused on the environment. Miller captured the acoustic qualities of Antarctic ice forms One of the highlights of the six-month in field recordings, reflecting LAND/ART series is the performance of a changing — even vanishing DJ Spooky on October 24. While highly — environment under duress. regarded as a writer and conceptual artist, In addition to video projections Paul D. Miller is probably best known and DJ Spooky on turntables, the under the moniker of his constructed performance will also feature persona, “DJ Spooky That Subliminal local chamber musicians, Linda Kid.” In that role, Miller has remixed Vik, violin; Katie Harlow, cello; and recorded with a panoply of artists and Debbie Briggs, piano. ranging from Metallica to Steve Reich to Killah Priest and has performed in a Presenters of Terra Nova in wide variety of situations throughout the Albuquerque are the Outpost world. His work crosses boundaries and Performance Space, an intimate, merges media and ideas with an inventive nonprofit, community-based braininess that merges musical, cultural Performing Arts Center and environmental concerns in a unique, presenting everything from mind-bending mix. jazz to experimental, to folk &

Page 18 FALL 2009 Our view: Our wilderness around Las Photos Make Great Gifts! Cruces deserves protection ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT NMWA!

Las Cruces Sun-News We fully appreciate the importance of EDITORIAL ranching to a diversified county economy 09/26/2009 and have no desire to see those operation diminished. If we believed a wilderness For some three decades now, the most designation would have the dire conse- pristine areas of the Organ Mountains quences that have been predicted, we'd and other natural treasurers just outside have second thoughts about offering our Las Cruces have been regulated under a endorsement. federal designation that was intended to be temporary -- a wilderness study area. In fact, we see no reason why wilderness and ranching can't co-exist. The federal It seems to us there has been plenty of designation has specific provisions time for study, now it's time for action. designed to carve out the exemptions Last week, New Mexico's two senators, ranchers need to run their operations. We Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, introduced believe local ranchers would be better- a bill that would designate 259,000 acres served working with Bingaman and Udall as wilderness and place another 100,000 to ensure that their needs are protected acres as a national conservation area. under the bill now being considered, And on Tuesday, the Doña Ana County rather than fighting to defeat the bill. s Commission threw its support behind the d! Image measure. il Without protection, these precious lands W will be lost to the urban sprawl that will www.ImagesForEnvironment.org Introduction of the bill elicited the same surely come to our area in the years ahead. arguments from the same adversaries that With wilderness protection, they will be we've been hearing for years. Ranchers preserved to be enjoyed by future genera- who work leased land in the designated tions. ACCEPTING HOLIDAY areas are concerned that a wilderness ORDERS NOW! designation could hamper their opera- We commend Bingaman and Udall for tions. They worry that they would restrict introducing this important legislation, water projects, limit access to their herds and urge all those who treasure these and stock tanks and prevent them from special areas to make your voices heard. WILD! GUIDE making needed improvements to their operations. Craig Chapman 505-843-8696 or [email protected] = Obama puts support behind www= willisarts = com wilderness measure

By Steve Ramirez Sun-News reporter the legislation at a U.S. Senate hearing 10/10/2009 Thursday in Washington, D.C. Resolu- Beautiful Wedding Imagry tions in support of the legislation written Support for the Organ Mountains-Desert by Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, Handmade Wedding Albums Peaks Wilderness Act continues to grow, both D-N.M., to protect the Organs have as the Obama administration has now already been adopted by the city of Las Fine Art Prints and Framing offered its support to the legislation Cruces, town of Mesilla and Do-a Ana intended to protect the mountain range County governments. Gov. Bill Richardson just east of Las Cruces and other scenic has also thrown in his support for the bill. areas in Doña Ana County. The legislation would protect 259,000 "Passage of this legislation will ensure acres of wilderness and 100,000 acres of that generations of New Mexicans and all National Conservation Area. These areas Americans will be able to witness a golden would be managed in ways that protect eagle soar over the Sierra de las Uvas, hike the landscape from development while the landmark Organ Mountains, or hunt preserving current uses - such as hunting in the volcanic outcroppings of the Potrillo and grazing. Relieve... Mountains," said Marcilynn A. Burke, joint discomfort . neck, back, & hip pain deputy director for the Bureau of Land The bill also releases 16,350 acres along Alzheimer’s symptoms . headaches . stress & anxiety Management. "We welcome this oppor- the southern border that had previously tunity to enhance protection for some of been designated as so-called "Wilderness America's treasured landscapes." Study Area." This will provide increased flexibility for border law enforcement. The Obama administration endorsed

