New Mexico WILD—THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCE VOLUME X, NUMBER I— SPRING 2008 WILDERNESS! why we fight.

New Mexico WILD! Page 1 stephen capra, executive director new mexico Notes from the WILD! Executive Director SPRING 2008

By Stephen Capra Newsletter With this issue we choose to look a little deeper at wilderness, the core principle of our organization. Wilderness has been a part of the New Mexico landscape of the for more than 80 years. But we have come to understand that the concept of wilderness has been lost to a generation New Mexico or more because of the lack of wilderness designations in the late 80’s and 90’s. For the past year, we have spent a considerable amount of time educating elected officials Wilderness and citizens on the importance and value of designating wilderness on our federal public lands.

Alliance The net result has been the introduction of the Sabinoso Wilderness bill and the growing support in the south for our Doña Ana Wilderness proposal and in the north for the El Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area. It has also led to broader conversations among the State Land Office, the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service about trading lands important to the conservation of Chaco Canyon National Historical Park and the possible designation of wilderness within the park’s boundaries. Guidelines, which were incorporated into every piece of Yet today a radical fringe group of ranchers continue their wilderness legislation since 1990, state that there can be ideological fight to stop wilderness designation in our “no reduction of livestock numbers because of wilderness state, working with groups like the Paragon Foundation designation.” So the very congressional act that this small and even a few professors at New Mexico State University’s group of ranchers is fighting, is the very legislation that Rangeland Improvement Task Force. These well financed gives them a guarantee of staying and working forever on groups wield tremendous power with their multi-million these lands. dollar endowments and are working across our state in the agricultural community and with political leaders. They If the obstacles being created by the radical fringe were not continue to work hard distorting the facts about wilderness enough, we now face another mind-boggling obstruction and misleading elected officials. Their motivation appears from Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn. Mr. Coburn is using to be ideological and tied to their desire to see federal an obscure Senate rule to hold up more than 60 conser- public lands turned over at bargain prices to private vation measures, including appropriations for the Forest ownership. But it is crucial to this debate to remember Service and the Bureau of Land Management, fire safety, that wilderness allows for grazing. In fact, the Grazing landscape protection bills, and historic sites across the country. Mr. Coburn, a physician and self-described fiscal conservative, is putting a HOLD on all bills that require contents federal funding of any kind. The action of a Senator putting a hold on a bill has been common practice, but 3 Wilderness in the West it is almost always restricted to a specific bill affecting 4 Next Question that Senator’s state. This holding pattern has long been 5 ORV and Travel Management Rule Update viewed as a respectful practice, but Coburn has trans- 6 Doña Ana County Update formed this into an abuse of power that is unprecedented 7 Otero Mesa Update in Senate history. In fact, Coburn is now demanding that 8 NMWA Moves to Protect Chaco Canyon guns be permitted in National Parks as one of his condi- 9 Wolves, Jaguars & Polar Bears …Oh my! tions for allowing bills to move forward. For Democrats, 11 Open Space Around Albuquerque holding a simple one-vote majority, these are dicey waters 12-14 Why Wilderness? as some Republicans have indicated they would vote to 15 New Mexico’s Wilderness Potential support Coburn on principle. Both of our Senators have 16 Wilderness and Biodiversity worked on compromises for Coburn but he remains 17 Peter Wirth stubbornly opposed. For Democrats this is becoming a 17 UNMWild - Embracing the Lobo tough mountain to climb. Wilderness bills introduced by 18 Drowning in the 19th Century Republicans and Democrats from Virginia, California, Washington State and New Mexico are all on hold until one 19 Volunteer Service Projects man’s ego is finally reigned in. 20 Keeping Community Alive 21 Wild Style Wilderness remains the best means of protecting our 22 Sponsors wildest public lands and it’s worth remembering that This coyote just finished a Snow goose 23 The Long and Short of It across American more than 107 million acres of public breakfast at Bosque del Apache National land in 44 states are part of this national treasure. Cities Wildlife Refuge. Because people can do them no harm there, they are less skittish. Page 2 Spring 2008 protection for the surrounding landscape only sound you hear is the wind. We need across the West have embraced wilderness but also represents a standard that the places that pry the remote control out of for the quality of life it provides and business community and local citizens our hands, that force us to sweat, and that Fortune 500 businesses take into account understand as a beacon for quality of life.” demand that we remember the concept of recreation for their employees when they self-reliance. We need places where we are consider where to relocate. Wilderness In the end, it gets back to our need for a visitor and not a resident, where a warm Main Office protects the precious drinking water that wild places. We need places that challenge fire and a few good friends can make for 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 so many communities depend on. In New our imagination and our senses. In our [email protected] • www.nmwild.org an exceptional evening, where a summer P.O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, NM 87125 Mexico, Senator Domenici has personally busy, crazy, crowded lives, we need wild shower in the desert fills our senses with been responsible for the designation of Las Cruces Field Office landscapes where we can hike, camp, breath the smell of creosote. It’s the craving of our 275 N. Downtown Mall close to one million acres of wilderness in Las Cruces, NM 88001 clean air, watch wolves and run with bears. wild spirit and wilderness is the tonic. We our state and in his final year in office may 505/527-9962 We need places where you can take your will fight hard to protect it. well add to his conservation legacy. Mayor Santa Fe Field Office children and introduce them to a star-filled 341 E Alameda St David Coss of Santa Fe recently wrote, “In a sky; places where a cold plunge in a river Santa Fe, NM 87501 505/216-9719 city like ours, wilderness not only provides shocks our senses; and lands where the Taos Field Office 108B Civic Plaza DrIve Taos, NM 87571 505/751-7309

