New Mexico WILD—THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALLIANCE VOLUME IX, NUMBER I — SPRING 2007 the

the heart of everything we fight for

Whittling away at the Gila 03 The last wild river? 04 Wild spirit of the Gila 08 A different trail 11

www.nmwild.org New Mexico WILD! Page 1 stephen capra, executive director new mexico Notes from the WILD! Executive Director SPRING 2007 by Stephen Capra The Gila Wilderness is the focus of this newsletter. If you live in New Mexico or care about wilderness, then you under- stand how extraordinary the Gila Country really is. Some go there to hike or paddle, others for a pilgrimage or quiet self-introspection. The Gila is a land that speaks to many and its message is the knowledge that can be discovered in a protected landscape. The lessons that we can learn from the land, from the wildlife - the gifts returned by leaving land in its natural state - are perhaps one of the lessons hardest to teach on a global level. The concept of wilderness began in the Gila. It was formed by the thinking of many, but spearheaded by the gifted . It was here in the heart of the Gila, in the early 1920s, that Leopold began to question much of what was then the modern thinking on nature: ideas revolving around heavily managing land and wildlife. But Leopold, rather than accepting the norms of his time, continued to question. He did it in a West that was growing, but had yet to experience the explosive growth that would occur after WWII. This was the twenties, the cutting of our forests and building of roads was underway, and Leopold could envision the future. He wanted to maintain places where people could horse-pack for at least two weeks in a roadless landscape. He wanted to protect grand parts of wild nature because he understood that, in its purest form, there was nothing to improve. He also politics dictating a shameful policy of continual killing of understood that society had a significant learning curve con- wolves. The federal agency in charge, the US Fish and Wild- cerning the idea of wilderness. His was a true visionary, the life Service, has deferred to a small and intransigent sector of voice in the wilderness that was the conservation movement the ranching community to define the wolf recovery policy, of the 1920’s. while biologists, conservationists, sportsmen and even some in the ranching community (those concerned with main- Leopold also began to understand the importance of wild- taining a healthy environment) are being ignored. Good life, especially predatory animals such as wolves, in a healthy people in the USFWS involved in wolf recovery are leaving ecosystem. The “green-fire dying” (see pg. 9) was his pivotal the agency, speaking volumes about staff morale under the awakening that wolves were not just important for a healthy Bush administration. Consistently, wolves are being shot in environment, but for the spirit of wild nature. His powerful our state (many by the agencies charged with protecting words were written in a time when most people felt that the them) while the defined goal for wolf recovery by 2007 is not only good wolf was a dead wolf. It’s sadly ironic that today, being met, not by a mile. Those responsible for illegally kill- here in New Mexico, that fight continues with ignorance and ing wolves continue to avoid prosecution. Radical groups like the Paragon Foundation continue their relentless push to eliminate wolves from our state and we continue to fight back and demand justice for this great animal. We also expect agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service to do their job, without succumbing to political influ- contents ence. It would disgust Mr. Leopold to see how politics, not science, continues to control the wolf recovery program and 4 The Last Wild River? how, in 2007, the broader public still fails to understand the 5 Otero Mesa Update importance of wild lands and wildlife to the overall health of 6 Nuclear Power Not the Answer Nature and humanity. 8 Governor Richardson’s Plans But lets get back to the positive: Leopold’s vision for the pro- 9 Dona Ana County Update tection of wildlands that began during his time in the Gila 10 ORV Update Country. That vision started a movement. It began with the creation of the Gila Primitive Area in 1924 and expanded 11 A Different Path into a wilderness preservation system today that spans more 11 Service Projects than 107 million acres in 44 states, featuring 702 wilder- 13 Gila Wilderness Experience ness areas. It has also expanded overseas with countries like 14 Martin Heinrich Australia, Russia, Italy, Poland, Tasmania, Patagonia, Borneo, 15 UNM Wild India, Africa, Mexico, Canada and many others developing their own system of landscape and oceanic protection. Per- 16 WILDFEST 07 haps the greatest wilderness remaining is Antarctica, and the 17 El Malpais struggle to protect its pristine nature continues. It’s amazing 18 Anchor of the Wilderness System to think that Leopold’s vision may one day protect the wild- 19 Defending the Gila ness of an entire continent. 23 Join us! 21-23 NMWA Sponsors continued on page 15

Page 2 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 3 Whittling Away at the Gila Wilderness Area For over 80 Years

Main Office politicians, and the public carried out the primitive area boundary on the 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 their responsibility of stewardship? south where the flows out [email protected] • www.nmwild.org Protecting the Gila Wilderness Area of the mountains. After World War P.O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, NM 87125 has been a personal passion of mine Two, army surplus jeeps were brought Las Cruces Field Office 275 N. Downtown Mall for the last thirty-six years, and I have home and were used to further pio- Las Cruces, NM 88001 carefully studied its history before neer two-track routes into the primi- 505/527-9962 that. In answer to my question, I can tive areas while the Forest Service NEW!->Taos Field Office 108B Civic Plaza DrIve say that we have not done a good job. shrugged their shoulders. Taos, NM 87571 Had it not been for stout-hearted 505/751-7309 citizen conservationists like Jim Stowe The heart of the Gila is where the three forks of the river come together. Mission Statement and principled Forest Service employ- The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is ees like Sam Servis at key times, our This valley also held hot springs, dedicated to the protection, restoration, private inholdings and ranch head- and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s caring for the Gila Wilderness would wildlands and Wilderness areas. have been far, far worse—a travesty, quarters, and the Gila Cliff Dwell- NMWA Staff in short. ings National Monument. Every year the Forest Service led a jeep caravan Albuquerque Office Stephen Capra, Executive Director Copyright 2007 Dave Foreman More than any other single area, the twenty miles through their Gila Prim- Tripp Killin, Associate Director Gila Wilderness epitomizes the never- itive Area to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, Nathan Newcomer, Grassroots Organizer Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator “A wilderness,” Aldo Leopold wrote, ending struggle to protect wilder- officially violating their management Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager “should be big enough to absorb a ness and fulfills the conservationists’ standards. This was a big, well-publi- Michael Scialdone, Director of Wilderness Protection Trisha London, Membership & Grassroots Assistant two-week pack trip without crossing watchword, “A wilderness battle is cized event and attracted a lot of par- Craig Chapman, Special Events Coordinator your own tracks.” To early forester never won.” ticipants. During this time, the Gila Carlsbad Office Leopold, the wilderness was the pine NF Supervisor bet that he could drive Steve West, Southeast Director forest and sheer canyons of the head- The Gila was the first area specifically his jeep some thirty-five miles farther Las Cruces Office protected as wilderness by human Jeff Steinborn, Southern Director waters of the Gila River in the Mogol- across the Gila from the Cliff Dwell- Nathan Small, Wilderness Protection Coordinator civilization. But within eight years lon Mountains and in ings northwest over Turkeyfeather Santa Fe Office . As I imag- of its designation, the Forest Service Pass to Creek. He almost David Ehrman, Outreach Coordinator ine myself on Holt Mountain looking cut the North Star Road through made it. I have a photograph of a Taos Office Jim O’Donnell, Northern Director into the wilderness, ravens quork- it north to south, slicing the Black crumbling little bulldozer deep in the ing and wheeling below, it is easy to Range to the east from the rest of the wilderness that had been specifically Board of Directors believe that I am sitting with Leopold. roadless country. The Gila National designed to maintain primary wilder- Wes Leonard, Albuquerque, NM (Chair) Forest claimed the road was needed Dave Parsons, Albuquerque, NM (Treasurer) His words hang and spangle in the air ness trails. Glen Banks, Placitas, NM for quicker communication between Pam Eaton, Denver, CO below us like fall leaves of aspen. Randy Gray, Lake Valley, NM its ranger stations at Beaverhead and During the 1940s and 1950s, the Christianne Hinks, Albuquerque, NM During the second decade of the last Bob Howard, Santa Fe, NM Mimbres, and for access for fire-fight- Forest Service undertook a program Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM century, he became enthralled with ing, private livestock management, to review all of the primitive areas that Arturo Sandoval, Albuquerque, NM Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM the freedom of this remote fastness and . A key reason, however, had been created during the 1920s Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM and yet worried that it would soon was that this region of the East Fork and 1930s to determine whether they Rick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM vanish without positive action on the of the Gila River was dusty, pinon- should remain protected and, if so, to Newsletter Staff Tisha Broska, Managing Editor part of its manager, the steppe, and in the aesthetic draw firm boundaries for them. After Joe Adair, Design Editor Forest Service. With popular articles eye of the Forest Service not pretty study, the areas were to be called wil- Christianne Hinks, Copy Editor and through in-house discussions enough to be wilderness—this scenic derness areas if over 100,000 acres with Forest Service decision-makers, bias drove Forest Service policy on the and wild areas if under 100,000 acres. Leopold pushed his point that Gila’s boundaries for fifty years, and In 1952, the Forest Service issued What is Wilderness? because of the sudden availability and still plays a role in efforts to add other their recommendations for the Gila. The of 1964 spread of motor-cars in the National lower-elevation lands to the wilder- Already cut down from its original established the National Forest backcountry after World War ness. Part of the Gila Primitive Area near-million to 560,000 acres, the Wilderness Preservation System to preserve the last remaining One there would soon be no place east of the new road was redesignated Gila NF proposed to further reduce wildlands in America. The left for those so inclined to practice as the Black Range Primitive Area. it to 300,000 acres by lopping off over Wilderness Act, as federal policy, the primitive arts and skills of pio- 100,000 acres in the east alongside secures “an enduring resource neer travel—primarily horse and With the road came the extermina- the North Star Road where, said the of wilderness” for the people. Wilderness is defined as an area mule packing. In 1924, his work bore tion of the grizzly and lobo. The Forest Service, the gentle topography North Star Road ripped through high that has primarily been affected fruit and Southwest Regional Forester made defense against vehicles impos- by the forces of nature with the Frank Pooler administratively desig- mesa country—gentle land rare in a sible. They would also chop out the imprint of humans substantially nated a Gila Wilderness Area of nearly roadless condition. Ranchers, hunt- Gila Cliff Dwellings, the valley around unnoticeable. It is an area that offers outstanding opportunity one million acres stretching west to ers, and fuelwood cutters in early it, and the access route from the south pickup trucks began to branch off on for solitude or a primitive or east from Glenwood to Kingston, New into it. They planned to build a paved unconfined type of recreation, Mexico. Like areas were soon set aside either side of the North Star Road and road into the Cliff Dwellings for tour- and an area that contains in other Forest Service regions and all push deeper into the Gila Primitive ists. In perhaps the most grievous cut ecological, geological, or other were renamed as primitive areas. Area to the west and the Black Range features of scientific, educational, of all, another 100,000 acres of tow- scenic, or historical value. Primitive Area to the east during the ering old-growth mixed-conifer and A fair question to ask now, eighty- 1930s, leaving a network of two-track ponderosa pine forest around Iron Please visit us at some years after Leopold and Pooler’s routes. During World War Two, sev- Creek Mesa in the north would be gift to the future, is how well have eral thousand acres believed to have pulled out for full-on, industrial log- nmWILD.org later generations of forest rangers, critical minerals were chopped from continued on page 12 Page 2 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 3 Can We Save New Mexico’s gila: Last Wild River?

