Call of the Wild

The Newsletter of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Vol. VI No. 1 Spring 2002

Honoring Wilderness Heroes

Otero Mesa - New Mexico’s Endangered Grassland New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 1 New Mexico A Note from the Director Wilderness Alliance Main Office 2001—The Year in Review 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 n the Wilderness-protection business, victories are Congress Supports Roadless Policy [email protected] • www.nmwild.org too few and much too far between. We often have Although the Bush administration has put the brakes to look deep to gauge our progress. In looking back on implementation of the policy, our sharp work with P.O. Box 25464 over the past year, I am blown away to see our list of the papers and your letters of support brought both Albuquerque, NM 87125 accomplishments.I It’s true that ours is a long-term Congressman Udall and Senator Bingaman out to 202 Central Avenue, SE • Suite 101 effort, but it is important that we celebrate our progress support the policy in Congress. Albuquerque, NM 87102 as it comes. Thank you for being committed for the long haul. With your continued support and our Las Cruces Field Office continued progress, comprehensive protection for New Mexico Wilderness Goes Prime Time our proposed Wilderness areas is on the horizon. Through a special grant from the Pew Wilderness 101 N. Alameda #8G Center, we produced and aired television ads aimed Las Cruces, NM 88005 at dispelling the myths that Wilderness areas were 505/527-9962 Forest Roadless Policy Editorial Support “off-limits” to people. Over the course of the four- In January 2001, and again a number of times month run in the Fall, hits on our web site went up Mission Statement throughout the Spring, at our urging, the Albuquerque over 500% to more than 5,000/month, and it seemed The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is Journal editorialized in favor of the National Forest like every person we met had seen the ad. dedicated to the protection, restoration, and Roadless Policy—the policy that was set to protect continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wild lands 1.2 million acres of wild forests here in New Mexico and Wildernes areas. and more than 58 million nationwide. Wilderness Protection Program Takes Off Since hiring our staff attorney Mike Robinson, our NMWA Staff ability to provide interim protection for our proposed Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator “Ridin’ for Roadless” Sweeps New Mexico Wilderness areas has greatly increased. Although still Steve Capra, Communications Coordinator Over the summer months, we sponsored volunteer in play, the Alliance has been involved in two lawsuits Garrick Delzell, Grassroots Outreach Brett Myrick who pedaled his bike throughout the state to actually help the agencies protect existing and Coordinator to educate local communities and media outlets about proposed Wilderness areas. Greg Magee, Southern Field Coordinator the importance of protecting our wild forests. His Roxanne Pacheco, Bookkeeper Michael Robinson, Wilderness Protection “Ridin’ for Roadless” tour generated hundreds of letters of support for the policy statewide and got the issue in Otero Mesa Campaign Gets National Attention Coordinator Similarly, the effort to protect Otero Mesa is becom- Sean Saville, Grassroots Organizer nearly every newspaper and radio station in the state! ing a national issue, with mentions in the LA Times, Jim Scanlon, Grassroots Organizer s Michael Scialdone, Northern Field Coordinator Rolling Stone Magazine, and national reports from Edward Sullivan, Executive Director The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club and Defenders of Kathy Wimmer, Development Assistant Wildlife. After assembling a diverse local coalition to All fight to protect the area in the Fall, the Alliance has Board of Directors Table of Contents worked to educate our Congressional delegation Randall Gray, Chair Lake Valley, NM and the general public about the importance of this Wilderness Updates 3 Todd Schulke, V. Chair Silver City, NM “Serengeti of the West.” Dave Parsons, Treasurer Albuquerque, NM Oil & Gas Industry Closes in on Otero Mesa Nancy Morton, Secretary Albuquerque, NM Wilderness Spotlight 4 BLM Wilderness Inventory Completed Jim Baca Albuquerque, NM Alamo Hueco WSA Thanks to the thousands of hours of time in the field Greta Balderrama Carlsbad, NM Coalition for NM Wilderness New Members Pam Eaton Denver, CO logged by our dedicated volunteers, we were able to Dave Foreman Albuquerque, NM Perspectives 5 inventory more than five million acres of BLM land Bob Howard Santa Fe, NM Nature Calls Us Home over the past three years—yes, 5,000,000 acres. Of Wes Leonard El Paso, TX Settle Sandia Land Claim that, we are currently reviewing almost 3.5 million Arian Pregenzer Albuquerque, NM acres for Wilderness potential (see page 6). Bob Tafanelli Las Cruces, NM Inventory Update 6 s Steve West Carlsbad, NM BLM Inventory Is Complete Wild Science 7 Cabezon Campaign Overcoming Local Opposition Newsletter Restoring the “Wild” in the Wilderness With the roll-out of the Cabezon campaign, more Tisha Broska, Managing Editor than 100 volunteers came out to help us gather peti- Feature 8-9 Marty Peale, Editor, Design & Layout tion signatures, get letters written on behalf of the Honoring Our Wilderness Heroes: proposal, and generally bring more folks into the tent The Artists: Cover photo by S. Capra (edited by L.M. Bob Langsenkamp, La Donna Kutz, of Wilderness protection. Through their work, we Ambrose, Desert Dolphin); p. 3 photos by S. Capra; Jay Sorenson and Edward Abbey p. 4 photos by J. Walton; p. 5 cartoon by J. Jonik and gathered more than 2,000 letters and signatures. Wilderness News 10 r- Quail by N. Moore-Craig; p. 7 Bighorn drawing by We continue to work to inform and involve members N. Moore-Craig and photo by J. Klingel; p. 8 photo of Udall’s Constituents for Wilderness of the local ranching community and to dispel local Bob and Jay by D. Foreman, of La Donna by J Kutz; p. Homeland Security Is About Our Land misunderstandings about Wilderness protection. 9 drawing by J. Knighton; p. 10 lizard by V. Cohen; p. Cabezon Campaign Grows 11 photo by L. Colwell and Marten drawing by E. Can- NM Senators & Representatives Scorecard tor; p. 12 Pronhorn by E. Cantor and Piñon by E. Can- Las Cruces Field Office Opens Flora and Fauna 11 ard tor; p. 13 photo by G. Balderrama and Cottonwood Finally, the opening of our new Las Cruces field drawing by E. Cantor; p. 15 photo of Greta by L. Irby, The Threatened American Marten office caused many of our southern members to jump Scrubland Vegetation of Bob by E. Sullivan, of Kathy by S. Saville; p. 16 D.G. for joy. A full-time staff presence in the South has Quintet photo by J. Chase. Get Involved 12 dramatically increased volunteerism in the area, giving many of our previously “orphan” proposed Gettin’ Out There 13 Wilderness Wilderness areas new adopters. The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the Finding the Wild in My Own Backyard Finland’s Wilderness Protects the Sami National Wilderness Preservation System to preserve n sum, the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance has the last remaining wild lands in America. The Book Reviews 14 been working hard this last year to build upon our Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures “an enduring Edward Abbey—Two Ways In resource of wilderness” for the people. Wilderness is successI of the past. Wilderness protection is a long- Frank Craighead Moves On defined as an area that has primarily been affected by term commitment. Through our continued dedication the forces of nature with the imprint of humans Staff/Volunteer Profiles 15 and success, permanent protection for our endangered substantially unnoticeable. It is an area that offers Welcome Two New Board Members canyons, deserts and mesas will be a question not of outstanding opportunity for solitude or a primitive or Calendar of Events “if”—but “when”. unconfined type of recreation, and an area that New Development Assistant Thank you for your continued support and contains ecological, geological, or other features of involvement. scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. For the Wild, Printed on Recycled Paper Edward Sullivan, Executive Director