Mission Statement The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and Wilderness areas.

NMWA Staff Albuquerque Office Stephen Capra, Executive Director Tripp Killin, Associate Director Nathan Newcomer, Grassroots Organizer Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager Michael Scialdone, Director of Wilderness Protection Trisha London, Membership & Grassroots Assistant Craig Chapman, Special Events Coordinator Carlsbad Office Steve West, Southeast Director Las Cruces Office Jeff Steinborn, Southern Director Nathan Small, Wilderness Protection Coordinator Santa Fe Office David Ehrman, Outreach Coordinator Taos Office Jim O’Donnell, Northern Director Wilderness in the West Board of Directors Wes Leonard, Albuquerque, NM (Chair) Dave Parsons, Albuquerque, NM (Treasurer) We have compiled, with the help of the tremendous website wilderness.net, the number of wilderness areas Randy Gray (Vice Chair), Lake Valley, NM Christianne Hinks, Albuquerque, NM in each western state along with a total acreage count. In addition, we thought it was important to create a Nancy Morton, Albuquerque, NM Tom Mouck, Albuquerque, NM list of cities and communities that border or are within an hour of a wilderness area in the west. The list is Nancy Murray, Albuquerque, NM Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM not exact, simply a snapshot, and many communities were left out because of space considerations. What it Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM clearly demonstrates is that wilderness is part of our western heritage and that no matter where you travel Rick Wiedenmann, Carlsbad, NM Newsletter Staff you may well find yourself in a community that has made wilderness part of its quality of life. Tisha Broska, Managing Editor Joe Adair, Design Editor James Broska, Copy Editor

WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! What is Wilderness? The Wilderness Act of 1964 North Dakota has 3 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 39,652 established the National Wilderness Preservation System Communities: Belfield • Lostwood • Kenmare • Watford City • Jamestown to preserve the last remaining wildlands in America. The Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures “an enduring resource South Dakota has 2 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 77,520 of wilderness” for the people. Communities: Rapid City • Wall Wilderness is defined as an area that has primarily been affected by the forces of nature with the imprint of humans substantially California has 137 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 14,335,873 unnoticeable. It is an area that Communities: Weaverville • Redding • Cedarville • Red Bluff • Mammoth Lakes • Bishop • Truckee offers outstanding opportunity Happy Camp • Crescent City • Stovepipe Wells • Santa Barbara • San Luis Obispo • Monterey for solitude or a primitive or San Francisco • Los Angeles • San Bernardino • Twentynine Palms unconfined type of recreation, and an area that contains ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, Colorado has 41 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 3,390,635 scenic, or historical value. Communities: Denver • Boulder • Vail • Aspen • Durango • Montrose • Snowmass Please visit us at Steamboat Springs • Alamosa • Brackenridge • Gunnison • Crested Butte nmWILD.org