southwestern New Mexico have not identi- fied a need for this water project, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission has been moving ahead with efforts to withdraw water from the Gila without examining the range of water supply alternatives available to the region. The groundwater supply of the Silver City area, the intended beneficiary of this project, is estimated to last centuries, even taking into account projected growth. According to a report conducted for the Gila ingly under threat from water development, future water demand at least cost and keep Conservation Coalition by the economics the Arizona Water Settlements Act provides the Gila a wild, free-flowing river. consulting firm, ECONorthwest, the costs of New Mexico with a rare opportunity to find a extracting water from the Gila River are 16 balance between human and environmental The author is Executive Director of the Gila times higher than the costs of purchasing needs. The $66 million federal subsidy from Conservation Coalition. For more information unused water rights and developing new the AWSA should be used to meet the region’s on this issue, visit www.gilaconservation.org wells. Even if partially subsidized by fed- eral coffers, it makes no economic sense for local governments to buy into infrastructure ACTION ALERT development that would provide water they don’t need and at such high cost to water Thank you for your calls to Governor Richardson urging him to by Allyson Siwik users and taxpayers. veto the $945,000 Gila appropriation. However, we still need On a recent hike along the Gila River, my your help. Please write to the governor and encourage him to Governor Vetoes daughter and I watched the vibrant red of a Gila Appropriation support a common-sense approach to meeting the water needs vermilion flycatcher flit through a budding of southwestern New Mexico that also protects the Gila River! cottonwood tree, signaling the welcomed During this year’s legislative session, Gover- arrival of spring in this corner of southwest- nor Richardson vetoed a $945,000 appropri- ern New Mexico. The Gila River is a special ation for “Gila Basin Water Development” in Sample Letter place to my family. We escape to its banks response to hundreds of calls from through- in the heat of the summer for shade and the out the conservation community. The The Honorable Bill Richardson refreshment of its cool waters. We also go to Governor’s office stated, “The appropriation Governor of New Mexico see the power of its flood waters and experi- language was problematic and didn’t include Office of the Governor ence the wonder of its plant and animal life. the proper balance. The different parties have State Capitol, Room 400 not reached consensus yet on this issue, and, As we dozed on the riverbank, I was reminded Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 until that happens, it’s going to be hard to that efforts are underway to implement a move forward. The Governor remains com- major water development project on the Gila, Dear Governor Richardson, mitted to helping the parties reach consen- the state’s last free-flowing river and one of sus in the months ahead.” The conserva- We need your help to protect the Gila and San Francisco rivers, the last wild and the few remaining un-dammed rivers in the tion community believes that the Gila-San free-flowing rivers in New Mexico. These rivers originate from the nation’s first Southwest. Originating from the nation’s first Francisco Coordinating Committee process wilderness area and support one of the most important ecosystems in the country. wilderness area, the Gila River’s natural cycle has been biased toward study of potential of flows supports one of the most important impacts of water withdrawal from the Gila The 2004 Arizona Water Settlements Act threatens the future of this significant ecosystems in the country, including the River. The Governor’s veto underscores the river system by authorizing construction of a major water project that could largest complement of native fish species in need for a new process that examines the remove up to 140,000 acre-feet of water every decade from both the Gila River the Lower Colorado River drainage and the full range of water supply alternatives that and its tributary, the San Francisco. The Act also provides a federal subsidy of largest population anywhere of the federally meet the water needs of the communities up to $128 million for construction of a water project. These two rivers already endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. in southwestern New Mexico and that is not carry less water than they did historically due to the demands of irrigation and The 2004 Arizona Water Settlements Act focused solely on Gila River diversion and , as well as a prolonged recent drought. Additional withdrawals from this (AWSA) threatens the future of this signifi- consumption. project would degrade and likely unravel the ecological integrity of the Gila and cant river system by authorizing the poten- San Francisco. Flow reductions due to global warming may compound the impacts The Gila Conservation Coalition and its part- tial construction of a major water project of a project. ners will continue to promote a common- that could remove up to 140,000 acre-feet of sense approach that can satisfy the future water every decade from both the Gila River Although local communities have not identified a need for this water project, the water needs of the region while also main- and its tributary, the San Francisco. The Act New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission has been moving ahead with efforts to taining the free flow of the Gila. The AWSA also provides up to $128 million in federal withdraw water from the Gila without examining the range of practical and low- allows for $66 million of the $128 million subsidy for construction of a water project. cost water supply alternatives available to the region. These include improving federal subsidy to be expended for any These rivers already carry less water than municipal conservation, increasing irrigation efficiency, buying water rights, and “water utilization projects that meet a water they did historically due to the demands of digging new wells. supply demand.” This funding could go to irrigation and mining, as well as the recent improving municipal conservation, increas- There is a common-sense solution to this issue. The $66 million in federal sub- drought. Additional withdrawals from a ing irrigation efficiency, buying water rights, water development project would alter the sidy under the Arizona Water Settlements Act should be used to meet the region’s digging new wells, or to a host of other prac- rivers’ hydrologic cycle and likely unravel the future water supply needs and keep the Gila a wild, free-flowing river. tical measures that would meet the future ecological integrity of the Gila and San Fran- needs of the entire region in a cost-effective Governor Richardson, we hope that New Mexico, and the nation, can count on you cisco. Flow reductions due to global warm- manner and conserve the Gila and San Fran- to save the integrity of these last wild rivers. ing may compound the impacts of a project. cisco rivers. Sincerely, In spite of the fact that local communities in With river systems around the globe increas-

Page 4 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 This is a Big, Wild Place National Conservation Area Proposed for Taos County

by Jim O’Donnell the river enters The Box, an 18-mile Northern Director stretch of 900 foot cliffs, famous New Mexico Wilderness Alliance among boaters. One of the wildest places in New This is also the Rio Grande Migratory Mexico can be found in Taos County. Flyway – one of the great migratory routes in the world. Eagles, falcons The area is massive, sprawling over and hawks make the basalt walls more than 300,000 acres. How you of the Gorge their nesting homes. name it depends on who you talk to. Ospreys, scaups, hummingbirds, NMWA calls it by a group of indi- herons, avocets, merlins and willits vidual names: Rio Grande Gorge, all traverse the Gorge. The sound of Ute Mountain, Sunshine Valley, Sandhill Cranes, migrating from the Wild Rivers, Cerro de la Olla, Cerro San Luis Valley to places like Bosque Chiflo, Rio San Antonio, Cerro del Del , can be deafening during Aire…other names are Windmill, the an October hike in the tablelands west conifers clamber down to the Rio los economy. We learned two main les- Punche Valley, el Llano, Upper Gorge, of the river. Pinos. sons during the battles over the Valle Lower Gorge, Rio Grande Corridor, Vidal. One, no chunk of public land the Ute Mountain Run…the chal- It’s that western plateau that is per- Perhaps the crown jewel of this whole is secure from mineral development lenge in naming it has everything to haps the most wild. From the edge area is Ute Mountain, a 10,093 foot or other forms of exploitation – no do with its size and diversity – as does of the Gorge, vast grass and sagebrush high volcanic cone rising nearly 3,000 matter how safe you may think that the challenge in describing it. mesas intersperse with the forested feet above the surrounding plain. Ute land is, no matter how ‘lacking’ in slopes of volcanic intrusions such as is something you can’t miss. Located So, lets begin with the river. exploitative possibilities it may be, Cerro Chiflo, Cerro del Aire, Monto- about ten miles west of Costilla, it is someone, sometime is going to come The Labatos Bridge marks the begin- sos and Cerro de la Olla. It is on these the dominate feature for those driving after that land. Our second lesson ning of the Rio Grande Gorge. The mesas where vast herds of north from Taos along highway 522. was this: our economy in north-cen- and find winter forage and calve bridge can be found in Colorado The steep slopes of Ute are covered in tral New Mexico is dependant on Wil- where the Rio Grande begins its cut and fawn along the rim in late spring. derness. Wilderness feeds the rivers A rancher swore to me he’d heard a pinyon at the base, as well as pockets into the Servilleta lava flows that of ponderosa, aspen, white pine and that feed the acequias. It nurtures our make up the Taos Plateau. Eight miles wolf howl out there just a few years rural lifestyle. Wilderness is the ‘bank’ ago. Douglas in the higher elevations. later, at the New Mexico state line, the From grassy meadows of blue grama, from which we hunt, fish and explore. river is 200 feet down, the gorge 150 This substantial chunk of wild coun- western wheatgrass and Indian rice- It’s presence offers a tremendous feet across. West of Questa, where Big try is bordered by the Gorge Rim on grass where the trees thin, the Gorge is economic development opportunity. Arsenic Spring bubbles from the rock the east and Highway 285 on the west. a jagged, inky slash dividing Ute from Perhaps most importantly, these wild- and pinyon jays heap in the winter, The northern portion spills over 285, its sister cones to the west. Snow- lands create and nurture the character the river is a glinting green ribbon 800 encompassing the broad, gently roll- capped Blanca rises to the north, just of the people of Taos County. The feet down. The opposite rim is over ing grass and sagebrush plains of the across the state line. The whole Sangre Bureau of Land Management (BLM) half a mile away where, on summer Rio San Antonio Gorge WSA, bisected de Cristo range falls to the east, termi- manages the whole thing. This is mornings, bald eagles soar south- by yet another gorge where raptors nating, view-wise, at Wheeler Peak. public land. Our land. ward in pairs. At John Dunn Bridge nest in 200-foot high lava walls and There are people here too --- Lupe, It is invaluable. Bobby, Esther, Rudy, Ron, Dennis…. For over a year now, we have been in Descendants of the land grantees discussion with the BLM and Sena- run cattle all along the Gorge and tor Bingaman’s office to find a way to out into the table-lands between the give this massive area the protection it rim and Highway 285. Vehicle routes deserves. We have wide-ranging sup- tend toward sparse and are, more port on this effort from the ranching likely than not, unmaintained two- community, the local elected officials, tracks. On the slopes of Cerro de la the acequias, the sportsman commu- Olla, locals collect firewood to heat nity, the boaters and the biologists. their homes. Hunting and fishing are common. Hikers climb to the bottom We hope that by the time you read of the gorge for a swim and a picnic. this legislation will have been intro- The Box is a popular rafting area duced to assure the wild character of and bird watching draws – well, not this land forever as a National Con- as many as it ought to. It is fabulous servation Area (NCA). The highlights birding! of this legislation should be the place- ment of Ute Mountain and the Rio This is wild land, important to the San Antonio Gorge within the Wil- culture and character of our county derness Preservation System. and vital, in its wildness, to our

Page 4 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 Otero Mesa Update where we stand

the regulations, can and often does con- New Study Says Large Aquifer is under Otero Mesa taminate our precious groundwater.