2 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Oil and Gas Industry Closes in Wildernesson Otero Mesa UpdatesArea— New Mexico’s Wildest Grassland ocated in the south-central portion While reclamation of the drilled about the potential of New Mexico on the Texas areas is supposed to be a component, impacts. In nearby border lies one of the wildest parts the BLM has no real standards or scien- Carlsbad, one such person of our state. Just look on a road map tific data to predict how successful rec- is Roy Dearing. eastL of the Macgregor Range, and you lamation may be in this dry and grazed For 40 years, Roy worked will find the largest empty spot on the landscape. The reality is that industry as a roughneck in the oil New Mexico state map. In this blank will do as it has in the Carlsbad area— and gas industry, enjoying spot are the rolling hills, mountains and plow the ground, drop seed and move his free time hunting in the grassland flats that comprise the Greater on to its next 5%. nearby Guadalupe and Otero Mesa Area. If this plan were to proceed, Otero Sacramento Mountains. For the New Mexico Wilderness Mesa could become a landscape Now retired, Roy woke up Alliance, this wild part of New Mexico dramatically fragmented by roads, several years ago to the has come to symbolize the heart and pipelines, power lines and toxic-waste sounds of Duke Energy soul of what our organization is based holding ponds. In the recently com- installing a 1,200 horse- on—the protection of our state’s pleted 2002 state legislative session, power natural gas com- remaining wildlands and the modern there was even a proposal to build a pressor 500 feet from his day threat to their integrity that the oil power plant at taxpayers’ expense on front door. Today, Roy and and gas industry currently represent. the Greater Otero Mesa Area. The bill his family are virtual pris- This is the land of the pronghorn, the died in committee. With so much oners, with the endless mountain lion, mule deer, elk, raptors planned, the potential effects on drone of the compressor, and countless species of migratory wildlife could be severe. his house shaking at times songbirds. Like the Arctic National due to the pressure and Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, this is a he Greater Otero Mesa Area is home sound. His home’s value landscape on a grand scale. to one of the countries most geneti- has plummeted. Roy has Sadly, like the Arctic Refuge, Otero Tcally pure herds of Pronghorn. They seen first hand the impacts Mesa is a very threatened landscape. have never needed reintroduction. that the oil and gas indus- Currently, sportsmen can hunt only by try can have on average everal years ago Harvey E. Yates— bow or muzzle-loading in this area. people. He remembers or HEYCO based in Roswell, New As a result, the herds are some of the hunting in the Guadalupe when Mexico—beganS to purchase leases in finest trophy animals in the state. springs ran clear and the sounds and he BLM plans to release a record of the Greater Otero Mesa Area, specifi- This past summer, the New Mexico views were pristine. Today, says Roy, decision on the Greater Otero Mesa cally the Bennett Ranch area. Yates is Wilderness Alliance conducted a survey the springs have been trashed, pipe- TArea by 1 June 2002. In order to protect president of HEYCO, the past president to document the Wilderness potential of lines criss-cross the mountain, and he this wild New Mexico grassland, citizens of the Independent Petroleum Associa- the area. Several months of fieldwork wonders what it’s going to take for are encouraged to write to our Senators tion of New Mexico and, perhaps more led to the realization that more than people to say, “Enough is enough.” and the Las Cruces office of the BLM: disturbingly, the former chairman of the 460,000 acres of the Greater Otero •Ask our Senators to delay the board of directors of Mountain States Mesa Area qualify for Wilderness rom atop Alamo Mountain, one implementation of the BLM’s Final Legal Foundation—a legal organization designation. can see for almost 40 miles in any Environmental Impact Statement designed to fight environmental laws This area remains some of the finest Fdirection, and the landscape remains (EIS). that might put constraints or regulation remnant Chihuahan Desert grassland wild. The few roads remain unpaved. •Also, ask that the BLM undertake on corporations. in the state. Blue and black gramma Pronghorn in groups of 10-20, even a new and comprehensive Wilder- Yates’ company claims that up to one grasses are a magnet for the migratory 30, race across the broad expanses of ness review of the Greater Otero trillion cubic feet of natural gas could songbirds that winter on the grasslands. grass. Eagles, hawks and other raptors Mesa Area. lie under the Greater Otero Mesa Area. Many threatened or endangered species dot the expanse, clinging to soap tree Without your support, the drilling will Although many other geologists ques- such as Baird’s Sparrow, Lark Bunting, yuccas and the occasional telephone commence, and another wild part of our tion such numbers, plans continue. The Cassin’s Sparrow and Burrowing Owls pole. This is a wild landscape in need natural heritage will be reduced to roads Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is are drawn to this remote grassland. of our help. and waste. now releasing its Final Many southern species from South America has only 3% of the world’s —by Stephen Capra Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) America and Mexico look to this area reserves of oil and gas. By contrast NMWA Staff relating to the Greater Otero Mesa Area. for refuge as land continues to be middle-eastern countries have roughly Originally, the EIS offered three alter- fragmented or developed south of 64%. We can never drill our way to natives, opening 83-97% of the area the border. energy independence. In New Mexico, to oil and gas development. The EIS, In recent years, the Aplomado Falcon we have Sandia Lab—one of only two however, included some regulations was seen in this country. The alternative energy programs in the stipulating “no surface occupancy” Aplomado was extirpated from New nation—at NMSU, great wind Please Write! Mexico back in the late ‘50s. In the resources in the eastern part of the on the grasslands—a requirement that Senator Jeff Bingaman months ahead, plans are for the state, and 300 plus days of sunshine. had industry in an uproar. Steve Yates US Senate Aplamado to be reintroduced in West We should be leading the nation in (currently the vice-president of HEYCO) Washington, DC 20510 Texas and north of Otero on one of alternative energy development, yet continued to express to the BLM, the senator_bingaman@bingaman. Ted Turner’s ranches. In the near future, we fall in the bottom 5%. We have Cheney Energy Task force and New senate.gov Mexico Representatives that the plan it seems likely, if the area is not devel- come to a real crossroads in our oped, that the Aplamado could once country’s energy future: was simply too restrictive! Senator Pete Domenici again be nesting in the Greater Otero •we must insist on gaining true The net result is that the BLM created US Senate Mesa Area. energy security for our nation by a new alternative that replaces the Washington, DC 20510 developing more efficient prod- no-surface-occupancy stipulations with senator_domenici@domenici. n recent months, a coalition of sports- ucts and shifting our resources to a roving 5% per lease. The formerly senate.gov closed lands now can be drilled 5% at men and conservation groups has alternative energy development, joined forces to help protect this special or a time. On lands without surface restric- I Ms. Amy Luders part of New Mexico’s conservation •we will allow ourselves to be tions, drilling will be allowed with little Field Manager heritage. The fight will not be easy, as manipulated and driven—by a or no restriction. Plans also include the Las Cruces Field Office industry has had several years to influ- handful of oil and gas executives construction of a pipeline to Texas to 1800 Marquess ence ranchers, politicians and many who stand to reap short-term allow for the shipment of gas to the Las Cruces, NM 88005 open market. neighboring communities. Yet, there profits—to destroy forever wild remain many local people concerned places such as Otero Mesa. New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 3 Wilderness Spotlight Alamo Hueco WSA he drive to the Alamo Hueco At the top, everything changes. There Mountains is long—first 14 miles of are beautiful vistas of distant desert paved road south of Hachita, then mountain ranges, but the huecos— 35 miles of dirt road to the east, and hollows in the rocks—on the cliffs and Tthen south of the Big Hatchets. The first pinnacles create a collage of faces and views of the Alamo Huecos reveal a creatures limited only by the imagina- rugged cliff line with an interesting tion. Pinnacles, balanced rocks, arches, broken-up area to the southwest. The chock-stone-filled fissures, all deeply vegetation pattern is a composition of etched with huecos, create a wonder- the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts— land of stones. The WSA has some lowlands full of creosote bush, higher similarities to the nearby Chiricahua elevations covered with grasses, mescal National Monument in Arizona, but with numerous tall stalks, juniper and with a greater variety of shapes, colors live oak. and features. The Alamo Hueco Wilderness Study A narrow cherry stem of public land Area (WSA) is a checkerboard of private to the south provides a pathway to more and BLM lands, with Mexico on the public land south of Pierce Peak, which south and east. Public access is difficult, is distinguished by the presence of a requiring the longer drive. Adding to the large natural bridge. Many additional challenge of access, all water sources broken-up and pinnacled areas are are located on private land. visible from the ridge tops. Heading Parked at the base of the mountains down from a gap, I spot a small arch on the short stretch of public road, one that is balanced on one point—the real can choose from numerous routes delicate arch? I have never found a upward through the cliffs of eroded more rewarding place to simply wander volcanic rock. I opt for a route to the around, with new surprises and picture- west of an eagle’s nest high on a cliff. postcard opportunities at every turn. —by John Walton, NMWA Member

Facts his small but scenic desert range features highly eroded mesas, cliffs, and long sinuous canyons. An ecological transition zone between the northern Tand southern Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems, this Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is nearly contiguous with the Big Hatchet Mountains WSA just to the north.

Location In the southeast corner of the Bootheel, just northwest of the Mexican border WSA Size 16,264 acres Size Recommended by the NM Wilderness Alliance: 31,984 acres Elevation Range 4,800-6,838’ Miles of Trails No marked or maintained trails Ecosystems Evergreen oak, pinon and Chihuahuan pines, Chihuahuan Desert scrub and semidesert grassland Administration U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Topographic Maps Pierce Peak and Sentinel Butte USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles Best Seasons Fall, Winter, Spring Getting There Until very recently, no vehicular access existed for the Alamo Hueco Mountains WSA, but the BLM has put in a new gravel road running between the Big Hatchets and the Alamo Huecos, providing access to both ranges. Hiking Lack of access has kept recreational use of these mountains very low. Now that access has improved, hiking might increase somewhat, with most hikers attracted by desert scenery, archaeological sites and diverse wildlife. Still, remoteness, lack of trails, and rugged, arid terrain are likely to keep hiking infrequent at best, at least for now.

Welcome New Members of the Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness Wild Earth Llama Adventures—Taos, NM Rio Mountainsport—Albuquerque, NM Magennis Studio—Rio Rancho, NM