New Mexico WILD! Page 3 discover ew N Mexico next question by Steve West tailed Pigeons, Montezuma Quail, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon Each year thousands of people visit and many more. Several of the bird the Sacramento and White Mountains species in this area are at the south- in south-central New Mexico for the ernmost limits of their distribution on tourist shops, casinos, skiing, hunting, the North American continent. hiking, camping, or as an escape from nearby lowland summer temperatures. Being from a lowland area, I especially Unknown to many and visited by the enjoy the open areas at the tops of fortunate, are the superb hiking areas the mountains. The view is magnif- in the White Mountain Wilderness. icent, with sights of the tops of the mountains, a large expanse of forest, a The White Mountain Wilderness view to the southwest of White Sands is northwest of Ruidoso in Lincoln and to the northwest of the lava flow County and is approximately 50,000 near Carrizozo, 7000 feet below. acres. It was originally established in 1933 as a “primitive area” by Congress There are many hikes in the area that which set aside about 25,000 acres. one can take, both short hikes or The White Mountain Wilderness was overnight hikes. In fact, there are over made a part of the Wilderness Act of 50 miles of hiking trails within the 1964 with additional acreage added in wilderness area. One of my favorite is 1980. to go from the top of the ski lift area at Ski Apache and then walk north along Many people drive right past much of the trail toward Argentina Peak. This the wilderness area without realizing it hike gives an excellent view of the lava is even there. The popular ski area (Ski flow and gypsum dunes to the west Apache) is located on the south edge of while you walk through pine forest the White Mountain Wilderness. The and grassy meadows. Just before wilderness area is approximately 12.5 Argentina Peak, there is a trail going miles long and 4 to 12.5 miles wide. It to the east which will take you down is part of the Smokey Bear unit of the through a canyon to the trailhead and even mystified, why people need red iris contracting to adjust to the Lincoln National Forest. along Bonito Creek, just above Bonito wilderness. One of them asked why light and to see us better. In 40 plus The White Mountain Wilderness is Lake. This hike can easily be done in people would spend time, energy, years of chasing birds, I have never one of the more varied wilderness a day, depending on how many stops money and effort just to be in the had as good or inspiring a look at areas with elevations ranging from you make, but to fully appreciate wilderness. As I started to answer, a this rare bird as I did in those brief 6,500 feet to 11,580 feet. Within the area, an overnight hike is recom- Northern Goshawk, one of the most seconds. Everyone was silent for a few this wide elevation range, multiple mended. magnificent birds of prey in the world, moments as the bird left us. I turned flew silently by us, flying just above to the person who had asked and said, habitats and various microclimates Another good way to access the are found. On the west side, at the low our small campfire. As it flew past, “next question.” wilderness is to take the trail from it turned to look at us and we saw its point at Three Rivers Campground, is the Ski Apache parking lot to the typical Chihuahuan Desert vegetation: north to Buck Mountain. While creosote bush, mesquite, acacia, etc. not in the designated wilderness, LOCATOR MAP The high point at Lookout Mountain the Buck Mountain area allows provides a mixture of above tree 37 easy access to several rarely visited Santa Fe line grasses, aspen, ponderosa pine, areas within the wilderness. mixed-conifer and sub-alpine forest. Buck Mountain would be a fine ABQ Extensive cliffs, rock outcroppings and addition to the wilderness except talus slopes are common. The variety for the road which goes to the top of wildlife is amazing, again, with where several communication typical Chihuahuan Desert species Las Cruces Bonito towers and facilities are found. WWhhite Lake at low elevations and species more The road is gated and locked so Mountain typical of the high Rocky Mountains Mountain R it is necessary to hike to the top. i o Bonit LEGEND o at the higher elevations. Just below timberline are several WWiildeerrnneessss Highways good camping sites and some very A comprehensive list of plants and Rivers / Streams animals for this wilderness area old-growth trees. Designated has not yet been compiled, but Wilderness Buck One time while I camped on Buck Peak brief surveys hint at its biological Mountain with some friends, we 0241 532 richness. Mammals include black Miles were discussing wilderness and Data Sources: RGIS, US Census bear, mountain lion, and I have even the need for “outdoors time.” Two Shaded relief: Kurt Menke, GISP, seen a large herd of over 100 elk. Birds BirdsEyeViewGIS.com people hadn’t done much hiking Cartography: Michael Scialdone Sierra Ruidoso Blanca include Golden and Bald eagles, Band- and were a bit overwhelmed, Date: February 25, 2008 Hawaii has 2 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 155,509 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Maui • Hilo