This study focused on the water resources risks to water quality can be lim- New Mexicans have continued to support in the New Mexico portion of the Salt Basin ited and the value of this resource oil and gas development on almost 6 mil- and made some important preliminary can be protected. lion acres of land in our state. In contrast, findings, as well as recommending impor- only 1.6 million acres have been perma- tant next steps to quantify and locate the In 2004, John Shomaker & Associates Inc., nently protected. To date, the oil and gas amount of recoverable water. The main water-resource and environmental consul- industry has held only one position when it findings of the report are: tants, presented the findings of another comes to Otero Mesa - they want the right study showing the federal agencies’ drilling to drill all of it. Almost anyone who has 1. The volume of potentially pota- plans for Otero Mesa would jeopardize the studied the geology of the area can tell you ble groundwater under Otero Salt Basin aquifer. The study’s conclusion the odds of finding recoverable amounts of Mesa is much greater than the said the agencies’ plan “makes no special oil and gas under Otero Mesa are slim. Why original estimates of 57 million provisions for protection of ground-water risk the inevitable contamination of this acre-feet of ground water, the resources” including existing and future precious fresh water? amount first estimated by the public water wells. State’s Regional Water Plan. (In It comes down to power and money, with laymen’s terms, 57 million acre- The report explained why the agencies’ common sense the loser. Let’s find out how feet equal more than 18 trillion plans for permitting oil and gas develop- much water there is and how it might ben- gallons of water.) ment lack sufficient protective measures. efit southern New Mexico. More than any- by Nathan Newcomer The Salt Basin aquifer is highly fractured thing, let’s be realistic. Oil and gas drilling 2. The study indicates that there limestone, which is susceptible to con- will continue on millions of acres of land Otero Mesa has been in the news for sev- may be additional aquifers in the tamination resulting from the injection of in New Mexico without debate, but some eral years now. For many, it has been a fight New Mexico portions of the Salt oil- and gas-related waste into underlying places hold far more value in beauty, wild- about protecting a wild and beautiful Chi- Basin. rocks. The limestone is also vulnerable to life and pure water than they do in oil. Such huahuan Desert grassland. But more spe- the inevitable spills and leaks from oil and a place is Otero Mesa. cifically, it is about protecting the largest 3. Recharge for the Basin comes gas operations. and wildest grassland in large part from surface water on federal public lands from the ravages of runoff, including the Otero Mesa Last year, the Oil Conservation Division, oil and gas development. area. Recharge areas of the Salt a state agency within the New Mexico SPEAK OUT FOR Basin are generally vulnerable to Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources It may not be widely known that the state’s the introduction of contaminants. Department, issued a report that found OTERO MESA largest, untapped fresh water aquifer lies approximately 1,800 cases state-wide of A Voice for Wilderness! just beneath this vast wilderness, and that 4. The Basin also contains areas groundwater contamination due specifi- of rapid groundwater movement, drilling would likely contaminate this vital cally to oil and gas operations. Take a few minutes to call resource. Recently a study entitled “Knowl- which can make the entire system in and voice your concerns edge and Understanding of the Hydroge- vulnerable to the rapid spread of All of this evidence lends credibility to the for our wildest public lands. ology of the Salt Basin in South-central contaminants. argument that allowing oil and gas drilling Our objective is to get as New Mexico and Future Study Needs” was to move forward in Otero Mesa would be 5. Further study is imperative to many voices as possible made public. This preliminary report was a blunder of insurmountable proportions, define the location and character- speaking out on protect- authored by Sandia National Labs and the with far-reaching negative impacts. istics of the groundwater, so that ing wilderness. Please be U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). concise and short in your The New Mexico legisla- comments. It is important tive session has just ended that we get as many voices and the state authorized as possible speaking out on $1 million to be spent wilderness. Our objective studying the aquifer is to create a CD of voices beneath Otero Mesa. This and present them to our is the beginning of a pro- congressional delegation, posed three-year study of letting them hear, directly the Salt Basin that many from you, how important in the water field feel will wilderness is. clearly show the massive extent of this groundwa- Our Current Voices for Wil- ter resource. Recently, a derness Campaign is focus- coalition of sportsman ing on Otero Mesa. and conservation groups asked our congressional Please call (505) 333-0420 delegation to put in place and leave a message today for our congressional del- a three-year moratorium egation, urging them to on all oil and gas devel- support a moratorium on opment in Otero Mesa. drilling in this wild Chi- The reasoning is clear— huahuan Desert grass- modern day oil and land. To learn more about gas development is not Otero Mesa please visit: benign; in fact, it remains www.oteromesa.org a process that no matter

Page 6 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 DOÑA ANA COUNTY UPDATE

natural areas to support these same phone: 505-527-9962. businesses. A full list can be found at: www.DonaAnaWild.org. One exciting new feature for the cam- paign is called 1000 Voices for Wilder- From the divine to the dollar, wilder- ness. This innovative effort combines ness covers many values. However, the power of special wild places, your each value is rooted in place. Recog- passion, and modern technology. nizing this, the Dona Ana Wilderness Have you ever wanted to tell your Coalition, led by the New Mexico elected official exactly how you feel Wilderness Alliance, committed to about wilderness, but you don’t have helping lead “wilderness walks” every the time to fly to Washington D.C.? weekend beginning in mid-January. We’ve set up a unique phone line, where you can leave a message stat- This commitment is yielding impres- ing who you are and why you value sive results. Groups ranging from wilderness. This message will then 8-20 people gather every Saturday be downloaded onto a CD featuring and sometimes Sunday to explore regular people talking about protect- wild places one hour or less from Las ing special places. Your call will make Cruces. They’ve seen Broad Canyon, this effort a success. Please call: 505- spotted purple and blue with Verbina 201-4318. wildflowers, and watched eight graze along the north side of We’re proud to announce our by Nathan Small Durango, Colorado…Surrendering Cuevas Rocks, in the Needles Wilder- monthly campfire cookouts at the myself completely to the Creator of ness Study Area (WSA). beautiful Happy Trails Inn, located in In Dona Ana County, spring is syn- all things developed in me an unshak- onymous with wind. This year’s gusts Mesilla and owned by wilderness sup- able faith that has carried me through On top of Cox Peak, walkers gazed porters Sylvia and Harry Byrnes. They did not disappoint, reaching 92 mph three decades of sometimes difficult over the expansive West Potrillo one day in early March. Similarly, the boast a beautiful Organ Mountains times with a happy heart and positive Mountains, New Mexico’s largest view surrounded by shade trees. The winds of wilderness are steadily gath- attitude”. WSA. This intact landscape supports ering. A diverse group of local citi- Inn is a celebration of art, culture, and outstanding wildlife populations and southwestern heritage—an ideal set- zens—ranging from a horse trainer Wilderness has long been recognized healthy livestock operations. In the to a bed and breakfast owner, a retired as a spiritual fountain, full of renewal ting for Wilderness Work and celebra- Robledo Mountains walkers viewed a tion. All are welcome to attend, veg- engineer and teacher to telephone for modern lives drained by life’s daily wild bee colony’s honey combs hang- repairman—have made a commit- drudgeries. However, more and more etarian and non-vegetarian meals will ing from a cliff face, and house sized be available. Save the date: May 19. ment to bring permanent protec- recent attention has been given to the boulders strewn in a wild canyon tion to the area’s outstanding natural economic value that protected public bottom. With Southern Director Jeff Steinborn areas. They’ve lead walks, written lands, especially wilderness, can bring back home in Las Cruces after fulfill- local papers, and now are starting to to local and regional communities. Momentum is building. NOW is ing his State Representative duties, see some of 2007’s first successes hit- a great time to get involved with The Sonoran Institute is a non-par- the campaign is moving forward. ting the ground, like raindrops in a protecting wilderness in Dona Ana See page 21 for important Dona Ana parched desert. tisan economic research group. They County. Even as the summer heat studied the potential economic effects County action alerts, and stay tuned starts to set in, wilderness walks will as wilderness—America’s Common In late March, the region’s largest of wilderness designation in Dona continue. Stay tuned for these outings. circulation newspaper, the El Paso Ana County, and concluded that gen- Ground—progresses in Dona Ana Sign up and get more information by County. Times, editorialized in favor of pro- erally protected public lands benefit email, [email protected], or tecting Dona Ana County wilderness. a region’s long term eco- The Times editors eloquently recog- nomic health, including nized the strong connections between Dona Ana County. West Texas, especially El Paso, and Dona Ana County, opining, “it’s in Recognizing the alignment everyone’s best interests to safeguard of long term economic the natural, and irreplaceable, trea- health and protected sure that is our wilderness areas.” public land, over 100 local businesses support the Local horse trainer and riding lessons Dona Ana County wilder- instructor Pat Buls knows firsthand ness proposal. Ranging the power of wilderness. Pat, owner from restaurants to retail, of Shining Heart Farms and Eques- car-dealerships to doctor’s trian Center in Radium Springs, NM offices, these establish- has been exploring and educating ments support commu- in wild places much of her life. In a nity conservation values. piece published by the El Paso Times, We encourage anyone Pat recounted “Thirty years ago, I who similarly values the rode my horse from Las Cruces to lasting legacy of protected