4 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Perspectives In Cities Across America, Nature Calls Us Home n big cities across America, people snow flurries dance in the air to the hurry through a forest of concrete delight of children, and remind us of and steel. The pavement, hard winters past when we were young. beneath their feet, hides a root system Soon, the earth sleeps under a blanket Iof pipes and wires. At lunchtime, they of snow. We stay in the coziness of our are drawn to the little oases of Nature homes, while the earth’s creatures keep that dot the cold, hard cityscape. When warm in their burrows and dens. The the workday ends, they pack themselves earth is bathed in silence, but beneath into trains and buses, or weave their the snow preparations are being made. way through traffic, trying to get home. Energy is being stored, as plants and Home to the tranquility of their families, animals replenish themselves. The short furry companions, gardens, or even just days and long nights soon make us rest- home to their houseplants—home to less, as we find ourselves spending so Nature. much time indoors. We feel something Most people don’t even realize their is missing; we search but never quite connection to the earth and to Nature, find it. but it’s there for each and every one of We awake one morning, and some- us. At lunchtime, when we look for that thing feels different. We can’t seem to tree to sit under, or that bench on which put our finger on it, but it’s there. We to relax to bask in the sun, we are con- can sense its presence. When we go necting to Nature. When we come outside, we notice some changes, home to relax or work in our gardens, barely perceptible, but there nonethe- water our houseplants, or see to the less. Our mood and our steps lighten a needs of our non-human friends, we are bit. Something wonderful is about to connecting with Nature. happen, and the sense of anticipation is So many people have lost sight of the almost too much to bear. The birds sing importance of Nature in their lives, but louder, the air feels warmer, and life Nature perseveres and continues to seems better. Then it happens. Crocus nurture us, asking nothing in return but poke their heads through the last ves- our respect. She gives us everything we breathe a little deeper to take in the refreshing us and herself with a sudden tiges of snow! The earth is once again need—land to build on, food, medi- freshness of a gentle spring breeze, or to summer shower, sometimes reminding reborn, as Spring awakens all of Mother cine, clothing, paper, material for inhale the fragrance of the earth us of her power with the fearsome Nature’s children. Then Mother Nature homes and furniture, sunlight and adorned in her jewels of flowers and beauty of a thunderstorm. touches our souls, and we are reborn— water. She also gives us something we leaves? Who can help but pause to Before long, we feel a crispness in the renewed by her nurturing beauty. can’t see, but we all need so desper- watch the butterflies dancing their bal- air and a refreshing coolness that brings Whether we live in cities or rural ately—food for our souls. Nature let? Who can help but hear the sounds us out of the laziness of summer. As the areas, we all feel the changes happen- renews us just as she renews herself. of birds as they mingle with the sounds days grow shorter, the trees begin to put ing around us. Even the concrete and of children laughing while they play? on their autumn show. The green leaves steel of cities can’t stop the seasons. n a burst of color and activity, Nature The future seems brighter, and our lives that helped cool us in the summer are Nature gives us a sense of consistency, is born each Spring. Tree branches that are filled with hopes and dreams. ablaze with the warming shades of fall. which is so important in this inconsis- Ilook like nothing more than barren Spring gives way to the lazy days of As the leaves gently fall, they create a tent world of ours. Nothing can keep sticks begin to swell, as buds break summer. As the sun warms us, we seek crunching carpet beneath our feet and a the seasons from changing, just as through their surface. Buds give way to the cooling shade of trees. Many of us playground for children who dive into nothing can take away our hopes leaves, which will shield the earth from spend our vacations enjoying the primal the newly raked piles. The harvest and dreams. the heat of the summer sun. The earth beauty of the mountains and forests. We moon reminds us of Nature’s bounty, So, take comfort in the changing explodes in a cacophony of color, as lie in the grass, the sun filtering through as we prepare for a day of thanksgiving. seasons. Draw strength and confidence flowers burst into bloom announcing, the trees, and doze off to the sound of a Families gather to give thanks and to from the consistency of Nature. Let “Look at us. The earth is reborn.” The air stream tumbling over the rocks in it’s enjoy all that Nature has, once again, Nature touch your heart and soul, is fresher. The earth is revitalized—and path. The birds serenade us with a provided for us. and all your hopes and dreams may so are we. We sense the rebirth around lullaby. Nature basks along with us The days continue to shorten, and come true. us, and we revel in it. Who can help but during these lazy days, sometimes soon we feel winter in the air. The first Nurture Nature. —by Mary E. Kenny, NMWA Member Settle Sandia Land Claim Once and For All he proposed Sandia Land Claim Wilderness. Obviously, we would not, Thus far, the Pueblo has had signifi- settlement agreement is a good and could not, support any settlement cant success on this issue in the Federal deal. It’s a good deal for the land, of the Pueblo’s land claim that we did Court system. Delaying implementation for the people of New Mexico, and for not feel offers comprehensive protec- of the Settlement Agreement will only theT Pueblo of Sandia. The New Mexico tion of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness invite further litigation. Continued liti- Wilderness Alliance feels that this Area. gation will leave this situation in a state Settlement Agreement will both: The Pueblo of Sandia has made every of uncertainty that does not serve the •protect the Wilderness resource of effort to negotiate a workable compro- interests of any of the affected parties, the Sandias, and mise to this dispute. In so doing, the and risks the federal government losing •ensure continued traditional use of Pueblo has been exceedingly reason- any interest in the disputed area should the land by the Pueblo of Sandia. able in showing a willingness to make the Pueblo’s claim prove to be valid. The NMWA has spent considerable concessions to ensure the protection of The Pueblo has taken extraordinary generous with regard to private and time evaluating this issue. After serious the rights of private property owners steps to reach an agreement that not public interests in the area. review and numerous conversations and the public in the area. Moreover, in only recognizes private rights but also It’s time for our delegation to come to with the Pueblo, we believe this Settle- the proposed Settlement Agreement, the provides enduring protection for the the table and settle this issue once and ment Agreement is the best way to settle Pueblo agrees to guarantee that the area Sandia Mountain Wilderness. Should for all, in the interests of the Pueblo, the all of the contentious issues surrounding will be managed according to the provi- this issue go back to the Federal Court land and the citizens of New Mexico. the Pueblo’s land claim, while protect- sions of the Wilderness Act and be free system and the Pueblo prevail, there is —by Michael Robinson ing the integrity of the Sandia Mountain from further development in perpetuity. no assurance that the Pueblo will be so NMWA Staff/Attorney at Law New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 5 Inventory Update BLM Inventory Is Complete fter two and a half years of hard plenty of opportunity to get involved. work inventorying BLM lands for Many areas have routes or impacts (but BLM Areas Inventoried by NMWA their Wilderness potential, NMWA no vehicle access) that make for a great may know more about the condition of excuse to explore a new area. We need roadsA and human impacts in these areas write-ups that describe many of these for Wilderness Potential than any other organization or agency. areas and the characteristics that make Study Area Acreage Study Area Acreage The map below shows where we have them suitable for Wilderness designa- completed our surveys. You may recog- tion. If you’d like to help, give us a call, Achenbach Canyon 12,433 Magdelena Mnt. Expansion 17,882 nize the regions in our current cam- or join us on one of our Weekend Aden Lava Flow 29,872 Malpais Ridge 7,162 paigns—Cabezon Country and Otero Outings (see page 15). Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah 14,782 Mariano Mesa 9,611 Mesa—but the map is not a statewide Having finished the BLM inventory, Alamito Wash 16,722 McKittrick Canyon 225 proposal. The inventory is a “living we are now preparing to survey our Alamo Hueco Mountains 17,234 McVeigh Hills 6,518 document”—we will contine to docu- national forests. This summer, we will Alamo Mountain 6,316 Mesa Crotalo 10,501 ment new impacts. As we go to print, begin in the Gila National Forest and Alexander Mountain 6,054 Mesa Gallina 24,928 we are field checking new impacts in parts of the Cibola National Forest— Animas Mountains North 17,519 Mesa Redonda 13,229 the Caballo Mountains and on the east wildfire permitting. Antelope 22,248 Mexican Canyon 9,079 Antelope South 6,831 Monte Seco 28,669 side of the Guadalupe Escarpment. For more information, contact Antelope Pass 29,149 Monzano Wilderness Addition 3,006 More than 5,000 volunteer hours Inventory Coordinators Greg Magee Apache Box 6,771 Mount Riley 8,684 have gone into gathering information in Las Cruces (527-9962) or Michael Apache Hills 23,841 Mudgetts 4,517 about these areas—and there remains Scialdone in Albuquerque (843-8696). Big Hatchet Mountains 84,645 Night Hawk Ridge 15,003 Big Yucca 6,805 Ojito 12,633 Big Yucca North 12,807 Organ Mountain 17,784 Blue Creek 38,353 Otero 6,129 Boardwell Canyon 17,187 Padilla Gonzalez 14,507 Brokeoff Mountains 66,329 Palomas Hills 5,864 Cabezon 10,568 Peloncillo Mountains 4,540 Cambray 7,154 Peñasco Canyon 7,847 Carrizozo Lava Flow 24,825 Peñasco Peak 309 Cebolla Wilderness Addition 4,041 Petaca Pinta 17,670 Cedar Mesa 7,108 Playas Valley 11,852 Cedar Mountains 138,902 Point of Rocks Canyon 4,206 Cerro Cuate 10,510 Polvadera Mountain 26,287 Cerro Pomo 58,783 Presilla 18,947 Cerro de la Olla 14,342 Presilla SE 12,581 Chain of Craters 22,161 Pronghorn 5,617 Chamisa / Banco Breaks 49,541 Providence Cone South 9,117 Chupadera Wilderness Addition8,531 Pup Canyon 88,597 Collins Hills 15,440 Pyramid