Page 4 Spring 2008 Off-road vehicle and Travel Management Rule Update

By Michael Scialdone The TMR is also a long overdue response to the growing problem of Eighty-four years ago, a forward- ORVs. The Proposed Action from the thinking man by the name of Aldo Sandia Ranger District sums up the Leopold convinced the Forest Service to need for the TMR: “…this increased set aside a large area of the Black Range [motorized] use has led to the prolif- and the Gila River’s headwaters in eration of unauthorized (user-created) order for it to remain in its “primitive” routes; increased conflict between state. With this precedent, the Forest motorized and non-motorized recre- Service continued to set aside many ationists; complaints about noise, more “primitive” areas. These lands trespass, and dust from adjacent were the predecessors to the Wilderness landowners; and concerns about areas that would be designated under degraded soil, water, vegetation, and the 1964 Wilderness Act. Even in 1924 wildlife habitat conditions.” there was a growing concern that our lives were being taken over by mecha- The TMR was put forth by the Forest nized and motorized contraptions, and Service at the national level, but each it was being done at nature’s expense. National Forest (NF) is moving forward on its own timeline. Each National We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Forest also has its own webpage where Taylor Ranger Districts are next for the go to:http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/ Aldo Leopold, Bob Marshall, and other you can view maps and documents Cibola. For more information go to: recreation/travel_mgmt/index.shtml visionaries of their era. As off-road to guide the public through the TMR http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/travel- for the Carson and http://www2.srs. vehicles (ORV – ATVs, jeeps, dirt bikes, process. To learn more and get involved management/index.shtml fs.fed.us/r3/gila/travel/ for the Gila. etc.) invade our forests, running over through New Mexico Wilderness thousands of miles of roads that are Alliance, see the information at the The Lincoln NF has released a PA for The Santa Fe NF was moving right the legacy of the road-building and end of this article. Below is a short all three of their districts. They had along with public meetings and map timber era of the Forest Service, we summary of the TMR process for each already banned cross-country travel development. The process became very must be thankful there are areas like National Forest in New Mexico. in their 1988 Land Management Plan, contentious, especially after their draft the Gila and the Pecos Wildernesses allowing travel only on existing routes. maps showed a spider web of routes that were set aside for quiet recreation The Cibola NF is going district by Because of this, they are not doing running all over Glorieta Mesa. They and nature’s benefit. In these areas, district. The Sandia Ranger District much in the PA except changing the basically halted the process to let heads we don’t have to argue if ORV use is has released their Proposed Action status of a few routes. They have not cool and now say they are planning appropriate. It clearly is not. (PA) and accepted comments through put forth a plan dealing with routes to release a PA this spring. For more February. Their preferred alternative closed in 1988 that are still receiving information go to: http://www.fs.fed. Today the Forest Service is making its fortunately does not include routes in illegal use. For more information go us/r3/sfe/travelmgt/index.html way through the Travel Management the La Madera area that were origi- to: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln/ Rule (TMR) process. The TMR desig- nally proposed for “rock crawling” projects/TMR/public.shtml The TMR offers an excellent oppor- nates where motorized vehicles will (large 4-wheelers going straight down tunity for the public to speak up about be allowed in our National Forests. streambeds). In the complicated The Carson NF has put their process on the protection of wildlife, watersheds, By designating which routes will be Cedro Peak area, where all types of hold due to staffing changes. They say and quiet recreation. The senseless open to motorized vehicles, the Forest recreational use overlap, they have they will start up again this spring, but destruction of our wild public lands for Service will begin to grapple with the put forth a plan that will hopefully there in nothing yet on their website simplistic thrills need not continue. To thousands of miles of environmentally- allow for all uses, reduce conflict, and to indicate this. The Gila NF is stating help make a difference, contact Michael damaging roads on its lands that it protect resources. It will be critical that they will release a PA this spring, Scialdone or Craig Chapman at the will never have the budget to properly to be involved as the plan is carried but they also have nothing about it on NMWA ABQ office, 505-843-8696, maintain. forward. The Mountainair and Mt. their website. For more information [email protected] or [email protected].

Memorials Dealing With ORVs Pass New Mexico Legislature

By Michael Scialdone Senate Joint Memorial (SJM) 13 was Department and the Department of diverse group of constituents aided sponsored by Senators Phil Griego and Game & Fish cooperate in conducting the process by making phone calls and Efforts to curb off-road vehicle (ORV) Jeannette Wallace. It requests that the a study of ORV recreation, particu- sending emails and faxes to keep the abuse gained momentum with the Forest Service insure that the traditional larly as it compares to and impacts pressure on committee members to passage of two Joint Memorials in way of life in New Mexico will not be non-motorized recreation. vote for these memorials. It could not the 30 day session of the New Mexico adversely impacted by ORV decisions have been done without the collective Senators Griego, Wallace, and Legislature. A memorial does not have made in the Travel Management Rule voice of these people and the wildlife Feldman deserve a huge THANKS the force of law, but is a way for the or Land Management Plans. and wildlands of New Mexico owe for sponsoring these Joint Memorials Legislature to express itself and its will. them thanks as well. Many laws started as Memorials. You SJM 40 was sponsored by Senator Dede and seeing them through the legis- can look these up on the NM Legis- Feldman. It requests that the Energy, lative process in the very short 30 lature website, http://legis.state.nm.us. Minerals, and Natural Resources day session. This is no small task. A