Page 6 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 mined effort to remove wolves and Keeping the Wild Spirit of the Gila all predatory animals from the wild. In their relentless effort to support private use of public lands (such as Demanding Justice for the Wolf ranching) and an ultra-conservative agenda, the organization has staunch followers. Paragon sponsors radio programs like the Derry Brownfield Show, by Stephen Capra planned. The problem is an unsus- any way to allow the lobo to live free airing across the mid-west and in tainable “failure rate” for wolves. The on our public lands in the Southwest, New Mexico. Brownfield spends The Mexican wolf is the rarest subspe- failure rate is the combination of ille- including our wilderness areas. much of his time spewing an endless cies of gray wolf in North America. It gal and natural deaths and the killing stream of anti-environmental rheto- is the famous “Lobo” of the southwest. and removal of wolves by the manag- But they also reflect the work of one ric. Immigration and private prop- When Aldo Leopold, in his “Think- ing agencies to address human-wolf non-profit organization - The Para- erty rights are choice subjects, but ing Like a Mountain” essay, talks of conflicts, mainly the depredation gon Foundation in Alamogordo, New his favorite is the removal of preda- watching the “green fire” die from the of livestock by wolves. To date, the Mexico, an organization whose mis- tory animals from our public lands. eyes of a wolf he and his companions agencies have lacked the imagination sion statement is: “By engaging people For his fear-based audience, moun- had just shot in the early 1900s—that or political resolve to address these to honor and enforce the rights given tain lions, bears, wolves and other animal was a Mexican wolf. The land- conflicts by any other means than to them under the Constitution of the indigenous/magnificent wildlife are scape was the Blue Range country of killing and removing wolves. While United States, by upholding laws that the enemy and must be extirpated Arizona, just west of the Gila National the Endangered Species Act allows the define our existence. This obligation forever. Public lands and any fed- Forest. This experience changed Leo- flexibility of taking some wolves to is satisfied through the collaborative eral regulations designed to protect pold’s attitude towards wolves and led resolve conflicts, it still requires that research, education and sharing of endangered species should be abol- to his understanding of the ecological meaningful progress be made toward knowledge and experiences.” Transla- ished. Conservationists, enlightened importance of the wolf and its role in conserving and ultimately recovering tion: they are a private property rights sportsmen, the federal government maintaining the health of deer herds the Mexican wolf to sustainable pop- and consumptive land uses organiza- and anyone not aligned with their and, ultimately, the land. Follow- ulation levels. It is this “conservation” tion that is opposed to public lands, 19th century thinking are fair game, ing restoration of wolves to Yellow- requirement of the Endangered Spe- wilderness and government regula- and the wolf has become their latest stone National Park and surrounding cies Act that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife tion. They have organized intensely and strongest rallying cry. The Para- areas, studies are demonstrating the Service and cooperating federal and in New Mexico, especially with some gon Foundation is determined to stop strength of the connection between state agencies have lost sight of. What fringe sportsman groups, in a deter- the wolf reintroduction program and wolves and ecosystem health and bio- appears to be impairing their vision logical diversity. The wolves’ return is the politics of livestock grazing on has restored stream-side vegetation our public lands, including our public (formerly browsed to oblivion by elk), wilderness areas, such as the Gila and enticed beavers to return and build areas. their dams once again, and recreated habitats for trout, song birds, and Livestock and related organizations myriad other species. have twice sued to stop the wolf rein- troduction program and lost. But By the mid-nineteenth century, pri- meetings convened by Representa- vate and government-sponsored pred- tive Steve Pearce in 2005 to give wolf ator control programs had completely opponents access to top regional extirpated Mexican wolves from their U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials were wild Southwestern haunts in order followed by a moratorium on addi- to make the landscape safe for cattle. tional releases of wolves and stricter In a couple more decades they were measures for killing or removing wiped out in Mexico for the same wolves that prey on livestock. In Feb- reason, but five of the last remaining ruary the Catron County Commis- wolves were captured alive and placed sion passed an ordinance that defies in captivity to save the Mexican wolf federal law and grants authority to from complete extinction. Passage of the county to kill Mexican wolves the Endangered Species Act gave the for problems as they define them lobo a new life. Breeding was ramped (including psychological trauma) if up and a program to return Mexi- the federal government can’t get the can wolves to the Gila and Apache job done in 24 hours. Several conser- National Forests began in 1998 and vation organizations recently filed a continues today. Somewhere around notice of intent to sue Catron County 55 wolves now roam the Gila and Blue for violating the Endangered Species Range country—25 to 30 are known Act with the passage of the ordinance. to occur in New Mexico. But all is not And more recently, the Grant County well in wolf country. Commission passed an ordinance Project objectives called for slightly recommending the compensation of over 100 wolves and 18 breeding pairs county residents for broadly defined by the end of 2006. Slightly over half (but poorly supported) damages that many wolves exist and only 5 caused by wolves, including nebulous, breeding pairs are currently docu- undocumented effects such as lost mented. In addition, far more wolves hunting opportunities. These actions than originally thought would be nec- demonstrate little interest by anti- essary have been released; and releases wolf groups—primarily livestock and have continued four years longer than non-ecologically oriented hunting organizations—in compromising in

Page 8 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 have invested heavily in outreach and Aldo Leopold learned from the misinformation. Congressman Pearce mountain. He learned because he One particular afternoon, recently advanced their cause with a spent time in nature observing the “Dear Colleague” letter to his fellow relationship between wildlife and a Leopold and another crew congressmen entitled “STOP THE healthy ecosystem. Leopold came to HORSE SLAUGHTER.” Among other his conclusions by spending years things Congressman Pearce speculates in wild nature and discovering the member spotted a wolf and that eventually there will be “an attack contradictions with the lessons he on a child.” He erroneously states had been taught in university. But he her pups crossing the river. that the wolf reintroduction program trusted his judgment, and began the was “established against the wishes of major endeavor of his life --- chang- They shot into the pack and the people of New Mexico.” A major- ing the average person’s perspective of ity of New Mexicans support wolf wild nature. Today we carry on with reintroduction, even in rural areas. his work and, not surprisingly, there then scrambled down the still are people fighting the truth. Opposition to reintroduction is often Wild nature calls for wild wolves; a rocks to see what they had focused on wolves decreasing the elk healthy environment requires wolves. population - fewer elk might translate We will continue to fight for the wolf into less hunting —or so the thinking --- the mountain demands it. done. One pup was crippled goes. But statistics from Idaho, a state with more than 600 wild wolves, paint and trying to crawl away. The another picture --- in 2006 the success rate for Idaho hunters was more than 19.5%, which is considered a banner old mother wolf lay snapping year, with more than 20,257 elk taken. In 2004 some 20,925 elk were and growling. Aldo baited her bagged. In 2005 the number climbed to 21,520. Despite an increasing wolf with his rifle, and the wolf population, sportsmen’s ability to take elk has not been impacted. The numbers point to a relatively stable lunged at him, snatching it take that fluctuates slightly up or down year-to-year. The same could in her teeth. The men backed be expected in New Mexico, but the key benefit that goes unreported is the overall increasing health of away, but kept their eyes on the environment and indeed, the overall health of the elk them- her, watching her die. Many selves. On March 28, the New Mexico years later, Leopold wrote: Game Commission held a public listening session in Las Cruces to hear public con- “We reached the old wolf cerns about the Mexican wolf recovery program. The Para- in time to watch a fierce gon Foundation organized aggressively for this hearing, green fire dying in her eyes. I helping to create the Mesilla Valley sportsman organization. Members of this new group spoke out against realized then, and have known wolf recovery and gave the commis- sion a petition with more than 700 ever since, that there was names opposing reintroduction. The large crowd was about equally divided between those who support the wolf something new to me in those and those who want them removed from our public lands. Those in eyes – something known only opposition spoke about their fears for the safety of their children, their to her and to the mountain.” fear of losing their “way of life”, and their unwillingness, as hunters, to share the large Gila elk herd with wild Leopold’s road-to-Damascus wolves. Wolf supporters spoke to the legal and ethical reasons for restoring wolves and the importance of wolves change of view would not for maintaining healthy, biologically diverse ecosystems. A Silver City high come to fruition until some school student speaking in support of the wolves said “The Gila is the wild- est public lands she has experienced.” years later in his so-called It was clear from her comments that she wanted it to stay that way. “land ethic”.

Page 8 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 Travel Management Rule Moves Forward More input needed from conservationists and quiet recreationists.

by Michael Scialdone in general, attending these meetings of meetings. Come to our Las are aiming to have a proposed and submitting written comments Cruces office on Monday, April action by this fall. We all have hobbies, activities to fill will be crucial to keeping the FS on 23 from 4 - 7 at 275 North Down- our free time and engage our creative the right track. town Mall. We are joining the • The Carson has completed their side, and for most, hobbies are quiet Southwest Environmental Center, second round of meetings. They pursuits that don’t involve degrading An easy to way to keep up with the Forest Guardians, and the Center are aiming to have a proposed the environment or the experiences TMR is to join our email list. Once for Biological Diversity in an effort action by this fall. of others. Enter the hobby of riding a week or so NMWA sends out an to seek input and increase atten- off-road vehicles (ORVs). As ORV use email with news and updates about NMWA has been actively involved in dance to the following Lincoln the TMR since it was put in to motion has increased since the 70’s, so have important conservation issues. It will National Forest meetings: the conflicts that inherently go with include updates on the TMR and in 2006. Through our newsletter and this activity: disruptions to wildlife what each National Forest is doing as • Tuesday, April 24, 6:00-8:30 at email alerts, we have been educat- and their habitat; erosion; damage to well as where meetings are planned. the Carlsbad Public Library ing and alerting our members and rivers, riparian areas and wetlands; Signing up is easy – just go to http: the interested public about the TMR scarred and denuded landscapes //ga1.org/nmwildaction/join.html. • Monday, May 7, 5:30-8:00 at and when each NF is having meetings (especially sand dunes); and displace- Each NF has information on their the Ruidoso Convention Center related to it. We have teamed up with conservation partners across NM and ment of quiet recreationists on our website. If you would like to ask • Wednesday, May 9, 6:00-8:00 public lands. questions or get involved here at the the southwest to develop strategies on at the Red Brick Schoolhouse in how best to keep the Forest Service NMWA office in Albuquerque, the Cloudcroft (location may change) As reported in previous newsletters, person to talk to is Michael Scialdone, moving in the right direction. We the Forest Service has responded to 505-843-8696, [email protected]. On • Thursday, May 10, 5:30-7:30 have joined ‘working groups’ set up the ORV problem by declaring the our webpage is information about at the Alamogordo Convention by the Forest Service to try to reach Travel Management Rule (TMR). The submitting written comments to the Center compromise among different user/ TMR directs each National Forest to Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. interest groups. We have conducted designate routes that will be open We will update this information for • The Cibola is breaking down the field work and will use this informa- to motorized travel. Every National other forests as needed. process to the district level with tion to submit detailed comments. Forest will engage in a public process the Sandia Ranger District already to take a hard look at their system of After the scoping phase of the process, holding meetings. On May 8 and This is a huge undertaking by the roads and come up with a map show- each National Forest will consider 9 they will host two more in Albu- Forest Service that will continue for ing which roads will be left open to public input along with their own querque and Tijeras. Visit http: two more years. Please get involved in motorized travel. Each NF in New internal analysis of routes. From this, //www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/travel- any way you can. The decisions that Mexico is in a different stage of their they will release a proposed action (or management/index.shtml for come out of this process will affect process, but all aim to have a map a range of proposed actions) showing more details. our forests for years to come. printed by early 2009. When this hap- which routes they propose to close or pens, all routes not shown on the map leave open. The public will then have • The Santa Fe is wrapping up a and all cross-country travel (with a a chance to comment specifically on second round of meetings. They few exceptions), will be closed to all the alternative(s). motorized vehicles, including ORVs. New Mexico The Forest Service has been holding National Forests meetings across the state to gather – at what stage input from the public about which are they in the routes we would like to see open or process? closed to motorized travel. These meetings are considered the ‘scoping • The Gila has phase’ where public input is gathered. no meetings Motorized-use enthusiasts have been planned at this attending these meetings in force. time. On their Fortunately, those that care about website under wildlife and quiet recreation have also Travel Manage- started to attend. This is very impor- ment you can tant. The TMR is a step in the right sign up to be direction, but if the FS only hears on their mailing from ORV folks then the final map list. will reflect their interests. Whether • The Lincoln you have site-specific information just announced about conflicts and/or environmental they will be damage or you are there to voice sup- holding their port for wildlife and quiet recreation first round