Mountains 45,942 Continental Divide 130,343 Ranger Cabin 6,331 Cookes Range 54,072 Red Hill 43,074 Cornucopia Draw 15,532 Redhouse Mountain 30,840 Cornucopia Hills 8,974 Redhouse Mountain Notch 7,020 Cornudas Mountain 24,009 Rim Rock Canyon 13,924 Cowboy Rim 6,673 Rincon del Cuervo 49,681 Culp Canyon 11,055 Rio Chama 14,758 Devil’s Backbone 27,446 Rio Grande 46,320 Devil’s Den 297 Rio San Antonio 19,522 Doyle Peak 7,037 Robledos-Las Uvas 204,925 Eagle Nest 26,048 Sabinoso 17,863 East Potrillos 21,091 Sacramento Escarpment 1 1,188 Empedrado 12,042 Sacramento Escarpment 2 156 Flat Top 7,036 Sacramento Escarpment 3 1,202 Florida Mountains 26,433 Sacramento Escarpment 4 3,220 Gap Hill 6,924 Sacramento Escarpment 5 40 Gila Lower Box 24,320 Sacramento Escarpment 6 135 Goodsight Mountains 25,944 Sacramento Escarpment 7 11,257 Goodsight Peak 26,010 San Luis 10,107 Gore Canyon 13,953 San Luis Lake 9,280 Granite Peak 37,542 Shiloh Hills 27,544 Gray Peak 30,404 Sierra Ladrones 73,207 Guadalupe Canyon East 2,013 Sierra Rica 45,192 Guadalupe Canyon West 2,205 Sierra de la Cruz 12,580 Hachita Peak 21,289 Sleeping Lady Hills 14,404 Hachita Valley 10,282 Split Lip Flats 13,532 Horse Mountain 9,304 Squaw Peak 3,276 New Mexico Wilderness Statistics Howell’s Ridge 7,582 Stallion 51,001 Ignacio Chavez 61,383 Steeple Rock 18,494 Land Base Acreage % of NM Indian Draw 40,027 Swan Canyon 22,312 Jornada del Muerto 42,530 Techado Mesa 11,365 BLM Lands in NM 13,530,574 La Leña 18,657 Tejana Mesa 9,614 BLM Study Areas in NM 961,922 La Montonera 11,572 U Bar Ridge South 12,133 BLM Areas Inventoried by NMWA for Wilderness Potential 3,296,392 La Paloma Canyon 23,454 Veranito 12,470 Lewis Canyon 81,469 Volcano Hill 24,873 New Mexico Total 77,824,152 Little Black Peak 18,411 Wahoo Mountain 1 2,057 Officially Designated Wilderness in NM 1,631,568 Little Hatchet Mountains 6,251 Wahoo Mountain 2 3,524 BLM Areas Inventoried by NMWA for Wilderness Potential Loma de las Canas 24,829 West Malpais Wilderness Add. 3,073 plus Officially Designated Wilderness 4,927,960 6.33% Lonesome Ridge 3,979 West Potrillo Mountains 184,427 Lordsburg Playas North 24,447 Wind Mountain 7,555 —from the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Lordsburg Playas South 15,595 Draft Citizens’ BLM Wilderness Proposal Luna Mesa 7,202 Total 3,296,392

6 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Restoring the “Wild” In the Wilderness—Wild Science Relocated Bighorn Inhabit Vacant Range Once Again espite the increasing bureaucratic Crew and sheep ball up in a tug-of- among the flap of tent canvas, the snap demands of government work, the war—two people wrestle a ewe in one of latex gloves, and the dark rumble of true strength of wildlife managers direction, two grapple with a yearling a diesel engine. remains on the ground and in the wild. in the other direction like a Saturday This is the veterinary processing Today,D somewhere high in the lonesome morning cartoon. “You’re down on scene of the transplant project, a Latir Wilderness, a bighorn ram pokes that animal, and it just keeps pushing complex and ambitious operation that his curled horns over a cliff to peer into against you and kicking those legs,” brought together 90 personnel and vol- a cirque, while a lamb disappears over Frentzel adds. “Someone else comes to unteers from the Department of Game a ridge. The presence of Rocky Moun- hobble it, and then you’ve got the net and Fish, the US Forest Service, US Fish tain bighorn sheep renews something of wrapped up in the hobbles so you and Wildlife Service, and volunteers those wild mountains—but it isn’t easy gotta’ get it free and start all over. from the Foundation for North Ameri- to move a herd of wild animals from Everyone’s trying to record tempera- can Wild Sheep. In addition to the trap one Wilderness to another. It takes tures, and monitor the sheep, and keep and processing crews, more people are helicopters, trucks, monster nets, them from breaking their necks and on hand in the Latir Wilderness to open satellite phones, batteries—and lots jumping on each other.... It’s a good the sheep crates, ferried in by helicop- and lots of rain gear. team-building exercise!” ter, and release the animals. Once we have securely hobbled and The Ewe Crew blindfolded the animals, we load them ighorn sheep were extirpated from into sling bags, carry them to a make- New Mexico around the turn of the t all starts at roughly 12,000 feet in the shift helipad, attach the slings to a 20th Century—a result of unregulated Pecos Wilderness on 12 August 2001. B cable, and hook that to a helicopter. hunting, domestic sheep diseases and Capture crews are divided among three I Five or six bighorn, depending upon competition with livestock. Before then, locations: Joe Vigil and Pecos Baldy their weight, make the ride beneath the the bighorn sauntered from one range lakes for ewes, and Little Jicarita/Santa pneumonia, diseases that can quickly helicopter to the Mora National Fish to another—without a series of helicop- Barbara Divide for rams. It’s wet after topple an entire bighorn herd, animals Hatchery, where we “process” them ter lifts. Human development and fire days and nights of rain. Fog hides the which have little resistance to such and place them in crates for the next leg suppression, however, have isolated peaks from time to time—but the alien invaders. Wild sheep have been of their journey. them on scattered mountain islands. trapping continues. released in the Latir Wilderness before, The deep dark woods are indeed a Trapping sheep can be as wild as the but they all died after contact with scary place for these nimble creatures, weather. Mineral blocks lure the seem- History in the Making domestic sheep. The presence of who rely on steep crags and panoramic ingly gentle bighorn under a drop net he muffled whap-whap of the heli- domestic sheep-grazing permits has vistas to elude predators. Nonetheless, that, when released by remote control, copter heralds the airborne delivery, been the biggest obstacle to putting occasionally, the promise of sheepish snares the animals like fish in a seine. and all members of the processing crew wild sheep back on the grassy slopes T romance may lure young rams from The crews then rush in to separate and leap to their posts at the federal hatch- of that Wilderness. the nearby Culebra Range and secure the sheep with hobbles and ery, a facility more accustomed to Wheeler Peak. blindfolds. cutthroat trout than bleating bighorn. According to bighorn sheep biologist “It sounds very calm, but it’s not,” Curious alpaca grazing nearby, their The Third Jewel—Latir Peak Eric Rominger, “If you’re a young male everal generations of wildlife manag- says Darrel Weybright, big game project recently shorn bodies like squiggly car- and there’s a chance of finding girls, of ers, including Northeast Area Chief leader for the Division of Wildlife and toons, race over to see the sheep dan- course you’re going to take a chance on of Operations Joanna Lackey, have overall trap crew supervisor. “It’s pretty gling from the noisy craft. The chopper S crashing through the trees!” struggled to negotiate a compromise much a circus.” lowers each animal to earth as precisely Such co-mingling can only bolster the with a local Latir Mesa grazing permit- “That net drops and then you dis- as a fly-fisherman’s expert cast. The overall health of the bighorn—providing tee. When the grazing permit was still cover that those sheep really are wild crews move quickly and everyone that none of the wild sheep encounter in the hands of its sheep-herding owner, animals,” says Marty Frentzel, assistant speaks in hushed and urgent whispers. their domestic cousins along the way. the US Forest Service issued an environ- chief of Public Affairs and a first-time “Temp 103°. Heart 92. Not lactating.“ Domestic sheep carry scabies and mental assessment (EA) ruling that the ewe crew member. Short snippets of conversation float allotment could be reissued only as a cattle permit. Since the late 1990s, domestic sheep have been excluded Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Desert Bighorn Sheep Population from the Latir Wilderness. in New Mexico in New Mexico The Latir Wilderness is the third jewel in the Triple Crown of high-alpine Total Population: ~650 Total Population: ~160 ranges, there are few bighorn, few bighorn habitat in New Mexico that Latir Peak Wilderness: 55 Sierra Ladrones: 30 deer—but lots of cougars. Obviously includes the Pecos Wilderness and Pecos Wilderness: 280 Fra Cristobals: 65 that does not add up. There is a theory Wheeler Peak. Wheeler Peak Wilderness: 180 Peloncillo Mountains: 30 that cougars prey-switch onto beef “It was our intent to put bighorn Turkey Creek: 50 Big Hatchets: 40 calves when the wild ungulate popula- sheep on Latir Mesa to then have a very tion decreases—in essence “subsidized San Francisco River: 50 ur desert sheep continue to struggle; stable metapopulation ranging from the predation.” Manzanos: 30 cougar predation is the predomi- Pecos Wilderness to Wheeler Peak to The NM Deptartment of Game and he first three herds are high-eleva- Onant cause of mortality (75% of radio- Latir Mesa and on into the Culebras in Fish is currently working on three tion herds that do very well. They collared bighorn mortalities). Cougar southern Colorado,“ explains Lackey. projects: live in alpine terrain where they have predation is predominantly a symptom “Latir Mesa was the last remaining T •obtaining additional desert bighorn a great forage base, a lot of escape of the larger problem of habitat degra- unoccupied high-quality historic range from an outside source; terrain, and great visibility so that dation. Cattle grazing has deprived the for bighorn sheep.” •cougar control in desert bighorn they can see predators a long way landscape of the fine fuels needed to The August 2001 transplant operation range until the populations are off and move away from them. carry fires, which should occur natu- was the most successful one to date for large enough to sustain a small The second three herds are low- rally in a cycle of 10-20 years. In addi- the NM Department of Game and Fish. amount of predation; and elevation herds. They have the same tion, the paradigm of fire suppression The cooperators moved 56 bighorn •collaborating with BLM and private difficulties as the desert sheep listed has stamped out even small burns. This ewes, lambs and rams to their new landowners to put prescribed fires below. In addition, in the Manzanos, has allowed piñon and juniper trees to home in the Latir Wilderness. in desert and low- elevation Rocky mortalities from train strikes are greatly increase in density. The trees and —by Marti Niman Mountain bighorn range. common. large shrubs block visibility so that NM Department of Game and Fish bighorn do not see cougars in time to —by Elise Goldstein escape. In addition, in the desert NM Department of Game and Fish