New Mexico WILD! Page 5 DOÑA ANA COUNTY UPDATE

Almost two years ago, I led a Mother’s with motorized Management Areas” is their idea. Day walk into the Organ Mountains. access to maintain This concept would not guarantee The youngest participant, less than a their supporting the type of enduring protection that year old, didn’t even walk. Her mom facilities like ponds, the stunning lands of Doña Ana carried her. We all enjoyed the special windmills, fence County deserve. A window of oppor- values wilderness quality lands offer— lines, and to treat tunity exists to protect some of our solitude, beautiful scenery, and so sick or injured cattle. scenic icons like the Robledos, West much more. On another of our hikes Wilderness desig- Potrillos, Aden Lava Flow and Organ last winter, an 80 year old woman nation provides a Mountains. We should not let bad walked with a 13 year old boy to the permanent guarantee information get in the way of our Valley Canyon petroglyphs—and that these lands will children’s legacies. That outcome each walked away with a little fresher never be developed is not in the best interests of the perspective on life. or used for other residents of Las Cruces and Doña Ana purposes, meaning County. Wilderness has been part of the New that ranchers can Mexican and American landscape for maintain their way Our two senators have a distinguished over eighty years. Nationwide, 702 of life in perpetuity. history protecting New Mexico’s wilderness areas in 44 states provide A 1992 study in the natural treasures. Senator Pete primitive quality recreation, habitat Journal of Range Domenici recently addressed the New for animals, protected watersheds, Management found Mexico legislature where he proudly open space, and dignity to our natural that grazing numbers said, “I have seen a million additional heritage. in Arizona forest acres put into wilderness.” Senator Jeff Bingaman was recently instrumental New Mexico communities like wilderness actually increased since the in protecting the Ojito Wilderness, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell, officials, and endless volunteer hours just northwest of Albuquerque. Carlsbad, Taos, Socorro, and Ruidoso subject lands were designated. It is all produced strong agreement that simply not the intent of wilderness have chosen to protect their nearby we must protect our wilderness. Wilderness is a proven concept as natural treasures as wilderness. Other supporters to end grazing operations the best way to preserve open space in a newly designated wilderness. communities like Tucson, Phoenix, However, there is opposition. A small across America, keeping ranchers in Boulder, Bozeman, Salt Lake City, group of public land ranchers, some of The establishment of wilderness business and protecting our public Las Vegas, and Boise boast nearby whom graze cattle inside the proposed will also do nothing to compromise lands for generations to come. The wilderness areas, making them more wilderness, have begun a campaign of border security. The section of the Citizens’ Proposal is supported by attractive for residents, visitors and distortion and misinformation. They Citizens’ Proposal that is nearest to the numerous organizations, businesses, those looking to relocate. Mayor have alleged that the establishment border, the West Potrillo Mountains, citizens’ groups, and local govern- Martin Chavez of Albuquerque has of wilderness would end grazing on are separated from the border by ments. Wilderness is recognized as stated that the Sandia Wilderness is public lands, and harm “our western NM Highway 9 where the Border the best quality of life resource for the city’s most defining quality of life heritage”. Their campaign has been Patrol, National Guard, and other communities such as Las Cruces. It’s resource, and he could not envision slick and well-financed, but is based law enforcement agencies conduct time for the truth, and it’s time for Albuquerque without it. Through on information that has no resem- most of their operations. In addition, wilderness to be established in Doña the Doña Ana County Citizens’ blance to what has actually happened provisions have been made for special Ana County. Wilderness Proposal, Las Cruces and to grazing in recently designated roads into the area to be used by law Doña Ana County residents now have wilderness here in New Mexico and enforcement agencies for security the same opportunity that residents across the West. People in Las Cruces purposes, and there is already a formal of Albuquerque and many other deserve the truth on this matter. agreement between the Border Patrol communities have had to protect and the BLM regarding security opera- The establishment of wilderness nearby natural treasures. tions in wilderness areas like the West will do nothing to force ranchers off Potrillos. This part of the proposal A strong community coalition their land or curtail their ranching is currently a Wilderness Study Area supports the Citizens’ Proposal and operations. Wilderness does not and is governed under most of the includes the Citizen’s Task Force apply to private property; rather same rules that would exist under a on Open Space; the Las Cruces the lands in the Citizens’ proposal formal wilderness designation. The Homebuilder’s Association; the are federal public lands. Ironically, Border Patrol has stated that the League of Women Voters; the Lower given their misinformation, one of current status does not impact their Rio Grande Chapter of the Back the greatest guarantees that a rancher operations. Country Horsemen; the High Tech could have to continue grazing is Consortium of Southern New Mexico the establishment of wilderness. The The special interest groups that have and the Doña Ana County Associated Wilderness Act supports the same been spreading misinformation Sportsmen. This coalition has spent level of grazing before and after about wilderness have come up with over two years working to address all wilderness designation. The Grazing an alternative plan. Stripping away concerns. Public meetings filled with Guidelines, which were incorporated every proposed wilderness area and 400 concerned citizens, field trips into every piece of wilderness legis- replacing them with “Range Land with Bureau of Land Management lation since 1990, provide ranchers