New Mexico WILD! Page 19 the LAND/ART project and New Mexico Wilderness Alliance presents grasslands 2009 New Mexico

Wilderness Conference PHOTOGRAPH MICHAEL BY BERMAN featuring otero mesa with Charles bowden & michael berman

October 24, 2009 • 11am to 3pm bosque school, Budagher Hall, albuquerque registration $15 includes lunch

REGISTER ONLINE www.NMWILD.org

www.LandArtNM.orga or call 505-843-8696

CHARLES BOWDEN author MICHAEL BERMAN landscape PHOTOGRAPHER Available Soon…

It’s handy for any outdoor 2010 enthusiasts, and at under $10, it makes the perfect gift for WILD! all your friends and family GUIDE who love the Wild Side of life! ACCEPTING HOLIDAY ORDERS NOW! Call Craig Chapman 505-843-8696 or [email protected] Page 20 FALL 2009 CONGRESSIONAL CONTACTS

New Mexico has a long standing tradition instrumental in passing legislation that Combined, these two bills will protect over history and present state of affairs. of leaders who have fought for conser- protected places like the Sandia Mountain 700,000 acres of public land. These two Today, we have an opportunity to continue vation measures and worked to establish Wilderness, Rio Chama Wilderness, and initiatives represent the largest amount this natural legacy. Please take the time laws that recognized and treasured our Apache Kid Wilderness. of proposed protected public land in New to write a letter or make a phone call to wilderness ethics. Whether at the city, As a congressman, Senator Tom Udall Mexico history. our congressional delegation, thanking county, state, or congressional level, these worked to successfully pass legislation for Congressman Martin Heinrich, them for upholding our conservation champions have stood up for and defended the Ojito Wilderness, and most recently, Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, and and wilderness ethics. More often than the values that safeguard our natural the Sabinoso Wilderness just east of Las Congressman Harry Teague all voted not, we tend to express our frustrations legacy and future quality of life. Vegas, NM. for the Omnibus Lands Bill of 2009, and dissatisfaction, but it’s time for us to Former New Mexico Senator Clinton P. Senator Jeff Bingaman, who also has a which formally designated the Sabinoso give credit were credit is do, and thank Anderson was an ardent supporter and long-standing tradition of supporting Wilderness, as well as the Fort Union our congressional, state, county and city advocate of the 1964 Wilderness Act. The wilderness designation, has recently National Monument, Snowy – River Cave leaders for their vision and steadfast Wilderness Act itself began right here introduced the Organ Mountains – Desert near Fort Stanton. support of wilderness preservation. in The Land of Enchantment, with Aldo Peaks Wilderness Act, along with Senator As New Mexicans, and those who Do something positive for our Leopold understanding the simple grace of Udall. Additionally, Senator Bingaman care about the vast beauty of our state, we wild public lands, and thank our leaders what “thinking like a mountain” meant. has submitted the El Rio Grande del Norte should be thankful for the leadership that for ensuring that we have a natural legacy Retired Senator Pete V. Domenici was National Conservation Area Act of 2009. we have been afforded throughout our to pass on to future generations.

Senator Jeff Bingaman Senator Tom Udall Harry Teague, Congressional District 2 Web Site: bingaman.senate.gov Web Site: tomudall.senate.gov Room: 1007 Longworth House Office Building email: [email protected] E-mail: Contact Via ‘Web Form.’ Washington, DC 20515 703 Hart Senate Office Building Washington Office: Phone: (202) 225-2365 Washington Office: Phone: (202) 224-6621 Fax: (202) 225-9599 Washington, D.C. 20510 Fax: (202) 228-3261 Phone: (202) 224-5521 Room: B40D Dirksen Building Martin Heinrich, Congressional District 1 Fax: (202) 224-2852 Washington, DC 20510 Room: 1505 Longworth House Office Building Albuquerque Albuquerque Washington, DC 20515 505-346-6601 Phone: (505) 346-6791 Phone: (202) 225-6316 625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 130 Fax: (505) 346-6720 Fax: (202) 225-4975 Albuquerque, NM 87102 201 3rd Street, NW, #710 Main District Office: Las Cruces Albuquerque, NM 87102 20 First Plaza, Suite 603 Phone: (575) 523-6561 Las Cruces Albuquerque, NM 87102 Loretto Town Centre, Suite 148 Phone: (505) 526-5475 Phone: (505) 346-6781 505 South Main Street Fax: (505) 523-6589 Fax: (505) 346-6723 Las Cruces, NM 88001 505 South Main Street, Suite 118 Las Vegas Las Cruces, NM 88001 Ben Ray Lujan, Congressional District 3 Phone: (505) 454-8824 Roswell Room: 502 Cannon House Office Building 118 Bridge Street, PO Box 1977 Phone: (505) 623-6170 Washington, DC 20515 Las Vegas, NM 87701 Fax: (505) 625-2547 Phone: (202) 225-6190 Roswell 140 Federal Building Fax: (202) 226-1331 Phone: (575) 622-7113 Roswell, NM 88201 Main District Office: 200 East Fourth Street, Suite 300 Santa Fe 811 St. Michaels Drive, Suite 104 Roswell, NM 88201 Phone: (505) 988-6511 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Santa Fe Fax: (505) 988-6514 Phone: (505) 984-8950 Phone: (505) 988-6647 120 South Federal Place, #302 Fax: (505) 986-5047 119 East Marcy, Suite 101 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Santa Fe, NM 87501