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 7 Feature Honoring Our Wilderness Heroes hether they are conservation legends of national or global renown or local

volunteers fighting for a special place, many New Mexicans have taken their Jay Sorenson Led Us Into the Wilderness of Politics love of the land one step further—they have decided to speak for it and fight for it when few others would. former professor at both Yale and WIn this issue of , we honor these “Wilderness Heroes.” These are the indi- Harvard, you might say Jay Call of the Wild viduals who, whether through word or deed, helped craft the Wilderness Sorenson was an odd duck to be movement here in New Mexico. running with the likes of Dave Foreman These individuals inspire and mentor us through their dedication and selflessness. Aback in the ‘70s as the New Mexico Wil- Each battle to protect Wilderness in New Mexico was hard fought over many years, derness community was taking shape. and it was often just a handful of local volunteers who made the vision a reality. But he says it was the common love of Just knowing the stories of these Wilderness Heroes inspires us to do more. They re- Wilderness that brought them all to- mind us of the difference one person can make, and give us the confidence to make gether. “I’ve had a long-standing love af- the time to be part of what, to many, is the paramount issue of our time. fair with the Wilderness of New Mexico,” says Jay. “I really had no choice but to —Edward Sullivan, NMWA Executive Director Jay Sorenson (4th from the left) with the get NM Wilderness Study Committee, 1977. involved.” Jay arrived in New Mexico in 1970. He Credit goes to Jay for politicizing the was involved in the early organizing Wilderness community in the ‘70s, when Bob Langsenkamp, New Mexico Conservation Leader meetings of the New Mexico Wilderness most Wilderness advocates wanted to Study Committee—the original statewide spend all their time hiking and climbing. ob Langsenkamp was a dedicated Wilderness organization. He was close Jay saw the value of getting involved public servant, life-long conserva- friends with fellow Wilderness heroes and helped the Wilderness community tionist and devoted New Mexican. Corey McDonald and Phil Tollufsroot. build political power, and thus influence. To the shock and dismay of his friends Jay is perhaps best known within the When Governor Jerry Apodaca was Band family, Wilderness hero Bob Wilderness community for his crucial role first elected, he credited many in the Wil- Langsenkamp suffered a brain aneurysm in gaining Wilderness status for the derness community for a large part in his on the morning of Wednesday, 27 Feb- Sandia Mountain Wilderness, and for decisive win. Jay played a major role in ruary 2002. Bob died later that week. He brokering the government purchase of the Governor’s decision to found the NM was only 55 years old. the Elena Gallegos Grant from the Albu- Wilderness Commission. This commission, Bob was a devoted husband and querque Academy. Board members of appointed by the Governor, made rec- father of two children. He encouraged the Academy and local developers had ommendations to Congress on the his children, his friends and his commu- “plans” for the area. Many regard that state’s behalf about which areas should nity to learn, explore, think, grow and crucial purchase as the reason we don’t be protected as Wilderness—building laugh. His wit and offbeat sense of have million-dollar homes peppering the support for the protection of the Sandias, humor were renowned. He could tell a west side of the Sandias all the way to the Manzanos, the Chama River Wilder- story like no other—and he always had the crest. ness, Cruces Basin and others. one to tell. You would think you were listening to Jay Sorenson’s enduring contribution An enthusiastic river runner, hiker, a tale of international espionage, as Jay cannot be overstated. He is truly one snowshoer and cross-country skier, Bob Langsenkamp, enjoying the Gila looks off into the distance recounting the of New Mexico’s Wilderness Heroes. Langsenkamp explored many of the Wilderness, 1977. story of “How the Sandias Were Won.” Perhaps the next time you are enjoying a state’s little-known nooks and crannies The heroes, the villains, the smoky back quiet moment in the Sandia Wilderness, on boat, bicycle and foot, and was He played a key role in New Mexico’s rooms—it all seems so exciting. But to Jay, you will think to thank Jay for his contri- known for humorous stories and photos land-conservation and Wilderness pro- it was just another day as a volunteer for bution to the story of Wilderness protec- of these adventures. After coming to tection movements for more than two Wilderness. The effort, of course, took tion in this state. Santa Fe from Silver City, where he had decades. He was, for instance, a founder years, but despite the setbacks, threats roamed the Gila Wilderness and much of of the New Mexico Conservation Voters and other difficulties, Jay and others in the southern part of the state, he Alliance (CVA) in 1982 and the New the conservation community stayed true continued to discover out-of-the-way Mexico Wilderness Alliance in 1997, and to their goal. treasures in the North, taking family active member of the Sierra Club. He had and friends along. recently been involved with efforts to As a key organizer and activist during support a next generation of leaders, the 1982 elections, Langsenkamp had both at NMWA and CVA. both a direct and indirect role in boost- In addition to Wilderness and land- ing the political careers of US Senator Jeff La Donna Kutz—New Mexico’s First Lady of Wilderness conservation issues, Langsenkamp Bingaman, State Land Commissioner Jim grappled with range health and grazing Baca and US Representative Bill hen we look back on the Wil- on the movement. Society was markedly issues, hard rock mining, and hunter Richardson. Hired to the Land Office by derness movement, we see too different then, and it took a few access issues on public lands. A hunter Commissioner Jim Baca, Langsenkamp few women who left their mark visionary women to break the mold of and cowboy in addition to his environ- worked there for 14 years, retiring in Wilderness leaders that was forged mental interests, after his retirement, W by the likes of Bob Marshall, Aldo 1996 from his position as Deputy Com- Langsenkamp became active in the man- missioner. Leopold and Howard Zanhaiser. La agement of the Valle Grande Grass Bank He served as an active elder statesman Donna Kutz was, to many people, the on Rowe Mesa, a project of the Conser- and conciliator within an often-conten- first Wilderness woman of New Mexico. vation Foundation. tious environmental community, and She trod where few women had gone, Bob never tried to be anyone else, nor was widely respected for his evenhand- and accomplished things few men could. did he ever seek the center stage. His wit, edness, integrity and commitment. He Born in sleepy Lexington, Nebraska, La savvy and pragmatism made him a was among the very few able to com- Donna Kutz moved to New Mexico in trusted and beloved colleague and bine a strong understanding of 1962 with her husband Jack. They friend to many of the state’s leading envi- ecological principles and conditions quickly fell in love with the dramatic wild- ronmental and progressive thinkers and on the ground with an understanding lands they found here, and took to the activists. He made lasting friendships and of the political process. As a result, his hills as often as they could. leaves a legacy of goodwill, dedication counsel was respected and sought by Thirty years before rock climbing and selfless devotion to the protection of leading New Mexico officeholders, became trendy, Jack and La Donna our natural world. Bob Langsenkamp, including Senator Jeff Bingaman, were out with lug boots and Goldline born 4 October 1946, died in St. Representative Tom Udall, Land rope falling in the love with the quality Vincent’s hospital on 1 March 2002. We’ll Commissioners Jim Baca and Ray Powell, granite spires of the Sandias. It was miss you, old friend. and numerous state legislators. La Donna on Sandia Moutain in 1966. (continued on the next page) 8 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Feature Edward Abbey’s Legacy—Wilderness is Not a Luxury f Edward Abbey were still alive, he like cactus barbs, pok- would have just turned 75. Happy ing and prodding with “Sentiment Birthday, Ed! Instead, we are left with painful truths, his irrev- his legacy—and the vast open expanses erent style often mocked without action ofI his literature and philosophy. the bureaucrats and At age 17, young Abbey decided to industries in charge of is the ruin of the soul. journey away from Home, Pennsylvania the “circus show” of to explore the West. He hitched rides progress and growth. and rode the rail lines through the Mid- One brave deed is worth west, over the Rocky Mountains, and uring his explora- out to the West Coast. tions of the South- a thousand books.” On his way back to Home, he trav- westD as a young man, ow do we evaluate his contribu- eled via the Southwest. From the van- Abbey quickly learned tion—to literature, to conservation, tage point of a boxcar, he witnessed that the freedom and to the Southwest? We can’t; it is too big. and felt a freedom he hadn’t known H wildness of the desert Instead, we are inspired to act. We act before. “The very things that are free, and canyon country he on behalf of the mesas, canyons and decent, sane, clean and true, what I had had fallen in love with cerros of the Cabezon Country, with its seen, and felt—yes, and even smelled— was under siege by gov- magnificent diversity and rich cultural on that one blazing afternoon on a ernment and corporate history. We act on behalf of wild and freight train rolling across Northern greed. This horrible real- ecologically sensitive deserts such as Arizona,” wrote Ed about those experi- ization, and his resulting Otero Mesa, which lie directly in the ences. outrage, fueled much of path of ruin, threatened by proposals Three years later, after a brief stint in his writing career, which for a massive oil and gas development the military, he returned to the South- spanned four decades. complex. We at the New Mexico Wil- west to attend the University of New He wrote passionately, derness Alliance act by being advocates Mexico, where he would later receive a eloquently and prolifi- for the will of the land, and for the well graduate degree in Philosophy. His cally about issues facing being of its inhabitants, through master’s thesis was on “Anarchism and the people and lands of empowering the public and government the Morality of Violence.” The conclu- the Southwest. A com- to protect wild areas on public lands sion of his thesis was simply that, by mon theme woven as designated Wilderness. and large, violent anarchists and terror- throughout his novels, While Edward Abbey’s vivid descrip- ists had failed to justify violence as essays, letters and tions and stories transport us all (the “moral” means to achieve the desired speeches was that the readers) to places of paradise on earth, ends of (desperately needed) “The idea of wilderness modern techno-indus- they also remind us of our humanity, social change. In fact, he points out trial society was actively our humility, and our responsibility to that violent acts did little or nothing to needs no defense. despoiling our beloved the land and to future generations who improve the state of affairs. Today, this wildlands—and, by will dwell here. He captured well the sentiment rings true as ever. To this end, It only needs more defenders.” doing so, was revoking irony and paradox of our culture and Abbey considered himself an anarchist the true American that of our own lives, while his humor and a pacifist, and as such he supported dream. Part of the solution to this di- Dave Foreman had this to say about lightened the heavy load. Amidst all non-violent means to achieve social lemma, he felt, lay in the the impact of his friend’s literary legacy: the turmoil and controversy, he also and political change. preservation of Wilderness. “Ed once said, and I think he reminded us to get out there, to have Although he did support acts of envi- wrote it in several places, that one a good time, and to explore it while ronmental sabotage (such as decommis- he urgent need for action on behalf brave deed is worth a thousand we still can: sioning inanimate machines of ecologi- of protecting the “wild” of the “Wild books. He’s disparaging his own “One final paragraph of advice: cal destruction), Abbey opposed true TWest” was a keynote of Edward Abbey’s contribution. But every book of Do not burn yourself out. Be as “terrorism” that results in the loss of writings. The messages and sentiments Ed Abbey’s, every essay, every I am—a reluctant enthusiast... a human life, wild creatures and habitats. embedded in his works have inspired story has launched a thousand part- time crusader, a half-hearted Abbey’s primary method for exposing multiple generations of environmental brave deeds. How do you evaluate fanatic. Save the other half of your- the truth, inspiring action and instigat- activists and citizens, who work daily that kind of contribution, that kind selves and your lives for pleasure ing chage was—and still is today— to protect the wilds from exploitation. of magic that he possessed?” and adventure. It is not enough to through the craft of his words. Authored For Edward Abbey’s Eulogy in 1989, fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it is still there. So get La Donna Kutz (continued from page 8) out there and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, encounter these early experiences that led them policies, render advice relative to La Donna was a staunch advocate of the grizz, climb the mountains. Run both to become so involved with the protection of Wilderness lands and with open space in and around Albuquerque the rivers, breathe deep of that yet efforts to protect the Sandias and other respect to legislation for the preserva- for decades. In 1989, she received an sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for Wilderness areas later on. Over the tion of these lands, and to perform such award from the City of Albuquerque in a while and contemplate the pre- years, they pioneered 13 