Page 6 Spring 2008 Otero Mesa Update where we stand

By Nathan Newcomer the area is not expected to hold drilled in Otero Mesa. During a thirty To date, the U.S. Geological Survey, economically viable amounts of oil day public comment period, more cooperating with the Interstate Background and gas, the federal agency approved than 400 letters were sent into the Stream Commission and Sandia Otero Mesa, located in south-central its final plan without adequately BLM. Most notable were the letters Labs, has completed a preliminary New Mexico, is the largest and wildest addressing the impacts that drilling sent in by Senator Jeff Bingaman water study that shows the Salt Basin Chihuahuan Desert grassland left on will have on the fragile grasslands, (D-NM) and Governor Richardson Aquifer is vulnerable to rapid spread public lands in America. At over 1.2 wildlife, wilderness characteristics or (D-NM), which both underlined the of contamination. Furthermore, these million acres in size, the area is home to the fresh water of the area. importance of preserving the fresh agencies stress that more studies are water aquifer. needed to map the aquifer, quantify 1,000 native wildlife species, including Since that time, a diverse coalition of its recharge rates, and asses all of the mule feer, mountain lion, black-tailed sportsmen, conservationists, ranchers, In addition to pointing out the threats that oil and gas could pose to prairie dogs, golden eagles, over local elected officials, business leaders importance of protecting the water this resource. 250 species of migratory songbirds, and local citizens have banded resources, Governor Richardson also and the state’s healthiest pronghorn together to protect Otero Mesa from emphasized that it is “critical that every Thus far, there has not been any antelope herd. Thousands of ancient the shortsighted energy policies of safety measure be taken to protect” known response to the comments petroglyphs and archeological the last seven years. To date, no new Otero Mesa’s fragile grasslands submitted by our elected officials or sites can be found on the volcanic drilling has occurred in Otero Mesa, and abundant and unique wildlife. the broader public. While we wait, Cornudas Mountains. Additionally, and there is a sense that the oil and Additionally, under the leadership of the BLM needs to seriously consider Otero Mesa sits above the Salt Basin gas companies are walking away due the Oil Conservation Division, the the ramifications of approving a new Aquifer, which is suspected to be the to the strong voice of opposition by state has passed sensible laws that natural gas well especially given the largest, untapped, fresh water aquifer the majority of New Mexicans. seek to protect our vulnerable water fact that state law bans oil and gas left in the state of New Mexico. resources. waste pits in Otero Mesa. Update on the BLM’s Drilling Plan During the first term of the George W. Meanwhile, Senator Bingaman Bush Administration, the Bureau of In mid-December of 2007, the Bureau has been working to ensure that Land Management crafted a plan that of Land Management (BLM) notified a thorough groundwater study is would open 95% of Otero Mesa to oil the public that the agency was seeking completed before any drilling begins. and gas leasing and drilling. Though to approve a natural gas well to be

April 4 – 6, 2008

Come welcome the spring with us in Otero Mesa and watch the desert OTERO MESA SPRING OUTING! come to life! If the spring rains hit, then this is a great time to be out there. We’ll explore the area while talking about our continuing efforts to secure permanent protection for the largest and wildest Chihuahuan Desert grassland left in America.

We will plan on clearing out thick vegetation around Alamo Spring, on Alamo Mountain. Traditionally, the mountain had large cottonwood trees. Our goal is to clean up around the spring, so that by the fall, we can come back and plant the cottonwoods. This is truly a wonderful project where we can make a real difference on the ground.

We will also be conducting cactus and plant survey’s on Alamo Mountain, which has some of the most diverse capture the moments of pronghorn if you’ve got them. planting project. species found in New Mexico. herds, prairie dog towns, petroglyphs, This hike will be lead by Nathan desert blooms, and beautiful sunrises Maximum participants: 50 Newcomer, who has been working Be prepared for windy weather and and sunsets. lots of sun as Otero Mesa is now on the Otero Mesa Campaign for 6 Contact: Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696, nathan@nmwild. entering spring, but also be prepared During the evenings there will be years and has lead over 20 outings to org for more info. for calm brisk days with the possibility a social campfire, and we will be the area. Accompanying him will be of a few rain showers. Bring plenty providing Green Chile Enchiladas on Steve West, a desert grassland expert Driving time: 6 hours from ABQ, of water, sunscreen and a camera to Saturday evening. Bring instruments and the leader of the Cottonwood 2.5 hours from Las Cruces.