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

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

Mail your $25 – Individual $100 – Contributing Other $______Tax Deductible $30 – Family $500 – Lifetime  THIS IS A GIFT MEMBERSHIP FROM ______Doñations to: $50 – Supporting $10 – Student/Senior New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Name ______Phone______PO Box 25464 Albuquerque, NM Street ______E-mail______87125-0464 Questions? City, State, Zip ______505/843-8696

New Mexico WILD! Page 21 keepers of the wild flame add your voice and sound to the call of the wild. Are you a New Mexican musician who has written a song or other musical piece honoring or inspired by the wild? Would you like to donate it for a CD to support environmental causes? The vision is one of a multi-cultural tool for education, fundraising and inspiration. If you are interested in this project or wish to submit your music for consideration, please contact us: Madeline Aron (505) 265-7927 or [email protected] LAND/ART www.landartnm.org “The wild’s call connects us all, when we from “The Wild Calls”, by Madeline Aron EVENTS dare to deeply feel.” 10/3, 2pm: Panel Discussion with Guggenheim Fellows, 516 ARTS 10/21, 7pm: Lannan Readings & Conversations: Rebecca Solnit, The Lensic 10/24, 11am-3pm: NMWA Conference: Charles Bowden & Michael P. Berman Bosque School 10/24, 7:30pm: DJ Spooky: Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica, KiMo Theatre 11/21, 7:30pm: Conversation with David Abram: Discourse of the Birds, 516 ARTS

GRASSLANDS / SEPARATING SPECIES Michael P. Berman, Krista Elrick, Dana Fritz, David Taylor, Jo Whaley curated by Mary Anne Redding, 516 ARTS

Exhibition catalog with essays by William deBuys and Rebecca Solnit published by Radius Books, radiusbooks.org

LAND/ART is a collaboration exploring land-based art organized by 516 ARTS, June - November 2009

“…my husband and I have decided to leave a bequest to “I’d like my children to be able New Mexico Wilderness Alliance.” to enjoy the beautiful wild landscapes of New Mexico.”

“I’d like to know that as population increases and But, then I realized that make sure my children care for our world. global warming changes there was more too. get to enjoy it too. Plus, I That is why my husband their world, our special I care about the future wanted to set an example and I have decided to leave wilderness will remain of our special places in for our family of what a bequest to New Mexico and wildlife will flourish. the world and want to it might look like to Wilderness Alliance.” I was thinking about this when my husband and I sat down to talk about To find out how, contact us: what to do with our estate. Tisha Broska, Development Director Of course family is first. (505) 843-8696 or [email protected] Page 22 FALL 2009 Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks …continued from page 12