first ascents additional tasks as shall be assigned by recognition of her 20 years of advocacy cious stillness, that lovely, mysteri- in the area. the Governor.” for city open space. She had been ous and awesome space. Enjoy Jack and La Donna were present at On the Commission, she quickly took involved in efforts to protect many parts yourselves, keep your brain in your the first meeting of the New Mexico on the role of mediator between the of the Sandias including La Cueva Can- head and your head firmly attached Wilderness Study Committee. They many conflicting interests on our public yon, the Elena Gallegos and the Crest to your body, the body active and became instrumental in the growth and lands. Her soft tone enabled her to Trail; as well as the volcanoes west of alive, and I promise you this much: development of the organization and befriend people from diverse back- town, the Bosque and other areas. I promise you this one sweet vic- helped find adopters for almost all of grounds, and served to work out many La Donna Kutz died this winter after a tory over our enemies, over those the proposed Wilderness areas in the of the “sticking points” that held up the long and courageous battle with cancer. deskbound people with their hearts state. They adopted Peralta Canyon in designation of many proposed Wilder- Her spirit lives on in the mountains and in a safe deposit box and their eyes the Jemez Mountains, an area that has ness areas. Her husband Jack remem- forests she loved so much, and also in hypnotized by desk calculators. yet to gain Wilderness protection. bers, “La Donna would do the work the hearts of all those she touched. We I promise you this: you will outlive In 1975, La Donna was appointed to no man could do. She had a way of remember her as the First Lady of Wil- the bastards.” the New Mexico Wilderness Commis- talking to the different parties—making derness in New Mexico, and honor the —by MattClark sion, a special entity established by the everyone be civilized and work out contributions she made over the years NMWA staff Governor “to formulate plans and their differences.” and those she continues to make today. New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 9 Wilderness News Udall’s Constituents Speak Up for Wilderness, Environment uring the January 2002 legislative below) would safeguard the area from for New Mexico Wilderness to come up House Energy Bill, which proposes to recess, Tom Udall (D-NM), New further encroachment by residential and with a proposal that will gain broad give multinational energy corporations Mexico’s District 3 Congressional commercial development, oil and gas support. We strongly encourage those $33 billion in government subsidies— Representative, held a series of Town exploration, irresponsible off-road of you in Udall’s district to voice your while investing little into conservation HallD meetings to hear his constituents’ vehicle use and new road building support for the Cabezon Wilderness and renewable energy. concerns. Udall’s large district encom- which contributes to the erosion of Proposal—and to contact US Senators In this desert ecosystem, water is passes 13 counties in the northern part the Rio Puerco basin. Wilderness Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici— scarce and needs effective, long-term of the state. He represents constituents designation would, however, co-exist while you’re at it (see page 12). conservation and management. Many of diverse backgrounds including the with current grazing practices on BLM Many constituents came out to constituents voiced their concerns large population of the state capitol, land in the area. applaud Udall’s strong environmental about water issues—including fire- Santa Fe. The towns chosen for meet- Representatives of the ranching voting record. In the last session of prevention measures, the addition of ings included Española, Tucumcari, Los community in Sandoval County have Congress, Udall voted, for instance, new water tanks in the Jemez Moun- Alamos, Jemez Springs and Rio Rancho. expressed concern about the proposed in favor of the CARA bill (Conservation tains, protecting municipal water Udall’s constituents turned out at Wilderness designation. Proponents of and Reinvestment Act) that would sources from contamination, debates several meetings to voice their support Wilderness are making a concerted provide a steady stream of conservation on arsenic levels in the water, silvery for a Wilderness proposal that would effort to talk with and educate local funding for federal and state agencies minnow habitat in the Rio Grande and protect approximately 200,000 acres stakeholders, so that consensus can be for the next 15 years. The House, how- agricultural concerns. of public land in the heart of the Rio built around the issue. Representative ever, voted down the widely supported Other topics raised on the meeting Puerco valley. The Cabezon Country Udall assured constituents that he is CARA legislation. Congressman Udall tour included the environment, Medi- Wilderness designation (see article working with members of the Coalition was in the minority, voting against the care and Social Security, and education. —by Sean Saville, NMWA Staff Homeland Security Is About Our Land—Our Foundation he issue of national security on our heritage is being whisked away from us, Range to one of the last swaths of intact independence is only achievable home soil has never been as impor- washed downstream by the powerful Chihuahuan desert grassland—New through an energy policy that reduces tant as it is today. The urgency to currents of the techno-industrial society. Mexico’s own Otero Mesa—we are our fossil fuel reliance over the long protect our homeland, on behalf of Ah, but all hope is not lost! There is faced with reckless energy development term” (America & Energy in 2001). Tfuture generations of Americans cannot still the subtle and mysterious, sacred schemes. Cleverly cast as issues of On every front, the public must be understated. Our land is our bed- and even holy to behold out there— national security, economic stability, communicate to our leaders that strong rock, our foundation and the ultimate creatures worthy of respect, and intact and purported as a way to attain energy environmental protections for our lands source of our prosperity. Our will to landscapes vital to protect and connect. independence, the current administra- and waters are an important aspect of make the right choices today will There are viable alternatives for a more tion proposes an energy policy that “homeland security”. In addition, we determine the quality of life for our sustainable future. And in fact, there are gives the oil and gas industry free reign. must support sustainable alternatives children, and the survival of the greater the “plain members and citizens of the The above justifications are not only and solutions. The answer is clear that, community of life with which we share land community,” in Aldo Leopold’s unsubstantiated—they are misleading. as a nation, our commitment to protect the land. words, who are intent upon the preser- The statistics verify that our country will Wilderness and the greater environment As rich in natural resources as vation of the natural world. We honor never have the capability to produce must include investments in the devel- America is, wild places are vanishing; these leaders and activist with our nearly the amount of oil that we opment of renewable energy sources, wild creatures are endangered. Daily, collective voice, action and vigilance. consume. cleaner fuels and more efficient tech- we hear news that our own quality of United we can make a difference! “No matter how much oil the United nologies. New Mexico is one of many life is eroding beneath our feet—our From sea to shining sea, America’s States works to produce, our gasoline states prime for developing solar and open spaces and sense of community wildlands are under attack. From the prices—still the lowest in the world— wind generated power, among other consumed by development, our waters upper reaches of Alaska’s Arctic are largely set by international oil mar- budding technologies such as fuel cells. contaminated with toxins, the very air National Wildlife Refuge to Wyoming’s kets. US reserves are simply not large Therein lies the potential economic we breathe polluted. Like the runoff unspoiled Red Desert, from the graceful enough relative to foreign production to boon, while providing alternatives for from a summer monsoon, our natural slopes of the Rocky Mountain Front influence world prices—real energy a sustainable, secure future for America. —by Matt Clark, NMWA Staff

How Did NM Cabezon Campaign Grows, Refutes Myths he Coalition for New Mexico Wil- 2001, when the Sandoval County com- protection. In addition to these efforts, Wilderness, in which NMWA plays mission voted to oppose any Wilderness we have been able to gain the support Senators & a leading role, continues to work designation in the area, more than 50 of many local businesses and commu- toward the protection of the Cabezon local ranchers turned out to cheer. Both nity members in Bernalillo, Rio Rancho CountryT as Wilderness. As we’ve Representatives the commission and the local ranchers and Jemez Springs for the proposal. reported in recent editions of Call of the have been direly misinformed about In a recent Town Hall tour in Sandoval Wild, the Cabezon Country is a parcel what Wilderness protection would County, supporters of the proposal Score? of wild land 60 miles northwest of really mean for local communities. greeted US Congressman Tom Udall he League of Conservation Vot- Albuquerque off of Highway 550. There is a great fear in the community at almost every meeting (see article ers rates members of Congress It contains ten proposed Wilderness that Wilderness protection will mean an above). Tannually on how they voted on areas, totaling more than 200,000 end to grazing and an end to the rural In short, our efforts to protect the the environment. Here’s how the acres. Its dramatic volcanic plugs, way of life in Sandoval County. Cabezon and other wild areas as Wil- NM delegation measured up: important ecological values—and While Wilderness organizers have derness continue. The path to Wilder- the encroaching threats of off-road heard these concerns in the past, it is ness protection is never less than rocky, Rep. Tom Udall (D) 100% vehicle abuse—make this area a perfect still a difficult message to refute where but never too rough to endure. Many Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) 75% candidate for Wilderness protection. the anti-Wilderness propaganda thanks go out to the hundreds of volun- Sen. Pete Domenici (R) 13% As with any Wilderness campaign, machines have been at work for so teers who have dedicated their time to Rep. Heather Wilson (R) 7 % our efforts to protect the Cabezon have long. Needless to say, in recent months building so much public support for Rep. Joe Skeen (R) 0 % been met with strong resistance from our efforts have focused on debunking this proposal. local ranching communities. In August these myths regarding Wilderness —by Garrick Delzell, NMWA Staff 10 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Flora and Fauna The Threatened American Marten Needs Old-Growth Forest he American marten (Martes values, are easily trapped, have rela- seeing one as you are driving to your americana) is a member of the tively low recruitment rates, and are favorite hiking spot. When hiking in the weasel family (Mustelidae) and is vulnerable to overharvesting. Because high-altitude forests of our beautiful slightly smaller than an average house marten reproductive rates are low, they northern New Mexico mountains, such Tcat. The fur of a marten is glossy and tan are slow to recover from population as Wheeler Peak or the Pecos Wilder- to chocolate in color, with a throat declines. Today, the American marten is ness, be on the lookout for this elusive patch the color of pale cream to bright fully protected as a threatened species forest predator. Please report sightings amber. by the New Mexico Department of to the New Mexico Department of These small mammalian predators are Game and Fish. Game and Fish (505/476-8000). sparsely distributed in high-elevation The presence of American martens in —by Dave Parsons forests of northern New Mexico moun- New Mexico has been documented in NMWA Board Member tains—the southern limit of their distri- recent times, generally north of Santa Fe bution in North America. They are in the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo “habitat-specialists” that live in old- mountains. There have also been reports growth spruce-fir forests. Large downed of martens in the Jemez Mountains, logs and stumps, characteristic of old- according to the New Mexico Depart- growth forests, provide important rest- ment of Game and Fish. Populations in ing, denning and feeding sites for them. New Mexico may be unstable because Most of their winter hunting takes place it is the edge of their range, where suit- under the snow. They require habitat able high-altitude habitats are naturally protection and forested linkages among isolated. Marten populations are espe- patches of suitable habitat for survival cially vulnerable to local extirpation as and persistence. Ecologically, the mar- a result of habitat alterations and frag- ten is an important predator of small mentation of forested environments. mammals, especially voles, and distrib- Because the American marten is depen- utes seeds of fruit-bearing shrubs. The dent on the presence of old-growth, species is an excellent indicator of unlogged forests for habitat, the best Wilderness-quality wildlands. protection for this species is the formal Throughout the 1900s, population designation of Wilderness areas—a declines resulted from: primary objective of the New Mexico •exploitation of martens (also called Wilderness Alliance. sables) for their valuable fur, and Martens rarely venture out of mature •habitat alterations caused by conifer forests and only use the edges of logging. forest openings, where they hunt for Martens were extirpated from much of small mammals and feed on berries. the southern parts of their historic They avoid highly fragmented habitats range. American martens have high pelt and areas near roads, so don’t count on