Page 10 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 rainwater. Wastewater is collected from sinks, toilets and showers then purified and funneled into the cistern. The Taking a different trail to the same peak water is then used to irrigate the indig- enous, grasses, shrubs and flowers that complete the exterior treatment of the fall; I ski and snowshoe in the winter. the US Forest Service, created five home. It is a 4-bedroom house that I moved to Albuquerque for the quick national parks and proclaimed 18 consumes 25% of the energy of an and convenient access to the outdoors. national monuments. He established average American home. When necessary I can revive my Wil- the first 51 bird reserves, 4 game pre- derness spirit over a weekend. Most of serves and 150 national forests. Alto- I am not trying to influence your vote my friends feel and do the same. Most gether, in the seven-and-one-half years or change your party affiliation. I’m of my friends vote Republican. he was in office, he provided federal providing some facts with a little his- designation for almost 230 million tory and suggesting that you might be We all share the same love for the acres, a land area equivalent to that of surprised by who your allies for Wil- outdoors. When I explain that I now all the East coast states from Maine to derness might be. When you support work for New Mexico Wilderness Florida. Many consider him the first partisan politics – i.e. Democrats are Alliance, one friend, a thirty-year-old conservationist President. more environmentally friendly than environmental scientist, responds Republicans - two things come to without affection, “You work for the Some other facts that may surprise mind: 1) it may not always be true. 2) tree huggers?” Another friend who is you. Richard Nixon signed the Clean if it is, you are preaching to your own retired from the military, states “Craig, Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, choir. Ignoring a large group that is I grew up in Washington State, I have the National Environmental Policy environmentally friendly and supports by Craig Chapman been pro environment my whole life. Act, and also established the Environ- Wilderness is just not good, in any I support your cause, but the con- mental Protection Agency. President “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you environment. will go far” Theodore Roosevelt. stant partisan politics just turns me Reagan signed into law 38 bills that off.” Another friend that works in the added more than 10.6 million acres I say, do not be anti oil, be pro-Wilder- I have always supported the environ- sporting goods industry selling back- of forests, mountains, deserts, and ness; do not be anti-development, be ment. Having lived in New Mexico for packs, tents and outdoor goods “Yes wetlands to the National Wilderness pro-Wilderness; do not be anti-Repub- over 25 years, I have backpacked in the the Enviros can be a little extreme in Preservation System. lican or Democrat, be pro Wilderness. Gila, San Mateo’s, Jemez, Manzanos their political views.” We need to stop bickering and begin to President Bush’s house in Crawford and the area. I do work together. Let us all do the right If I had to explain my political views I Texas is passive solar, and utilizes geo- trail maintenance yearly. One summer thing and be pro Wilderness. I spent 10 wonderful days in the Gila would say that I am Roosevelt Repub- thermal heat from pipes buried 300 rerouting the . lican. While Theodore Roosevelt was feet into the ground. It has a 25,000- I Mountain bike spring, summer and President (1901-1909) he established gallon underground cistern to collect

Service Projects

May 11, 12, 13, 2007—Limestone Canyon in the San Mateo Mtns Service Project July 14, 15, 16, 2007—Middle Fork Trail Service Project

The San Mateo Mountains are a remote range in central New Mexico with two areas already desig- We will join with Amigos Bravos at this beautiful canyon at the base of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. nated Wilderness and most of the range suitable for more designation. We will work on a stream We will work on erosion control on an old road that leads to an alpine lake. The road was so messed restoration project in Limestone Canyon on the northwest portion of the range, near the Plains of San up by ATVs that it had to be closed to motorized vehicles. We will camp at the site. 3 hours north of Agustin. We will camp at the site. 2.5 hours from ABQ, 3 hours from Las Cruces. Contact: Michael ABQ. Scialdone at 505-843-8696, [email protected] for more info. Contact: Rachel Conn, at 505-758-3874, [email protected] for more info. May 18, 19, 20, 2007—Cebolla Canyon Service Project July 20, 21, 22, 2007—Valle Vidal Service Project Cebolla Canyon is just east of El Malpais National Monument, south of Grants. Albuquerque Wildlife Federation, who will host this trip, has been doing projects in the area since the Bureau of Land Man- We won! Valle Vidal is now protected from the threat of oil & gas development. Previous and continu- agement acquired much of the canyon in the early 1990’s. The focus will be stream restoration with ing efforts to restore its streams will not be in vain. This year we will move our restoration project to an eye toward beaver re-introduction. We will camp at the site. 2 hours west of ABQ. Contact: Gene the east side of the Valle Vidal. Come join us as we celebrate a victory and learn more about the next Tatum at 505-255-1960, [email protected] for more info. steps needed to insure the Forest Service develops a management plan that is appropriate for an area so many wanted protected. This is the 25th year that this project is held by the Albuquerque Wildlife June 1, 2, 3, 2007—National Trails Day Service Project, Pecos Wilderness Federation and they will have special “doings” to commemorate. 4.5 hours north of ABQ. This is an annual project on the north end of the Pecos Wilderness. Once again we will be working with Contact: Glenda Muirhead at 505-281-2925, [email protected], for more info. Karen Cook of the , so it is certain to be a worthwhile and well organized proj- ect. In previous years we have installed barriers to prevent illegal ATV access in to the Pecos Wilder- July 27, 28, 29, 2007—Burro Basin, Pecos Wilderness Service Project ness and to protect a riparian area at the Trampas Lakes trailhead. We will camp at the site. 2.5 hours north of ABQ. Contact: Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696, [email protected] for more info. Burro Basin is located just outside the southern boundary of the Pecos Wilderness. It drains quickly to Gallinas Creek which heads on toward Las Vegas. We will work with the to June 15, 16, 17, 2007—Rio de las Vacas Service Project install a trailhead sign, do some general clean-up, and some trail maintenance. A good chance to beat the summer heat as we’ll camp at the project site at 8,500 feet. 2.5 hours northeast of ABQ. Contact: Hosted by the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation, this is a follow-up project to one done in April. With Michael Scialdone at 505-843-8696, [email protected] for more info. its headwaters in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness up near Cuba, Rio de las Vacas is an important tribu- tary in the Jemez River watershed. Stream restoration will be the focus of this weekend outing. Good August 10, 11, 12, 2007—Bitter Creek Service Project spot for fishing. We will camp at the site. 2 hours north / northwest of ABQ. Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960, [email protected] for more info. The third of our three projects teaming up with Amigos Bravos to help in Red River Watershed restora- tion. This will be a great time to be up at 10,000 feet working on Bitter Creek. Projects will include June 29, 30, 1, 2007—Red River Service Project closing off illegal ATV routes and fencing off riparian areas. We will camp at the site. 3 hours north of ABQ. Contact: Rachel Conn, at 505-758-3874, [email protected] for more info. The first of our three annual projects with Amigos Bravos to help in Red River Watershed restoration. For this one, we will be working down in the Red River Valley. Projects will include closing off illegal ATV routes and fencing off riparian areas. We will camp at the site. 3 hours north of ABQ. Contact: Rachel Conn, at 505-758-3874, [email protected] for more info. Page 10 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 battle raged, with fierce opposition to done for the corresponding part of the and Lujan that we had to bring the Whittling away the Wilderness Act from the Forest Black Range Primitive Area in 1969. wilderness boundaries for the Gila at the Gila Service and Park Service alongside Their new proposal totaled 543,474 and Aldo down to half-a-mile of traditional landscalpers such as the acres of wilderness. My first task for the North Star Road. Otherwise, we -continued from page 3 logging, mining, livestock, irrigation, the NMWSC was to work with Jim would ask to kill the entire bill. We ging and roading. development, oil & gas, and industrial Stowe and the Gila Wilderness Com- ended up with a 570,000-acre Gila tourism industries. mittee to develop “The Joint Con- Wilderness Area and a 211,300-acre The Forest Service’s silver-tongued servationists’ Gila Wilderness Area Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area. Pretty flimflam justifying the “slight” While the Wilderness Act was being Proposal” and organize support for it, small potatoes in some ways as were boundary revisions almost won over debated, the including turnout at the public hear- other wilderness boundaries else- the far-away Wilderness Society and allowed gasoline-powered windmills ings in late 1972. We conservation- where in the state. The significant Sierra Club. But local hunters, fishers, to be installed for cattle watering in ists proposed 614,000 acres. While victory was that the two wilderness hikers, and horse-packers knew better. both the Gila and Black Range Primi- Congress dragged its feet during the boundaries were each brought down Veterans of Foreign Wars, American tive Areas up to six miles from the 1970s, conservationists and the Forest to one-half mile from the North Star Legion, gun clubs, women’s clubs, North Star Road. Moreover, from Service enlarged their recommenda- Road, leaving only one mile between gardening clubs, chambers of com- 1958 to 1962 the Gila NF chained sev- tions. The enlargements were signifi- them. Had the Forest Service bound- merce, and service clubs from south- eral thousand acres of pinon-juniper cant for the conservationists (around aries prevailed in 1980, the non-wil- western New Mexico didn’t just say woodland in the two primitive areas 400,000 acres for the Aldo Leopold derness gap would have been up to no. They said, “Hell, No!” and they (chaining is done by dragging a ship’s Wilderness and around 700,000 acres ten miles. Knowing what we now drew a line in the sand. This brought anchor chain between two D-9 cats to for the Gila Wilderness) and slight for know about the importance of con- national groups like The Wilderness rip out the vegetation to “improve” the agency. Throughout this time I nectivity for wildlife movement Society and Sierra Club around, and cattle pasture). was insistent that we look at the Gila between protected areas, this was a New Mexico Senator (and former In 1964 the Wilderness Act became and Aldo Leopold together as parts of real victory. Secretary of Agriculture) Clinton P. a single wilderness complex and not law and all existing national forest Most of the other lands conservation- Anderson stepped forward as the con- wilderness areas became “instant” as two separate island-like units as the servationists’ champion. The Forest Forest Service did. ists proposed for addition to the Aldo units of the new National Wilder- Leopold and Gila in 1980 still qualify Service quickly backtracked and came ness Preservation System. The Act out with their revised proposal in In 1980, Senator Pete Domenici and and are even more important now for directed the Forest Service to study Representative Manuel Lujan, Jr. were biodiversity. The two largest undes- 1953: a 429,000 acre Gila Wilderness the remaining primitive areas and give Area (including Iron Creek Mesa), ready to move on a New Mexico wil- ignated national forest roadless areas Congress recommendations by 1974 derness bill for national forest areas. in New Mexico are the 190,000-some and a 130,000 acre Gila Primitive on how much should be designated as Area for further study. The locals, The main opponent to wilderness in acres around the Aldo Leopold Wil- wilderness. In 1969, the Gila NF pro- southern New Mexico, Democratic derness and the 130,000-some acres including some good boosters, hadn’t posed a paltry 188,179 acre Aldo Leo- objected so much to the paved road Representative Harold Runnels had around the Gila Wilderness. As polit- pold Wilderness for the 169,356 acre passed away and the seat was tempo- ical conditions change, New Mexico and exclusion to the Cliff Dwellings, Black Range Primitive Area and some so a twenty-mile-long, one-mile-wide rarily empty. We saw it as a window conservationists must be alert for any high-elevation additions. The New of opportunity. Our other senator at opportunities to enlarge the big wil- corridor was whittled out between the Mexico Wilderness Study Committee wilderness and the primitive area. the time, Harrison Schmitt, a geolo- derness complex of the Gila National (NMWSC) and other groups, reflect- gist and moon-walking astronaut Forest. Alas, the Forest Service took the knife ing their high-country, recreational from Silver City was no friend of wil- to other primitive areas much as bias, countered with a better but (as derness and kept acreages small, but Maybe by the time of the 100th Anni- they did to the Gila and some areas we shall see) inadequate 231,000-acre would at least go for some wilderness. versary of the 1924 designation of the did not have stalwarts such as those wilderness line. Although I had left employment with Gila Wilderness, we will have finally in Silver City to head ’em off at the The Wilderness Society by that time, added enough land to the Gila and In 1972, the Gila NF combined their Aldo Leopold so that in connection to pass. The Forest Service attack on study of the Gila Primitive Area with I took the bus back to Washington (I primitive areas and its fevered drive didn’t have enough to fly) as a citi- surrounding wildlands they are large an overall boundary revision of the enough to once again play as “the the- to road and log the backcountry led Gila Wilderness. True to history, they zen representative of the Wilderness Howard Zahniser of The Wilder- Study Committee to coordinate the ater of evolution” as Leopold wrote in proposed most of the gentle mesa 1937. ness Society and others to call on country near the North Star Road for back-and-forth between the House Congress to protect wilderness areas deletion once again, just as they had and Senate at the end of the session. with a Wilderness Act. An eight-year I made clear to my friends Domenici