take the opportunity to sleep beneath a radar for those looking for an affordable the anti-environment efforts of Senator senators’ offices hammered out in order star-filled sky or watch their reflection retirement community, the designation Tom Coburn (R-OK), any legislation to remove any concerns. Furthermore, the on a full-moon night, deep in the canyon of more than 400,000 acres of public that passes will have to be part of a large area is rugged, and there is no history of walls. land will only add to its value as a place omnibus package of Wilderness bills these areas being a hotbed of transborder with real recreational opportunities. that come from across the United States. activities. Tom Wootten In addition, those in the business His constant badgering of all Wilderness When the New Mexico Wilderness community will be able to point to these proposals means we can not move this Slow the Process Down Alliance was founded, one of our founding recreational opportunities as a magnet bill on its merits alone. Instead, it will This has been a rallying cry. But it ignores Board Members was a real Old School for attracting companies looking to be tied to bills that often contain contro- the more than thirty years that people have gentleman named Tom Wootten. Tom relocate and offer their employees real versial funding for projects in other states. worked to get these areas protected, and was an investment banker by trade who quality of life amenities. In December, The handful of inflexible ranching and the numerous hours spent by the staffs spent many years in the Kansas City area. we will be sponsoring along with the off-road vehicle activists will continue to of Senators Bingaman and Udall to find His childhood, however, had been spent Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las fight all wilderness protections, as well as consensus and compromise. They have on the eastern plains of New Mexico, and Cruces a half-day Wilderness Economics disseminate misleading and inaccurate worked with the ranching community to his passion revolved around wild lands conference. It will be a chance to bring information about its effects. Unfortu- make certain that ranchers had the access and the many fascinating plants of the together many facets of the business nately, such has always been the case in and boundaries they were comfortable Chihuahuan desert. Later in life, Tom and community along with groups like the the story of conservation in America, and with. Some ranchers understand that the his wife Eleanor returned to New Mexico. Headwaters Economics Institute (groups one of the main reasons why groups such proposed legislation will help their opera- They first moved to Las Cruces, where that have studied the affects of conser- as the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance tions continue in perpetuity. Tom opened a native plant store. He vation on communities across the West) are so important, as is the support and spent his time hiking the West Potrillos to help the community best use conser- participation of citizens fighting for their Conclusion and lands northwest of Lordsburg and vation to their economic advantage. As future and these wild and beautiful lands. This is an important moment for New constantly meeting with the Bureau of Oscar Vasquez Butler, a Doña Ana County Mexico. We remain last in the amount of Land Management, working to create Commissioner made clear in his testimony National Security protected public lands among Western Areas of Critical Environmental Concern before the Senate Committee. “This land They continue to pound away on the idea states—dead last. This proposal, (ACEC)—a protection administered by preservation, protects so much for our that illegal immigrants will be flowing combined with our efforts in the north the agency. Tom also began a foundation, community, but also acts as an economic through the land covered by our proposal with El Rio Grande del Norte, have put T & E, Enterprises, whose main purpose engine of sorts because of the draw it will in the West Potrillos. This, despite the us on track to protect more than 700,000 was to supply graduate students funding have on people and businesses.” fact they we released close to two miles acres of public land in our state. We are as they worked to earn advanced degrees on the border so that the border patrol following in the footsteps of so many who in land management and environmental The Fight That Remains would have full access. And despite the came before us. So many who understood studies. After more than thirty years of struggle, fact that we have a Memorandum of the value of protecting land, not just for we have a Wilderness bill for southern Understanding with the border patrol that their quality of life, but as an act of preser- Two years ago Tom passed away suddenly New Mexico. Getting the bill introduced allows them access to any area where they vation of the asset we treasure most, our at the family’s home in Cliff, New Mexico, is just the first step, however. Because of perceive a threat—something that the environment. We are such a rich nation, leaving a real void in our organization yet we remain in a constant whirlwind of and in conservation efforts across our growth—overachieving and demanding state. His many personal studies of more material gain. native plants and his efforts to protect photos make excellent gifts! lands are Tom’s living legacy. We remain Yet, as you walk up Broad Canyon, as the strongly convinced that a fitting tribute evening light begins to fade, you can hear to this selfless conservationist would the single note of the common nighthawk be the naming of a wilderness, in the mages and sense its presence. Fall colors begin area he cared so much about—the West Wild! I to adorn the cottonwoods. If anything Potrillos. To name this area after Tom can be called perfect, it is this. The cost of (“the Tom Wootten Wilderness”) would preservation is simply your engagement not be unprecedented. More than fifty and support against the many forces that wilderness areas in the United States do not believe that these American lands, are named after people, some famous, in their wild and perfect state, belong to some known only locally. We continue to us all. Like the many great public lands encourage our congressional delegation to before them, it is our responsibility to support the naming of this Wilderness in protect this wilderness, and to finally call Tom’s memory. their bluff.

Economic Impact For the city of Las Cruces, already on the ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT NMWA! www.ImagesForEnvironment.org New Mexico WILD! Page 23 UQU New Mexico LB ER A Q NONPROFIT ORG. U U.S. POSTAGE

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Cover photo by Mike Groves mikegrovesphotography.com

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