Scrubland Vegetation crubland plant communities are dominated by shrubby plants that do not Current Protection: Except for small areas, the only scrublands that are grow large enough to be considered a tree. They grow on thin and/or rela- protected by Wilderness designation are in the mountain areas—most tivelyS infertile soils throughout New Mexico and are classified by the environ- scrublands remain unprotected. ment and/or region where they grow. Threats and Human Impacts: The large amount of scrubland vegetation in Ecological Significance: Although scrublands are often thought of as having New Mexico is at least partly a result of historic overgrazing of the grasslands, the least importance ecologically, they still provide important habitat for both fire suppression and over-logging of forested lands, which triggered their trans- plant and animals species in New Mexico. Many desert scrublands provide the formation to shrubs. With the exception of mountainous scrubland, much of only connectivity between different “sky island” mountain ranges and desert this vegetation type is found in the lower, flatter areas that receive tremendous grasslands. This is critical habitat for the movement of larger mammals and other amounts of ORV abuse, especially near urban areas. Overgrazing continues to wildlife in the region. Although much of the desert scrublands would not likely impact these plant communities despite the general lack of grass cover, even return to grassland by removing the disturbances that created them, they do in Wilderness areas. Urban development, mining and other recreational provide a scientific opportunity to research restoration techniques in disturbed impacts are threats in specific areas. landscapes. —Classification adapted from New Mexico Vegetation, Past, Present, and Future by William A. Dick Peddie, UNM Press, 1993

Montane Scrub Plains-Mesa Sand Scrub Great Basin Desert Scrub Chihuahuan Desert Scrub Environment: Semi-arid, exposed Environment: Arid, deep sandy soils Environment: Arid lands in the north- Environment: Arid lands with hot mountains, thin and/or rocky adjacent to prehistoric floodplains of west and north-central portion of summers and relatively mild win- soils—5,000-8,000’ elevation the Pecos River and Rio Grande— the State with cold winters— ters in the southern part of the Plants: Mountain Mahogany, 3,000-6,000’ elevation 5,000-7,500’ elevation State—3,000-5,000’ elevation Cliffrose, Threeleaf Sumac, Plants: Shinnery Oak, Sand Sage, Yucca, Major Plants: Black Sage, Big Sage- Major Plants: Creosotebush, Cliff Fendlerbush, Mockorange, Fourwing Saltbush, Rosemary Mint, brush, Shadscale, Greasewood, Tarbush, Whitethorn, Snakeweed, Evergreen Oaks, Wrights Broom Dalea, Threeleaf Sumac, Fourwing Saltbush, Winterfat, Lechuguilla, Squawbush, Silktassel, Beargrass, Ceanothus, Grama grass, Dropseeds, Threeawn, Rabbitbrush, Mormon Tea, Feather Peabush, Mariola, Yuccas, Yuccas, Evergreen Sumac, Sand Bluestem, Sand Verbena, Alkali Sacaton Ocotillo, Chollas, Prickly Pears, Manzanita Buckwheats Fluffgrass, Field Bahia, Desert Holly

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 11 ProposedGet InvolvedLegislation Calls for Privatizing Public Land he proposed “Southern New the proposal would direct $56 million provide a broader benefit to the public. Talking Points for Letters Mexico Land Management Act” of the money generated from the sale of Additionally, some of the “surplus” •Although conservation of farmland is an effort to address agricultural BLM lands for the City of Las Cruces lands are located within areas proposed is certainly a worthy goal, the fund- and land-use issues in southern New and the County of Doña Ana to acquire for Wilderness adjacent to the Organ ing mechanism for this proposal is TMexico, specifically in the Las Cruces and manage open space and parks, Mountains. These lands in particular the privatization of valuable public area. The proposal focuses on preserv- the lion’s share would be directed to should be removed from the list of land and is not in the best interest ing farmland in the Mesilla Valley a handful of private landowners in lands to be disposed of by BLM, since of the general public. through the voluntary sale and the Mesilla Valley. they provide important open space and •The BLM lands that would be sold retirement of development rights. Although the preservation of farmland critical viewshed values for the people to fund this effort are important The proposal calls for funding the is certainly a worthy goal in the Mesilla of southern New Mexico. exchange lands for other conserva- effort from the sale of “surplus” Bureau Valley, where the pressures to subdivide Please help stop this bad proposal tion efforts that have a greater of Land Management (BLM) lands in land for homes are extremely high, by sending letters of opposition to our benefit to the citizens of New southern New Mexico. The total budget New Mexico Wilderness Alliance finds US Congressmen, particularly Senator Mexico. for this effort is $323 million. Although the proposal would set a bad precedent Bingaman. Letters to the Las Cruces •Other funding mechanisms are and is not in the best interest of the City councilors and Doña Ana County available for farmland conservation, public. The so-called “surplus” BLM commissioners are also important, as including money from the Federal lands are currently used as trading stock local governments are being asked to Land and Water Conservation for BLM exchanges around the state for endorse this proposal. (Addresses are Fund, and the USDA Farmland conservation and other public purposes available at .) Protection Program funded by the that benefit all the people of New Let’s stop this now—before legislation Farm Bill, among others. Please Write! Mexico. For example, the BLM trades is introduced into Congress. lease take a few minutes to such lands for state inholdings within —by Greg Magee, NMWA Staff Wilderness Study Areas. The loss of write a letter to your elected P these “exchange lands” to buy private officials in support of Cabezon development rights would seriously Wilderness. We must show that our hinder this and other similar efforts that broad base of support is from all over the state. We at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance are willing to fight for Wilderness— but in order to win, we need every Threats Close to Home one of you to stand behind us. Thank you for your support! Otero Mesa Robledos—Sierra de las Uvas The fragile desert grasslands of the desert oasis. This unstudied ecosystem Though close to Las Cruces, the Senator Jeff Bingaman greater Otero Mesa Area in southcentral is home to Golden eagle (nesting Robledos—Sierra de las Uvas Area is 703 Hart Senate Office Building New Mexico is home to a great diver- grounds), elk herds and numerous other minimally impacted by human activi- sity of native plants, one of the state’s species. In the name of cheap coal and ties. This landscape is characterized by US Senate healthiest pronghorn antelope herds, electricity, this sacred site and ecologi- bedded volcanic rock with gentle Washington, DC 20510 mountain lions, coyotes, ringtail cats, cally sensitive area could be perma- slopes, cliffs, mesas, buttes, deep can- [email protected] desert mule deer, raptors and some 200 nently ruined. The mine and associated yons and low, broad desert. Lowland species of birds. This area is imminently 44-mile-long railroad corridor to the areas contain classic Chihuahuan desert In Santa Fe—505/988-6647 threatened by a proposal for an exten- St. John’s generating facility would also shrub communities and large areas of In Washinton, DC—202/224-5521 sive oil and gas development complex. destroy hundreds of Native American Tobosa grasslands while black grama The oil and gas industry proposes to cultural sites, including ancient foot- grasslands dotted with juniper trees Senator Pete Domenici lease 280,000 acres of this area from paths and burial sites. In addition, the dominate the higher mesas. The can- 328 Hart Senate Office Building the BLM, which would not only frag- mine would be located adjacent to pro- yons provide diverse habitats for many US Senate ment and disturb sensitive wildlife habi- posed Wilderness areas—Red Hill and animals including mule deer, prong- Washington, DC 20510 tat, but also would mar the area’s scenic Cerro Pomo (both known as Eagle Peak horn, banded rock rattlers, rock squir- beauty, air quality and opportunity for WSA), Tejana Mesa and Mariano rels, great horned owls and two species [email protected] solitude. To learn more about NMWA’s Mesa—adversely impacting the visual of quail. The abundance of rimrock In Santa Fe—505/988-6511 effort to protect 460,000 acres of resources of these areas. along the mesas in the area provides In Albuquerque—505/346-6791 Wilderness in this region, see page 3. Finally, coal production has had, and nesting sites for many raptors, including In Roswell—505/623-6170 continues to have, a devastating effect golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Zuni Salt Lake on the Southwest’s environment. Coal This is yet another unique desert area In Washington, DC—202/224-6621 mining and coal-fired power plants are that has fallen into the sites of the oil For hundreds of years, the Zuni, not only bad for the Southwest, they are and gas industry. Although temporarily Representative Heather Wilson Acoma, Laguna, Hopi, Navajo, Apache bad for the planet. A leading contribu- removed from the most recent lease and other southwest American Indian 318 Cannon House Office Building tor to both global warming and acid sale, due to NMWA’s protest, 12,477 tribes have made pilgrimages to the US House of Representatives rain, increased coal production is acres located in the heart of this sacred Zuni Salt Lake in western New clearly not the answer to our nation’s proposed Wilderness complex are Washington, DC 20515 Mexico. They gather to worship and to long-term energy needs. scheduled to be on the next BLM oil collect its pure salt for ceremonial and [email protected] To learn more about how you can and gas lease sale. Roads and impacts domestic use. The Zuni believe the Salt In Albuquerque—505/346-6781 help protect Zuni Salt Lake, contact the associated with oil and gas exploration Lake is home to Salt Mother, a very Zuni Salt Lake Coalition—comprised of and development would permanently In Washington, DC—202/225-6316 important deity to the Zuni People. the Zuni Tribal Council, Center for and negatively impact the Wilderness They have, accordingly, designated a Representative Tom Udall Biological Diversity (Brian Segee— character of this area. “Sanctuary Zone” that all tribes respect. 520/623-5252 ext. 308; bsegee@ To voice your opinion on this issue, 502 Cannon House Office Building Now, Salt River Project (SRP), an Ari- biologicaldiversity.com); Citizens’ Coal write to Field Manager Amy Leuders US House of Representatives zona electric utility, wants to blast and Council; Sierra Club’s Environmental and State Director Michelle Chavez at bulldoze the massive Fence Lake coal Washington, DC 20515 Justice Program; and the Water Informa- the Bureau of Land Management (see strip mine in the middle of this Sanctu- tion Network (Jaime Chavez—505/255- page 3), or contact Michael Robinson [email protected] ary Zone, only a few miles away from 4072). To express your opposition to at NMWA (505/843-8696). In Santa Fe—505/984-8950 the Zuni Salt Lake. Studies by the US this proposed mine, write to Interior In Washington, DC—202/225-6190 Department of the Interior show that Secretary Gale Norton (US Department —by Matt Clark, NMWA Staff groundwater pumped from the mine of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, would destroy the delicate balance of Washington, DC 20240). water and salt found in this rare high 12 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Gettin’ Out There Finding the Wild The End In My Own Backyard o!” said the Man, love the New Mexican landscape. Resisting the urge to make a snow The deer went. I realize, however, that in order to angel, I examined the ground for ani- G”Run!” said the man in the white, qualify as a true outdoorswoman, mal tracks. There were etchings made hard hat. I need to get outdoors. by lots of little birdy feet, and what The squirrels ran. IWhen I was a little girl in Brooklyn, looked like deer hoof prints, but I’ll ”Leave!” said the man in New York, my mom and I called it an have to bring along a guidebook next the white, hard hat and “adventure” when we walked down time, if I intend to do any serious iden- the bright red vest. an unfamiliar block and wound up in tification. For the time being, it was The hare left. a neighborhood we’d never been to nice to take pleasure in the mountain’s This would be the first year before. I’ve lived in Albuquerque for embrace. Her arms welcomed us to the that new trees wouldn’t rise almost 30 years, but I decided to take left and right, and I felt if we kept on and old ones wouldn’t fall. a lesson from my past. I’d start in my walking we’d reach her heart. The same goes for the life and own backyard, by exploring a part of After going far enough along the trail death of the animals. the Sandias I’d never been to before. to know we’d made it past the bound- Thank you, Emily Pierce, 6 years old, This would be the first season Armed with cranberry juice, a packet of ary of the Wilderness area, I found a for helping survey that the snow wouldn’t melt Ding Dongs, my dog, my husband, and nice rock to sit on. And breathe. And the Big Hatchet Mountain WSA and fill the lakes and rivers. Bob Julyan’s New Mexico’s Wilderness write. And forget for a while that there on your first campout! The same goes for the freezing Areas, I set off on an adventure. was a city just a few short miles away. of the water. Looking in the book for hikes marked It was nice to exist “in the “easy”, we found directions to a part of moment,” enjoying the beauty of This would be the first day the Sandia Mountain Wilderness that the landscape and the silence of that the sun’s wonderful rays began at the Elena Gallegos Picnic the snow. Cottonwood Bosque of light would not shine on the dark green spines Area. After a while, it was time to Tree of the West, the cottonwood, of the tall evergreens. Our plan was to hike the Domingo go. Back at the car a Ding Dong Marker of water, always good. The same goes for the other Baca Canyon trail as described in the was waiting. In the bosque wild, where they grow plants and animals. book, but Rosebud had other ideas. —by Kathy Wimmer They slow the river’s meandering flow. Her doggie nose sniffing at full capacity, NMWA Staff This would be the first night On massive limbs thrust to the sky she found another trail more interesting. that the owl wouldn’t roam Are nests for hawks circling high. It was a beautiful, clear, warm and by the glow of the moon. Whispering leaves make welcome shade sunny Sunday. Snow had fallen the The same goes for the mice. previous Thursday and was still on the And life thrives, in the cool, green glade. This would be the first day ground, with a few patches clinging When men straighten the curving bow that there would not be a forest. here and there to the piñons and juni- Of ox-bow bends where spring floods flow The same goes for the pers. I felt like a kid examining new The bosque shrinks to a cadaverous sliver plants and animals. gifts on Christmas day. To paraphrase Of tenuous life along a dying river. Now there will only be fancy cars, Clement C. Moore, “The sun on the The water that made the cottonwood slick streets, and dull rooftops. breast of the three-day-old snow gave We are told now serves a higher good. the luster of magic to objects below.” —John Clay Why? Carlsbad, NM —Taylor Edwards, 14 years