Alaska has 48 Wilderness areas. Total acreage 57,422,302 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Cantwell • McCarthy • Wiseman • Anchorage • Juneau

New Mexico WILD! Page 7 NMWA Moves to Protect Chaco Canyon

By Jim O’Donnell time was the shear inaccessibility SLO, the BIA and the BLM to make significant archeological sites and of Chaco. The challenge in simply it clear that drilling on the boundary transferring administrative juris- The first time I visited Chaco getting there made Chaco special of the Park would be unacceptable diction on those lands to the NPS; Canyon was in 1980. I was ten and preserved the invaluable cultural and that actions need to be taken years old. At that time, Chaco was resources of the area. by all four agencies to protect the and remote, difficult to access and integrity of the Park. completely otherworldly. My dad Nothing stays the same. Over the 4. Designating approximately 19,887 and I scrambled in and out of past several years, oil and gas devel- To date, we have negotiated a general acres of the Park as Wilderness. (The sandstone tunnels and keyholes opment, ORVs and county road agreement on a legislative bill to fix National Park Service has identified and watched elk from Tsin Kletsin. crews have opened the remote the issues facing Chaco NHP. This these acres as suitable for Wilderness On a chilly morning a bobcat came wildlands of Chaco to vehicular legislation will still have to work its designation). into camp while we were eating access threatening both the ecological way through Congress, but currently New Mexico Wilderness Alliance’s breakfast and sat not three feet away and archaeological resources of the the main points include: goals at Chaco Canyon National from us, staring intently at several Park. As most of you may recall, 1. Redrawing the boundaries of the Historic Park remain to: remove all sparrows sheltering in a four-winged recent publicity (not to mention oil and gas leases on the periphery salt-bush. decisive action taken by NMWA and Park to include adjacent state land currently under threat of industrial- of the Park; provide permanent our allies at the San Juan Citizen’s protection of archaeological I’ve returned to Chaco almost every Alliance) caused the State Land ization; year since then. Most years afforded resources on the periphery of the Office (SLO) and the Cimarex Oil 2. Negotiating a 99-year conser- Park; give further protection of the opportunity to visit multiple Co. to delay any immediate plans for times. In the mid-90s I was lucky vation easement on those sections of archaeological resources within developing leases visible from the state land; the Park; and link the Park to other enough to work in and around Park’s Visitor Center. Chaco on a number of different protected landscapes to maintain 3. Adjusting the boundary of the a wildlife and wildlands buffer archaeological survey crews. What Recently, NMWA staffers working Pueblo Pintado section to include remained true through all that on behalf of the Park met with the against the oil and gas development the large ruin and other identified in this area. Sabinoso Wilderness Act Update By Jim O’Donnell incredible addition to the Sabinoso acres to the proposed designation and does Rep. Udall. We will continue Wilderness. Some of the privately- remove most private in-holdings from to work closely with our partners at An extremely welcome surprise has owned ranch is already included the equation. TPL as well as the willing seller of the opened up the possibility of expanding in the boundaries proposed by the Rim Rock Ranch to make sure this the proposed Sabinoso Wilderness Bureau of Land Management (BLM) This development is a win for all wonderful piece of land passes into Area. In early February, the owner but the majority of the ranch lies involved. Local private landowners public hands in the coming months. of the Rim Rock Ranch contacted just outside of the proposed bound- are already supportive of the Sabinoso both Rep. Tom Udall’s office and the aries and includes some of the most Wilderness Act thanks in large part In the mean time, the Sabinoso Trust for Public Land (TPL) in hopes spectacular and ecologically valuable to the hard work of NMWA board Wilderness Act is slated for a of selling the ranch and putting it in riparian zones in the area. By adding member Arturo Sandoval and springtime “mark up” in Congress. public hands. the Rim Rock Ranch to Sabinoso, we volunteer Martin Heinrich. The BLM We fully expect to see the bill move would not only improve access to the supports incorporating the Rim Rock forward by early summer and, The Rim Rock Ranch would be an area, we would add 2,000 to 5,000 Ranch into the Sabinoso proposal as hopefully, pass by the end of the year.

Arizona has 90 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 4,560,432 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Phoenix • Tucson • Yuma • Payson • Prescott • Sedona • Flagstaff

Page 8 Spring 2008 wolves, jaguars & polar bears … oh my! Is the Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Eradicating the Endangered Species Act?