Page 12 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Gila residents share their wilderness experience

Gila River not only because it is a sanc- and we both spend far less time in the tuary for nature, but for ourselves. It is forest. I am now rarely actively involved one of those very rare places that truly in environmental or socio/political is getting better day by day. groups, though I lend them my moral, and when possible, financial support. —Mike Fugagli The power and influence of the forest and mountains has perhaps only Nora Fiedler: increased in my life. To witness the mountains changing colors and moods Mogollon View throughout the seasons remains an awesome daily spectacle, a never- The Gila National Forest has been a ending and ever changing show, which powerful influence in my life. Having I find far more entertaining and inspir- lived in the Gila Valley, “The Gateway ing than any big screen plasma TV to Turkey Creek and The Gila N.F.” for complete with 600 channels. the past 22 years, the nearby Mogollons maintain their strong steady presence, Due to the size of the forest and its my daily view to the north of my home. sparse human population, it is nature and the mountains, not humans, that For the first many years we lived here, are the dominant energy here. The my husband and I camped and hiked mountains seem to dictate the tone, to frequently in the forest. Andrew, par- set the stage for the dramas of our little ticularly, spent a great deal of time two-legged lives, to help us put those out there - solo journeys exploring dramas - usually trite and trivial - into inner and outer terrain - the experi- perspective. By reflecting on these beau- ence changing with the moods of the tiful looming mountains and the great mountains. space surrounding them, it is easier to In the early nineties a number of keep in mind that there is a reality far friends and myself were involved in greater than “me”. “community dialogue meetings” - an The six million acres of the Gila attempt to bridge the communication National Forest are a blessing and a gaps between local enviros and ranch- sanctuary - not just for myself and the ers. (Though definitely some good local residents, but for all the people resulted, its ultimate success after many who live within its boundaries - the meetings was limited). I was a found- animals, plants, rocks and waters; a ing board member of the Upper Gila sanctuary for the two-legged people Watershed Alliance, UGWA, which is who visit from other areas and are still alive and well. During the lobo soothed and inspired by experiencing reintroduction debates and contro- these forests, canyons, and mountains; versies, I attended countless meetings, a sanctuary worthy of respect and pro- Mike Fugagli: Gila valley was channelized. along with others trying to have our tection just for being itself. I believe that voices heard. Riverside Sanctuay Periodic large floods were forced down we humans need this sanctuary (and a narrow, straightened channel between Time has passed, some things have the others that remain) for our sanity, Three years ago, my family moved levees. Because of the increased velocity changed. As our lifestyle sometimes for our balance and well-being, and for near the banks of the Gila River in the of the flows and the paucity of riparian resembles one long camp-out, I am a sense of what it is to truly be human. upper portion of the Cliff-Gila Valley. vegetation resulting from year-round, now less inclined to “go camping” —Nora Fiedler We wanted to be where the action was, unmanaged grazing of cattle on the ecologically speaking. The Cliff-Gila river corridor, catastrophic scouring Valley is the first broad, alluvial flood- resulted. plain that the Gila River spills into after it leaves its headwaters up in the Gila Now, in the upper portion of the valley, National Forest and Wilderness areas. particularly on preserve areas man- aged by The Nature Conservancy, a It is an ecological jewel supporting one dramatic recovery is taking place. Life of the best remaining examples in the begets life, especially on a desert river. southwest of native riparian forest. The Where stressors have been removed, secret of the Gila is its natural hydro- new bosques are emerging, captur- logic regime. It still flows naturally and, ing sediment, absorbing the energy of most importantly, floods naturally. floodwaters, increasing the topography Because the ecological process of over- of the floodplain, and allowing new bank flooding is still intact on the Gila, channels to form. For the first time in native, flood-dependent trees like cot- 60 years the river has had the freedom tonwoods and still germinate to cut off a meander resulting in a nat- in spades and maintain a competitive urally occurring oxbow lake. In short, advantage over non-native exotics like the patient is on her feet and walking salt cedar. Though the Gila escaped the the halls with a twinkle in her eye. specter of a high wall dam in the twen- My family chooses to live next to the tieth century, in the 1950s’ the Cliff-

Page 12 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Martin Heinrich —City Councilor, Friend of the Environment

by Stephen Capra for the State of New Mexico. Heinrich was recommended for the position by former Over three years ago, voters elected Martin Natural Resources Trustee Jim Baca. Heinrich to be City Councilor for south- east Albuquerque. Since being elected, Here are just a few of the important pieces Heinrich’s term has been nothing but of legislation that Heinrich has shepherded positive, not only for the environment, but through the City Council. Heinrich spon- for moving Albuquerque toward a bolder sored legislation to… vision of a greener community. Heinrich’s vision and policies will attract the kinds · acquire and protect of 327 acres of businesses that value quality-of-life for of Open Space in Tijeras Canyon opening and relocation decisions. from the NM State Land Office; not only will the area remain Before running for office, Heinrich served Open Space, but easements for on the Board of Directors for the New roads, power lines and other Mexico Wilderness Alliance, including development are not allowed. some time as President. He is also the former Executive Director of the Cot- · appropriate $650,000 to pur- tonwood Gulch Foundation, a non-profit chase and protect the Hawkwatch organization providing experiential out- Site in the southern Sandia Moun- door and environmental education. During tains; this is part of an important those days, Martin’s hair was a little longer corridor between the Sandia and and his tan a bit darker, thanks to time Manzano Mountains crucial for spent outdoors exposing young people to bear, deer, lion, and other the history, art, science and cultures of the wildlife. southwest. · make Albuquerque an energy However, Heinrich always maintained a independence leader by requir- strong desire be engaged in the political ing all new city buildings be LEED process. He used his burgeoning political Silver certified (green built); this instincts as the primary organizer in the may reduce city building power successful campaign to protect the Ojito usage by as much as a 50%. Wilderness Area. His tireless efforts were · create some of the nation’s first crucial in gaining the necessary support proposed green building codes of our congressional delegation and over- for all new Albuquerque con- coming earlier opposition by local ranch- struction. ers. Ojito became the first new wilderness in our state in over 18 years; this effort has · protect important archeological opened the door to other ambitious wil- sites from new housing develop- derness efforts currently underway. ment under the guidance of a works with us and shares our values— ensuring their boys have exposure to the new City archeologist Many politicians like to “talk green,” far values that have led to wilderness protec- outdoors from a very early age. fewer actually make the environment part · conserve Albuquerque’s water tion and restoration of wildlife habitat. Martin’s political star continues to soar of their core agenda. Since his election, supply by requiring low-flow toi- He’s not afraid to take on those who would and that’s good news for our wildest public Heinrich has led by example, working hard lets in houses when sold, allowing jeopardize our rich conservation heritage lands! We thank him for his vision and on an array of issues, but making the envi- people to xeriscape even when in New Mexico. support and look forward to working with ronment an important part of his work as home owner convenants prevent When he’s not serving the public, Martin him in future, to wherever that star may City Councilor. Governor Bill Richardson it, and other water conservation enjoys hiking, hunting, and camping with lead him-- we hope, to even bigger and discovered Heinrich’s talent and knowl- measures. family and friends. He and his wife enjoy brighter opportunities. edge of environmental issues, and in 2006, the outdoors and our wildest landscapes appointed him Natural Resources Trustee For the conservation community, Martin Heinrich has been a champion. Heinrich with their two sons Micah and Carter,