Finland’s Wilderness Protects the Livelihood of the Sami t’s cold, it’s wet, and there are mush- dependant on the Wilderness for their Activities within the Wilderness areas has been a powerful tool for the Sami in rooms and snow and birch? Toto, livelihood and lifestyle, despite are strictly controlled. Mining, perma- defending both the environment and I’m not in New Mexico anymore! increasing permanent settlement and nent roads, and leasing of land for pur- traditional lifestyle. Over the past ten Finland, like the United States, is one technological innovation. It was these poses other than berry and mushroom years, the Sami and northern Finns have ofI the very few nations in the world to people who pushed for the Wilderness picking, reindeer herding, fishing and gone to court several times to use the boast of a federal Wilderness system. legislation, as mining and timber com- hunting are all prohibited. Forestry is Wilderness Act to prevent timber sales, The Finnish system, however, and the panies threatened the northern wilds. permitted ”on a strictly regulated basis” road building and the establishment of reasons behind its creation are rather The Finnish Wilderness Act passed in 3.5% of the total area. In addition, permanent structures. Still, the Act does different from that of the United States. in 1991. It created 12 Wilderness areas several other laws regulate hunting, fish- allow for some “multiple uses”, and All of Finland’s Wilderness areas are covering approximately 1.5 million ing, off-road traffic and other manage- there seems to be no intention to extend located in Northern Lapland, well hectares (3.7 million acres) of northern ment needs within the Wilderness areas. the Wilderness system to other parts of above the Arctic Circle. They contain Lapland. The purpose of the legislation Finland’s Wilderness areas are remote the nation or integrate it into a larger peat lands, fells (large rounded hills), was to preserve the pristine nature of and see relatively little recreational use series of landscape-wide ecosystem- lakes, rivers and seemingly endless the region and to protect the Sami when compared with America’s Wilder- protection efforts such as the NM Link tracts of boreal forest. These areas are culture’s traditional subsistence uses ness Areas. Still, Wilderness recreation is or the Sky Islands. snow-covered more than six months a such as fishing, hunting and reindeer popular, and some of the more popular year. They comprise vital breeding herding. Finland’s Wilderness areas areas have semi-permanent rental cab- Er-Maa grounds for migrant birds, habitat for were designed, not as isolated islands, ins, marked hiking trails and even some The Finnish word for Wilderness has large carnivores—and they are the but rather as large core protected areas snowmobile routes. its roots in the words er (amount, quan- home of the Sami, or Lap, people. separated by narrow zones of roads, Finland’s Wilderness legislation came tity, portion) and maa (earth, ground, Finland’s Wilderness has been inhab- buildings and commercial forests. from a different root than the American nation). The Sami culture has no word ited since the retreat of the glaciers The Finnish forest service, Mets- system and has different intended mean- for Wilderness. They call it “home”. 9,000 years ago. The Sami have been hallitus (Mets), labels Wilderness areas ings. The Sami people, in general, feel —by Jim O’Donnell heavily impacted by the Wilderness “a transition between Strict Nature that their lifestyle is dependant on an Former NMWA staff itself, and Wilderness seems to remain Reserves and commercial forests.” Mets intact and vital Wilderness, and many and Foreign Correspondent a deeply important part of the Sami is required to maintain management Sami actually reside permanently within culture and that of Finns living in the plans, and public participation in those the Wilderness areas and make a living north. These people are highly plans is strongly encouraged. from the land. The Wilderness legislation New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 13 Book Reviews Welcome, New Members Edward Abbey—Two Ways In of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance ecently, two new biographies (20 November 2001—10 February 2002) have been released that explore imi & Steve Adams • Charles Adolf • Ruth Alpert • Rowena Archibald • Lois Ario • the complex life of one of SuAnne Armstrong • Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Bachrach • Tina Bandick • Joanne Bandler • America’s foremost nature writers, MJan Bandrofchak • Jane Barberousse • Avelina Bardwell • Natalie Barnett • Holly Barrett EdwardR Abbey. This past January, Abbey & Barry Abel • Edward Beebe • Ann Beyke • Ann & Harry Bixby • Cheryl Blankenship • would have been 75 years old, so the Ayela Lisa Block • Robert Boca Imogene & Nathan Bolls • Ralph & Toby Bransky • Judy release of these books coincides with Buckingham • Elizabeth Campbell • Larry Carroll • Dolores Chavez • Carol Clericuzio • Camille Coates • Milan & Nancy Cobble • Crystal & Kevin Cobble • Herb Cohen • Will- a milestone of sorts; sadly, Abbey is iam Cowles • Mildred Crater • Cullander Family • Nancy Deever • Sylvie Deschamps • no longer with us, yet his voice and Gabriel Desmare • Robert Dickson, Jr. • Beth Dillingham • Tom Doyle & Maria Sampayo message remain strong and vital even • Paul Duggan • Laura Dunham • Daryl DuVall • Jim & Ginna Ebling • Veronica Egan • 13 years after his untimely death. Shelley Epstew • Kenney Family • Octavia Fellin • Lilly Fenichel • Robert Fenske • Blanche Fitzpatrick • Beverley Frieday • Nancy Garrett • Shirley Genther • Betsy Glenn • Laura Glicken • Donna Goad & Paul Johnson • Andy Gold • Mary Ellen Gonzales • ack Loeffler, one of Abbey’s closest Glenn Graham • Tami Griffis • Mr. & Mrs. Albert Grindell • Mary Gueulich • Marian friends has written a loving, funny Gurewitz • John Haaland • Carla Hall • Pam Hanna • H.E. & J. Hart • Roger Hill • Ellen Jand insightful book that shares his Hippeli • Tom Holley • Dr. Louis Hubbard • Rick Hudson • Tova Indritz • Zachary Ives • personal look into Abbey the man, Ed & Katha Janisch • Ilah Jones • Bruce & Lucy Kading • Pete Karnowski • Eileen & Neil the player, the unapologetic anarchist, Klar • Jill Kleven • Sarah Kotchian • Sally & Richard Kozoll • Richard Kristin • Ms. the writer—and his complex personality Dagmar Krupinski • Charlotte Landau • Sandra Landon & Michael Bock • Harriett Larsen • Howard Layman • Lorraine Lester • Margret Leverett • Robert Loftfield • David Lopez • that longed for freedom, at the endless Gudrun Mauter • Leona Mc Daniel • Marsha McCormick • Oliver McCrary • Richard expense of personal responsibility. McCurdy • Herb McDonald • Cisco McSorley • Jason Mechenbier • Carol Meincke • In Adventures with Ed, Loeffler shares Arnold & Nancy Menke • Christine Mermier • Len Milbyer • Alex Mitchell • Morehead • many personal adventures that he and Marilyn Morgan • Daniel Morper • John Muste • Bill Niendorff Novbakhitian Family • Abbey had together and the love of Stephen & Ruth Nutt • Claiborne O’Connor • Stewart Odendhal • Mike Ormsby • Tobin Oruch • Elizabeth Paak • Michael Pacheco • Kenya & Bill Paley-LeGrand • Robert Parker wild places and each other’s company • Gregory & Joan Pease • Ann Petit & Ben Thompson • John Pitts • Tony Plate Frederick & that men of great spirit can share. Mary Raje • Denise Raven • Carol Raymond • John Reeder • Helene & Jack Reynolds • “On the last day, Ed and I C.I. Ricketts • Martin & J. Rios • Bernice Rissman • Ruth Rudner & David Muench • decided to walk to the Rio Urique. Fumiko Sakoda • Anne Sawyer • John Schelberg • Claudia Schultz • Schwanfelder Family We walked and we walked. There • Liz Schwartz • David Seeley • Michael & Katherine Serk • Eileen Shannon • Lea Shepperson • Donald Shimondle • Kathy Smith • Klaus Steinbrecher • Cynthia Stilbolt • was bend after bend. The boulders A. Stopper & J. Zloto • Roxanne Swentzell • Creighton Talmon • Jerry W. Thompson • were all trailer sized. And we Joan & Len Truesdell • Ross & Kristin Ulibarri • Tim Van Valen • Evert C. Vos • Alan couldn’t see all that far ahead. We Wagman & Anne Owen McCormick • Edward Welch • Leonard Weslowski • Jane Will- got to worrying about our wives iams • Brenda & Tracy Wolf • William & Patty Wooldridge • Phyllis Wright • Emily Young alone back in camp. We never did • Charmaine Zantow • Barbara Zaving & Stephen Rose • Louise Zeringue make it all the way to the river. Ed was stronger than I was. I could hardly keep up with his bounding gait going through and over these big boulders. It was a great thing being there in total wilderness. There were Tarajumara Indians on the trail. We saw caves with pots in Frank Craighead Moves On them. That was a great trip. Ed was n October 2001, the conservation help of a friend who was an amateur a great companion. Totally com- community lost another of those who radio operator and another who was fortable. Things always went Abbey ignored the conventional norms helped frame the modern environ- an electronics engineer, they created smooth and easy.” of the time and, as a result, was free to mental movement, especially conserva- a radio tracking system and determined Such is the sense one gets from this write, inspire and see the environmental tionI biology, as we know it today. Frank that the grizzly needed an enormous very personal book that honors a true changes that were coming to the West Craighead passed away quietly in a amount of space, ranging far beyond conservation hero—Abbey the real per- he had grown to love. nursing home in Jackson, Wyoming. Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres. They son, not the fabled Cactus Ed. Though “The canyon country of southern He was 85. also quickly realized that the bear was he wrote to live, his life is the stuff of Utah and northern Arizona is Frank and his identical twin are extremely slow to reproduce. a great book. Adventures with Ed something special. Something else. perhaps best known for a 12-year study Despite their often-heated battles exposes all the rough edges of the man, Something strange, marvelous, full of grizzly bears they conducted in with Washington bureaucrats, the but brings you along for the song, the of wonders. So far as I know there Yellowstone National Park, beginning federal government ultimately adopted celebration, and reminds you of the is no other region on earth much in 1959. At the time, grizzlies were con- many of their recommendations when power of friendship. like it, or even remotely like it.” sidered a nuisance, but the researchers it designated grizzlies as a threatened Another aspect of Cahalan’s book is proved that the bears were vital to species under the Endangered Species he other look at Abbey’s life, Edward understanding of Abbey’s state of mind Yellowstone’s ecosystem. They are Act of 1975. Abbey—A Life, comes from author as he pens each book, the personal fire credited by many as saving the species The Craighead’s study ended abruptly JamesT M. Cahalan. Cahalan was not a within that withstood countless rejec- from extinction in the Lower 48. when park authorities closed the personal friend; rather he is a professor tions and rewrites, and his many friends The twins were born in 1916 in garbage dumps where the bears had of English at Indiana University of who would become characters in print. Washington, DC. Their father, an ento- been feeding. The Craigheads argued Pennsylvania, Abbey’s real birthplace. While flamboyant in public, Abbey mologist with the US Department of against forcing the bears to go cold Cahalan makes clear his goal, to write comes off as quiet and reflective in Agriculture, took the family on trips into turkey, fearing that they would invade “an honest account” of Abbey the person, well read and educated. He was the surrounding country, teaching them campgrounds in search of food. Indeed, person, not the persona. After Loeffler’s his father’s son, maintaining a radical the trees, wildflowers—and insects. The at first, their fears were borne out, but book, it’s easy to say that Cahalan’s edge that continues to inspire. If boys became fascinated with falconry today the bears are widely dispersed. approach comes off as somewhat Abbey’s words have inspired you, then and, in 1937, published their first In his 1979 book Track of the Grizzly, academic in style. Nevertheless, what reading A Life makes his message that article, “Adventures With Birds of Prey,” Frank Craighead wrote, “These magnifi- Cahalan delivers is a straightforward much stronger—by understanding and in National Geographic. cent creatures are in many ways the look at Abbey’s life—the good, the bad, humanizing the author rather than At about that time, they settled in epitome of evolutionary adaptation, the ugly. Emotion is waved in favor of simply glorifying him. The result leaves Moose, Wyoming. Some 20 years later, but in order to survive in today’s world, fact. The result is a bridge that leads us the reader feeling that much more con- they began their renowned study in the they need our understanding. Without it from fiction to fact—and the reality in nected to his special literary talents and neighboring national park. they are doomed.” both books is that, in spite of his flaws, the landscape of canyons and arroyos The Craigheads were the first to use —by Stephen Capra Abbey wins you over. Going from job to that Abbey called home. radio collars to track large mammals, NMWA Staff job, enjoying the company of an army —by Stephen Capra a technique that shed new light on the of women and fathering many children, NMWA Staff habits of the elusive grizzlies. With the 14 Spring 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Staff/Volunteer Profiles NMWA Welcomes Two New Board Members Greta Balderrama Builds On Her Experience in the Field Calendar 10 April 2002—David Grisman Quin- lease welcome Greta Balderrama tet. Kimo Theater, Albuquerque. to the NMWA board of directors. Sponsored by the NMWA. Tickets Greta has been a long-time from the Kimo Box Office (505/ Wilderness activist in New Mexico and an 764-1700) or Ticketmaster (505/ officerP of Chihuahuan Desert 883-7800). $25, $30, $35. Doors Conservation Alliance, a grassroots open at 6:30pm, showtime at organization based in Carlsbad, NM. 7:30pm. “I would like an opportunity as 18-20 April—Restoring Public Lands a member of the NMWA Board of Conference. Reclaiming the Con- Directors to work toward saving our pre- cept of Forest Restoration. Key- cious remaining wildlands here in New note address by Dave Foreman. Mexico.” For more information, see the Na- Greta is a Wilderness Adoptor for the tional Forest Protection Alliance Brokeoff Mountains Wilderness Study (NFPA) web site Area and has dedicated a lot of time and (www.forestadvocate.org), or energy over the past year working to contact Jeanette Russell in protect Otero Mesa from unchecked Montana (406/542-7565, development by the oil and gas industry. [email protected]). For the past two years, she has done field work for the NMWA statewide map- 26-28 April—NMWA Volunteer ping inventory project. Weekend in Cabezon Country. “Working on the inventory project, to oppose the more than 100 dams that Consultants. This work has led him to Spend a weekend in this wild and I have gained a deeper appreciation for had been planned for the state. After study a variety of wildlife including bald varied landscape (see Call of the just how critical remaining roadless a four-year teaching hiatus at Tarrolton eagles, spotted owls, the southwestern Wild Autumn 2001). 1.5 hours areas are to wildlife, native vegetation State in Stephenville, Texas, Bob came to willow flycatcher and, most recently, the from Albuquerque, 5 hours from and our spirit.” New Mexico in 1979 to work on a US Aplomado falcon. Las Cruces. Fish and Wildlife program at New Once again, Bob is rolling up his 3-5 May—North American Wilder- Bob Tafanelli—A long-Term Mexico State University. sleeves. “Sometimes when you are a He also found time for the Wilderness. little burned out, the enthusiasm of ness Conference 2002: “Preserv- Commitment to the Environment In the early 1980s, he worked to help in- others makes you more enthusiastic. ing N. American wild lands and ventory some of the possible Wilderness At another time, it’s the other way waters.” Seattle, WA. Contact ob Tafanelli, one of the newest areas for the Wilderness Coalition, espe- around and my enthusiasm might help NWWPC ([email protected]; members of the NMWA board of cially those like the Robledos Mountains you. It’s that way with people and www.speakeasy.org/~nwwpc). Bdirectors, admits it isn’t always easy. that had been judged unfit for Wilder- organizations.” 4 May—The Southwest Environmen- “Sometimes you get tired of one fight af- ness status by the BLM. He soon realized Fortunately, Bob brings that renewed ter another, of losing here and not gain- tal Center’s 2002 Recycled Goods that the task was immense. To increase sense of commitment to NMWA. “My Sale. On the Las Cruces Down- ing as much as you wanted there.” But involvement, Bob contacted other objective is to present Wilderness in the he has learned from his years of town Mall. Contact Severn or groups in Las Cruces to ask for aid. best light possible.” What has he learned Jean (522-5552). involvement with conservation issues Quickly, the organization grew to be- in his years of working for the environ- and protecting the environment that come the Coalition of Conservation Or- ment? “We can’t be disappointed in 24-27 May—NMWA Volunteer it’s not merely a question of how much ganizations (COCO) and to tackle more things we can’t control. Conservation Weekend in the Blue Range of you win. “It doesn’t always matter if you than Wilderness issues. Their biweekly and education are a process. Since we the Gila National Forest. Spend succeed in your objective. It matters meetings attracted don’t have control of the big issues, we Memorial Day weekend on the whether you tried”—and Bob has been 40-50 people for four or five years and, have to do what we can. If someone is Arizona border near Glenwood. trying to better the environment for a eventually, evolved into the Southwest taking care of the little issues, the big Hopefully, wolves will keep us long time. Environmental Center. issues will take care of themselves.” company. 4-4.5 hours from Bob grew up in Warren, Michigan just If successes with environmental The last bit of wisdom, he delivers with Albuquerque and Las Cruces. outside of Detroit. It was while he was in issues ebb and flow, the failure to pass a smile—“and for those things you can’t 21-23 June—NMWA Volunteer Stillwater, earning his Ph.D. in Zoology a congressional Wilderness bill was a low control, you need to keep your sense of from Oklahoma State University, that he Weekend in the Sacramento point for those concerned about humor.” Mountains of the Lincoln first became involved by starting a chap- Wilderness in southern New Mexico. ter of Zero Population Growth and, with National Forest. Spend Solstice up Bob continued to be involved with en- in the pine trees of the a half-dozen others, the Oklahoma vironmental concerns but took less of a Group of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of mountains east of Alamogordo. hands-on role. During this time, he 3.5 hours from Albuquerque, the Sierra Club. They worked closely with branched off to form Border Wildlife the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Association 2 hours from Las Cruces. 30 August-2 September—NMWA Volunteer Weekend in Sabinoso. Wolf Honors Backpack in to this WSA in the northeast part of New Mexico he New Mexico Chapter of the along the Canadian River. Wildlife Society has recognized Kathy Wimmer Joins Staff Access can be difficult; we may Dave Parsons (NMWA Board) and T switch to the Rio Grande Gorge lease join us in welcoming Wendy Brown (NMWA Member) area. 3.5 hours from Albuquer- Kathy Wimmer as NMWA’s new for their outstanding contributions que, 7 hours from Las Cruces. Development Assistant. A 30-year to the Mexican Wolf Recovery Albuquerque resident, Kathy brings more Program. Dave led the US Fish and 25-27 October—NMWA Volunteer thanP 15 years of development Wildlife Wolf Recovery Program Weekend in the Peloncillo Mtns. experience to the Alliance. from 1990-1999, and Wendy was Help close roads in the Boot-heel, Involved in Albuquerque’s Folk and Celtic the Field Coordinator for the project at the intersection of four major music scene, Kathy also advocates for from 1994-2001. The first wolves ecozones. A jaguar was seen women’s rights through theatre. Kathy’s were released in March 1998 in the here in 1997. With the Sky Island love for New Mexico’s landscape and out- Apache National Forest in Alliance. 7 hrs from Albuquerque, going personality make her a perfect addi- eastern Arizona. 3.5 from Las Cruces. tion to the NMWA team.

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Spring 2002 15 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance P.O. Box 25464 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Albuquerque, NM 87125 PAID Permit #426 Albuquerque, NM

David Grisman Quintet Wednesday, 10 April 2002 • 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)

16 Spring 2002Tickets available at the Kimo Box Office (505/764-1700) or TicketmasterNew Mexico(505/883-7800) Wilderness Alliance