Page 14 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 the buzzing of the patrolling airplanes streams to create tanks of water for of Wildlife Services, New Mexico Fish the cattle. I saw these frothy diseased and Game’s predator exterminators, cesspools and realized that this did not became more common. After we seem like a very good use of the precious Dispatch from the returned to Albuquerque, there was water in the Gila. --Sumner Wil- an announcement on March 17th that liams M1007 had been killed. Wild Campus It is encouraging to know that there are Opponents of Mexican gray wolf people out there who still care about reintroduction have long contended what happens to our ecosystem, besides that advocates of wolves are urban- typical ranchers and hunters. As a con- ites merely supporting an abstract servation ecologist, I believe it is best to ideal, unwilling to actually coexist educate others, such as ranchers and with the animals. In undertaking the hunters, of the importance of trophic wolf-tracking expedition, we at UNM level interactions to maintain a healthy Wilderness Alliance hope to use the balance within an ecosystem. Learning documentation of our experience about tracking techniques and discussing in the Gila to add our voice to New the management policies of the NM gov- Mexico’s wolf debate. The following ernment with other people helped me to are writings from some of the par- appreciate the magnitude of the condi- ticipants of the trip. Look for further tion of the wolf population within NM. by Phil Carter, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service impli- reports in this and other publications, --Justin Lemmon President, UNM Wilderness Alliance cated the pack in an injury to a calf and please lend and its resultant death, and a removal your support On March 10-14, UNM Wilderness order was issued on Feb. 22 for wolf in making Alliance led an expedition of ten M1007. The wolf was still alive while UNM Wilder- UNM students and four others on a we were in the Gila, and the removal ness Alliance a wolf-tracking expedition in the Gila order cast an urgent tone beyond that major force in National Forest and Wilderness. It of simple wildlife-viewing. New Mexico was an idea that germinated in email wolf advocacy. conservations between Darry Dolan, The urgency of it all was evoked in assistant to carnivore conservationist talks by Robinson and Dolan, who The loss of cattle Michael Robinson at the Center for graciously met us at the campsite on does not seem Biological Diversity, and me. In our the first day. From this site, we split to be a very discussions, we agreed that supporters up every day into separate groups good reason to of New Mexico’s struggling wolf rein- to cover maximum land area in our keep a species troduction program must show their tracking. Of no small assistance in from existing. willingness to get out and experience leading the groups were Casey Mac- Mr. Robinson wolf country. Farland, an experienced wildlife pointed out that tracker, and Natalie Dawson, a Ph.D. cows originated And so, we set out on a spring break student who has worked with wolves from Southeast trip to the northeastern part of the in Alaska. Asia and we Gila, near Beaverhead Work Center, have adapted just north of the wilderness. Every Ultimately, we saw a lot of wildlife but our surround- participating student was instructed no lobos, which is hardly surprising ings to support to help document the expedition in given how transient wolves are in the their current order to develop a media packet to springtime before denning. We did needs. In the share our experiences with the public. come across many wolf tracks and Gila, the federal Our intention was to track the Saddle other sign—the presence of wolves in government Pack, a unit of three adults and several such wild country was unmistakable. has blocked off pups. As we prepared for the trip, the As the days of the expedition went by,

Notes from the Executive Director continued from page 2

Today the Gila suffers new threats that Leop- still holds close to 1.45 million roadless acres ers of wisdom that have often been lost in a a mountain”, he asked us to understand “the old could not envision. It begins with off-road that are not protected. With the closing of a modern society - that undeveloped or wild hidden meaning in the howl of the wolf, long vehicles, the locust plague of the modern road or two, we could dramatically increase landscapes are the lands that still speak to us known among mountains, but seldom per- world that is systematically carving up and the amount of protected land. as people. They are the places one can return ceived among men”. My sense is that Leopold despoiling our wild public lands. In the Gila to in order to find solace and perhaps com- was giving a warning to our modern world. Country, they are beginning to take a serious The Gila National Forest is a wild and beauti- fort in the familiar, in that sense of unspoiled. His message was more complex, but one clear toll. Illegal roads, well-organized off-road ful land covering more than 3.3 million acres, He said much more, but it was all about what aspect was to slow down and take the time vehicle groups and an over-burdened forest with 796,178 acres designated as wilder- makes wild places like the Gila so special; to listen to wild nature. So with this special service are creating a difficult environment ness. It represents all that our organization why walking, not driving is good for the soul; issue focused on the Gila, let me say simply for wildland protection. The Gila River, our is about: wild lands, rivers, wolves and large why the howl of the wolf, a cold stream and a - Go to the Gila. Go and listen, breathe its air, state’s largest remaining wild river continues intact protected landscapes. Several weeks warm fire are good for the spirit. experience its wild beauty, and you too can to be threatened by diversions and potential ago I had the chance to listen to a talk by begin to think like a mountain. In the mean- dams. Housing development is beginning to famed nature writer Barry Lopez and I asked Leopold understood so much of this, and time, we will continue to work to expand encroach more and more into wild land as him what the value of wilderness was in his when you hike in the Gila, you too can experi- Leopold’s vision and fight to protect the people look to escape their urban environ- eyes. He said that wilderness areas, much ence and feel the sense of history, that sense remaining wild acres and wildlife that define ment. All of this is occurring in an area that like native peoples, are the genius and hold- of wildness. Leopold asked us to “think like the Gila Country.

Page 14 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Presents WILDFEST 2007 Saturday, May 19th 10 to 4 Sunday, May 20th 11 to 4 142 Truman NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 SPONSORED BY

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Page 16 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 NMWA Welcomes Two New Board Members

Christianne Hinks, Albuquerque, NM Randy Gray, Lake Valley, NM Christianne received her BFA from Ohio University before moving to New Mexico Randy retired from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service as their in 1984. She is an active member of NMWA and has volunteered in many capaci- Chief Wildlife Biologist in Washington, DC. He also serves on boards for the Wild ties, most recently focused on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Farm Alliance, North American Grouse Partnership and is on the private lands committee for the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. Randy believes She is a member of the NM Steering Committee for the Alaska Wilderness League large unfragmented landscapes are critical to the long term conservation of bio- and the director of the Confluence Project. logical diversity.

Adding on to the El Malpais National Monument WSA

The Wilderness Land Trust is a non- this property from Mr. Juskiewicz to profit organization whose mission is protect critical wilderness values and to acquire private lands (inholdings) give Nick the fair deal he deserved,” in current and proposed Wilderness said Reid Haughey, president of the Areas from willing sellers and transfer organization. them to public ownership. In 2002, the Trust’s Board of Directors adopted “We have worked on this acquisition the goals of eliminating inholdings for three years, clearing up title issues within units of the National Wilder- and finding financial support to ness Preservation System over the acquire the property. With the help of next 10 years and helping to address a loan from Norcross Wildlife Foun- inholding issues in proposed Wilder- dation, we now own the property and ness Areas. According to recent esti- will undertake the transfer of it to the mates, more than 400,000 acres of National Park Service,” he added. privately owned lands remain within The wilderness study area will be designated Wilderness Areas. As long adjacent to the 114,848-acre El Mal- as this is the case, the essential wilder- pais National Monument, which the ness character of these areas is at risk, trust describes as, “an exceptional as private land owners retain the right example of a dormant volcanic land- to develop their land as they see fit, scape. El Malpais consists of five including timber production, mineral major lava flows, which spewed over extraction and building homes, roads the valley at different times during and utilities. the past 115,000 years, most recently In early March, the Wilderness Land 3,000 years ago.” Trust purchased a 320-acre parcel in To date the Wilderness Land Trust has the El Malpais National Monument protected more than 245 parcels com- Wilderness Study Area. The owner prising over 20,000 acres of wilder- of the inholding, Nick Juskiewicz, ness inholdings in 61 designated and wanted the land preserved, although proposed wilderness areas. he could have sold it as a homestead, cabin site, or recreational retreat. “The Wilderness Land Trust acquired

Page 16 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 The Gila Wilderness: Anchor and Compass of America’s Wilderness System

to do is to allow an area to continue to and other modern threats could render Proactive Involvement exist as it has for eons? Nevertheless it this work obsolete, as entire protected in Land Management: was Leopold’s voice that gave language ecosystems are degraded and we end and urgency to the wilderness move- up preserving what are essentially dead This is an area in which we can ment. He was convinced that certain zones. improve dramatically. We spend a lot areas should be kept free of all modern of energy trying to stop development. intrusion, for many reasons, but in part So what changes will our generation That is essential. But we also need to to remind us of what is eternal, of what have to make to protect the lands we be engaged in setting a positive agenda. is unchanging. He was determined to love? Undoubtedly we will have to It’s no longer enough to be against prevent final change from spoiling cer- change with the times. In that spirit, I’ll destructive development; we must be tain areas, putting words and action to offer three suggestions for confront- pro-positive management. ing the coming challenges to wilder- by Chad Hoeppner this concept 40 years before the federal ness, both in the Gila and across the What do I mean by positive manage- government validated his vision by cre- ment? Traditionally wilderness areas Ponder if you will these two adages: country: visionary thinking, proactive ating the Wilderness Act in 1964. have been thought of as oases of pro- 1. The only constant is change. 2. The involvement in land management, and tected ecosystems. Along with our more things change the more they stay We have much to thank Leopold for. vaster areas of wilderness. National Parks, they have often been the same. Which is it? Both? Probably. And we could use his vision and lead- ership now. If the changes of the last Visionary Thinking: envisioned as precious arks, ferrying a Last month I traveled back to my child- substantial amount of our endangered eighty years seem overwhelming, just For this, Leopold is an excellent inspira- hood home in Colorado to celebrate wildlife and natural heritage through a consider what the next eighty could tion. His work and his writing are tes- my father’s 80th birthday. He’s old now. particularly difficult ecological era. It bring. The earth’s wild areas are under taments to how important language is I’m a full-grown man. In some ways, I may profit us more to shift that view new, diverse, and changing threats in framing an issue. We will have to be take his place. That’s the way of the to a larger scope that incorporates far – threats that people in 1924 would be as visionary. This is even more impor- world --- generation after generation. more land – both public and private. hard-pressed to even imagine. tant in our sound-byte world than it The more things change, the more they We could think of our wild places in was in Leopold’s time. We must find stay the same. This is change as a cycle, Who could have predicted that Global terms of a series of concentric circles. compelling language and arguments as a repetition that has been occurring Warming would put the entire conser- National Parks and Wilderness Areas to advocate for wilderness protection. for thousands of years. vation paradigm on its head? It used would be the innermost circle; National to be that our species changed things We already have some powerful new Forests the next; private ranches, farms, But on that visit I noticed some other – albeit irrevocably – one forest or one ideas and concepts: wildlife corridors, and BLM land would be the outermost. things that have also changed. The ecosystem at a time: a clear-cut here, a roadless areas, and sustainability. But Of course the health of the inner circle fields and rural areas that surrounded toxic mine there. But we could work we have to combat green-washed lan- should remain our first priority. But my home as a child are now strip malls to mitigate some of the damage by pro- guage that conceals and muddies the the outer circles can be integrated and suburban sprawl. What undevel- tecting and preserving certain areas. issues. Much of this disingenuousness more into our conservation agenda. oped land that is left has been so sub- This was, after all, Leopold’s vision emanates from the Bush Administra- They can provide greater habitat for divided that it is basically a patchwork – pristine places set aside to protect tion: so-called entities like the Healthy endangered species, corridors and con- of small dirt plots. And most of the the species that inhabit them and to Forests Initiative, the Clear Skies pro- nections between existing wilderness animals – owls, snakes and foxes – are be eternal reminders for us of what the gram, and the White House Council areas, and a vaster resource base from gone. For eons and eons that land was earth once was. for the Environment. We should speak, which to negotiate and create forward- in a cycle not unlike the one my father write, and think more about conserva- thinking conservation models. Nature and I are now going through – birth, Tell that to the pine beetle. Unleashed tion in order to create and disseminate doesn’t recognize a wilderness area growth, death, and rebirth. But these by the mild winters and rising temper- new visions of what wilderness can and boundary; neither should our manage- changes are “new”, and often final. In atures of the last decade (traditionally should be. ment plans. a few human generations, we have pine beetle populations transformed the world. Consider all have been controlled by the changes that have happened in freezing temperatures the span of my father’s life. In 1925, each winter), the pine the year my father was born, the fol- beetle has wreaked havoc lowing things didn’t exist: chemical on the great conifer for- fertilizers, the federal highway act, the ests of North America. Exxon Valdez oil spill, concentrations How do you maintain the of carbon above 400 parts per million biodiversity of wilderness in the atmosphere, PCBs, DDT, chloro- areas when the pine beetle fluorocarbons, and on and on…. destroys entire forests? How does the conserva- To be fair, not all of the changes in tion community protect the last eighty years have been detri- landscapes from a threat mental to the environment. In 1924 that knows no societal the world’s first wilderness area, the or political borders? We Gila Wilderness, was established here work for years to raise in New Mexico due to the visionary the money and harness leadership of Aldo Leopold. Ironic, the political will to buy isn’t it, that I’m talking about estab- or preserve large areas lishing a wilderness area as a “change,” of land; global warming when all that designation would hope

Page 18 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 of the underground aquifer there is worth more in the long term than for one-time oil profits. Vaster Areas of Wilderness:

This is important for all of the tradi- tional criteria of wilderness vitality, but it is even more essential now that global warming is altering the climate and forcing rapid adaptation. And it is even more essential for the Gila. The latest UN report on global warming details how the Southwest will be the hard- est-hit area in the US (New England is a distant second). The entire South- west is likely to get drier and more prone to floods and droughts. We will need vaster areas of wilderness to give endangered species a fighting chance to adapt and to migrate in a Global Warming world. One vision of such an area is the greater Sky Island Wilder- ness, which would incorporate large parts of southwestern New Mexico and Southeastern Arizona. Much of this is already happening. Biologists study wildlife in terms of large bio-regions and wildlife corridors. We should do everything we can to make our policy and planning reflect this expansive view. Here is one example: Use some of our tion work teaches us over and over is that con- Fittingly, the world’s first wilderness is already developed lands – particularly servation plans work better when they a perfect place to craft a new agenda for federal and BLM land that has been • Create a model for other positive include local populations – be they development projects positive change. The Gila is a symbol opened to oil drilling – to develop indigenous peoples in the Amazon, and example of how ideas can change wind farms. This could potentially: • Replace plans for potential local ranchers or farmers in the Ameri- the world, it is blessed with ample sur- energy development in unspoiled can West, or inner city community gar- rounding areas of viable wilderness • Create energy profits for local deners in the Bronx. communities natural areas and wilderness corridors, and it stands to be profoundly affected by Global • Improve conservationists’ repu- Harness the power of the free market. • Undermine the arguments for One simple yet powerful idea in this Warming. Let’s start the next 80 years the necessity of more oil explora- tations as problem solvers instead of positive change, and let’s start in the of obstructionists arena is known as “ecosystem services,” tion (wind power could provide a which basically attempts to put a finan- Gila. Let’s celebrate Leopold’s vision by creating a profoundly new vision of portion of our energy needs) Further, any development plans should cial value on the services that healthy our own. A vision that is as old as the be created with two fundamental ecosystems provide for us at “no cost.” • Further our efforts to eliminate hills, but brand new for a society that is fossil fuel emissions guidelines in mind: A perfect example of this can be seen in the potent argument that NMWA is only just now beginning to show signs of growing up. • Create additional revenue that Involve local shareholders and com- using to combat opening Otero Mesa could be channeled into conserva- munities. The lesson that conservation to oil development: that the integrity

save otero mesa oteromesa.org

Page 18 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 Defending the Gila Country; Growing into Activism

I’m Mike Sauber, one of the principal owners of Gila Hike and Bike and a longtime New Mexico wilderness advocate and environmental activ- ist. During my thirty years in Grant County, I was involved with the Gila Conservation Coalition, which fought against the proposed Conner and Hooker Dams on the Gila River. I’ve served as president and conservation chair of the SW New Mexico Audu- bon Society, but I’m just beginning to consider myself a birder now that I live on the edge of town closer to good birding habitat. While a member of the New Mexico BLM Wilderness Coalition, and with the urging of Wilderness legend Brant Calkin, I adopted the Cooke’s Peak Wilderness Study Area and helped keep it on the table during discussions Photo by Edward Adlers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eadlers/ with all of the various user groups, a hesitant state Land Commissioner and the BLM. On one of my many talking about the other pressing the “problem” of too many elk on the lem. When your opposition replies excursions to the area, I was almost needs in the county, the commission- forest grazing allotments was a com- with criticism, you increase your cred- knocked over by a golden eagle ers voted unanimously to reject the ment not well received. If I’ve learned ibility by returning with the full set of attempting to take off in a narrow spending request. I learned that we anything from experience it’s that we facts, saying “actually the situation is canyon. Having just eaten a rabbit, it could inspire change! must speak up and don’t back down. more dire than I stated - the reality is was so heavy it couldn’t take off uphill . . .” When you write your letter, make Joining others, I stood up at a city I am a strong advocate of writing let- with the wind at its back. It looked sure you follow all the guidelines for council meeting and asked for a ters to the editor, and suggest that around for a second, raised its wings publication. Provide numerous ways resolution for “strict and meaning- more environmentalists do it. Often and took off directly towards us. After to be contacted. If your letter isn’t ful” reclamation laws to help protect enough our voice is underrepresented a quick attempt to take the picture of published, call the paper and respect- the region’s environment if the mines in mainstream media. Be concise and my life, I hit the ground to avoid a fully ask why. Argue your point, and closed. (New Mexico was, at the time, to the point. Assume people have no collision with this magnificent bird. explain why it should be published. It one of only two states in the nation idea what you are talking about and will, and you can make a difference. Perhaps my first significant personal without laws mandating that a mining always slightly understate the prob- success was to rally people to go to corporation must clean up after itself the County Commission meeting as a cost of doing business – before where the topic of discussion was they permanently leave). After the renewing the traditional $10,000 the vote passed, the mayor refused to sign ‘Holy Water and Whiskey’ County would spend to kill . the resolution and it had to be signed is a local Albuquerque group that plays traditional, folk, bluegrass, gospel, I soon discovered getting people to by the Mayor Pro tem. cowboy, and some select “whiskey” tunes. Maggie Washburne plays bass, attend the meeting was the easy part. Scott Altenbach guitar, and Bruce Washburne guitar and banjo. Of course, Wilderness needs the howl When the issue came up and everyone of the native lobo, and its very neces- looked to me to take the stand, I suf- For booking or other information, call 505-265-3218, or E-mail sary role as a large predator. I have fered terrible stage fright. Encourag- [email protected]. You can also visit their web site at : gone to numerous meetings, written ing others to speak first, I was able letters to the editor and invited wolf holywaterandwhiskey.com to gain my composure and take the educators to speak to packed houses. stand. Learning that litter CDs now available through New Mexico Wilderness Alliance for $15 plus Speaking as part of an elk/livestock size increases when their population Shipping. A portion of each sale to benefit NMWA. Contact Trisha London conflict task force, suggesting that decreases, and hearing many people to purchase your copy today at 505/843-8696. wolves are a very logical solution to

Page 20 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 21 A big THANK YOU to Sportz Outdoor and REI for their generous sponsorship of NMWA events!

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Restaurant + Banquets + Farmers’ Mkt. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wildly Civilized Dining Sunday 505.589.0653

The Nature Conservancy’s Bear Mountain Lodge Silver City, New Mexico 1-877-620-BEAR bearmountainlodge.com

Page 22 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 23 “Spring In Taos” TAOS PAINTING RETREAT FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY ~ May 4, 5, 6, 2007 With Painter Michelle Chrisman ~ 505-613-0443 * May is the perfect time to paint in Taos! Silver City KOA * Demo & Individual Instruction Available in the basics of Outdoor 1-800 562-7623 Landscape Painting (“En Plein Air”)- All levels welcome. [email protected] * Group Lodging with Full Hot Breakfast- Hot Tub- Dancing! * Daily Painting Critiques & Group Critique Sunday night. * Enjoy the Friendship & Inspiration of Fellow Artists! * Nightly Group Dinners at a variety of Taos Restaurants… *To View the Sagebrush Inn: www.SagebrushInn.com * Retreat cost for Michelle as Guide/Instructor: $265+tax ($284.88) “Hidden Garden” 12x16 oil Michelle Chrisman * Call the Sagebrush for Special Retreat Rates: 800-428-3626 Spend 3 Days & Nights at the Historic Sagebrush Inn…Refresh your painting skills with guided painting trips around Taos -at this special Spring Painting Retreat in Taos, New Mexico. NOTE: Lodging charges are separate. Contact the Sage- brush Inn for prices. Rooms can be shared to save on lodging…ask for the “Michelle Chrisman Painting Retreat” for special rates. Call Michelle Chrisman to Reserve Your Spot! Space is limited & fills up fast! 505-613-0443 Send $265+tax ($19.88) Total: $284.88 to: Michelle Chrisman / 29 Ortiz Road / Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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

Page 22 WINTER 2007 New Mexico WILD! Page 23 UQU New Mexico LB ER A Q NONPROFIT ORG. U U.S. POSTAGE

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Do you need to r enew? Check your membership expiration date located above your name and addr ess. Sherry J. Tippett Attorney at Law 7205 Winans Drive NE, Albuquer que, NM 87109 505-7989711 • Fax 797-3102 [email protected]

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