By Nathan Newcomer Mexican Gray Wolf recovery plan but refused to. He was Back when he was Southwest Regional soon rewarded with a promotion, and Director, Mr. Hall also developed a The year 2008 holds much promise As the former Southwest Regional became the Director of the USFWS. In new agency policy that restricted the for wildlands and wildlife protection Director for the USFWS, Dale Hall his new role Hall, continues to block use of recently discovered scientific in New Mexico, yet the agenda of oversaw the agency’s management recovery planning for Mexican gray data in reviewing the status of endan- special interest groups like coal, oil, of the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery wolves, leaving the lobo recovery effort gered species. What this means for and mining are looking to stake claims Program, which included the reintro- with incomplete guidance for fully the Mexican gray wolf is that scien- for development on our public lands duction of lobos in the Gila Wilderness recovering this critically endangered tists, wildlife biologists, and decision before the clock runs out on the Bush and surrounding public lands. carnivore. By blocking the recovery makers are relying on decades-old data Administration. Reintroduction of wolves to the Gila effort and displaying an unwillingness to evaluate the success or lack thereof It is unlikely that many of these under- was only meant to be the starting to address the issue seriously, Mr. Hall in the reintroduction program. This handed attempts to lock up public point for the full recovery of Mexican demonstrates his lack of commitment type of policy completely contradicts land for extractive industry purposes gray wolves in the Southwest. and obligation to uphold the agency’s the USFWS commitment to “scientific or to dismantle wildlife protections Under his supervision, Mr. Hall was own mission statement, which reads: excellence.” will make front-page news. In fact, directly responsible for indefinitely “The mission of the U.S. Fish and In an impressive show of solidarity, it will likely be the strategy of the suspending the Mexican Gray Wolf Wildlife Service is to work with others 163 prominent scientists signed on administration to slip things through Recovery Team, which was working to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, to a letter of protest in June 2005. In at the eleventh hour, thereby silencing on a legally required revision to the wildlife, and plants and their habitats their letter, the scientists stated, “the the public’s voice on critical land original 1982 Recovery Plan. Mr. for the continuing benefit of the Southwest Region’s new policy does decisions. With little doubt, wildlife Hall had the authority to revise the American people.” not reflect the best available science, protection, especially under the fails to meet the primary purpose Endangered Species Act, will be at the top of the target list.

Currently, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is directed by a man who appears more willing to serve the anti- nature mission of the Bush Admin- istration than the wildlife protection mandates of public laws and agency regulations.

Director, H. Dale Hall, who has been working at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for three decades, is quietly dismantling wildlife recovery programs that threaten the survival of two New Mexico natives, and one spectacular mammal in the arctic.

New Mexico WILD! Page 9 Wolves, Jaguars & Polar Bears … Oh My! of the endangered species act, and for the jaguar—the largest cat in the goes against 30 years of Endangered Americas. Species Act [ESA] implementation.” On January 7, 2008, Fish and Wildlife In a response to the scientist’s letter, Director, Dale Hall quietly and with Mr. Hall stated: “I think this will be little notice, signed a memorandum a good tool from a biological stand- approving the decision to halt devel- point.” This comment, and ones opment of a jaguar recovery plan. similar to it, portray a position that is This egregious act occurred just out-of-touch with the stated mission weeks after the new director of the of the USFWS and the will of the Southwest Region for Fish & Wildlife, American public. These comments Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, wrote in a also come from a man nearing memo to Mr. Hall, that the “prepa- retirement, moving up the chain ration of a recovery plan will not towards a fat retirement package as contribute to the conservation of the the national director of the agency. jaguar.” Tuggle went on to write that But at what cost to our wildlife? despite recent sightings of the jaguar in New Mexico, the Fish & Wildlife With new numbers out from the Service should essentially abdicate USFWS that we are down to only 23 all its power in making any effort to wild lobos left in New Mexico, it is conserve jaguar habitat or the species time to demand that the USFWS carry itself. Instead, Tuggle argues that this out its legal mandate to fully recover is a problem for Mexico and Central the Mexican gray wolf. The public and South America to deal with. needs to make their voices heard loud it should at least encourage the admin- paying attention. Mr. Hall said the and clear. There are some wildlife biologists that have argued the jaguar is being istration to work with the Mexican oil companies would have to comply Jaguar sacrificed for the United States border government and/or its private citizens with any eventual listing of the polar fence, which is going up along many in coming up with comprehensive bear under the Endangered Species In mid-January of this year, the of the same areas where the cat solutions for protecting the jaguar. Act. But once the companies stake United States Department of Interior, has crossed into the country from their claims, it would be hard to stop the boss of USFWS, abandoned With no more than 120 of these Mexico. If the southwest borders of disruptive exploratory drilling. The attempts to craft a recovery plan for majestic animals roaming freely in our country were designated critical delays also give political appointees the endangered jaguar, whose historic northern Mexico and southwestern recovery areas for the jaguar, the at the Department of Interior — range includes Arizona, New Mexico, United States, Dr. Tuggle and Mr. argument goes, then in theory it could notorious for meddling with science and Mexico. The agency issued a press Hall not only have a mandate to constrain the Homeland Security — time to craft a listing decision that release that stated too few of the rare protect jaguars, but also an obligation Department in building the fence. magically excludes the oil companies cats have been spotted in the Mexican to ensure that the northernmost from having to do much of anything border regions of New Mexico and Regardless, the primary mission of population of this majestic cat does to protect the bear. Arizona to warrant any action on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is to not go extinct under their watch. developing a recovery plan. This The United States Geological Survey conserve and protect wildlife and Polar Bear rationale, or lack of one, could not their habitat for the benefit of the predicts that two-thirds of the world’s be more blatant in demonstrating the American people. While the agency is Within the past several months, the polar bears, and all of Alaska’s, will be USFWS refusal to secure protection not involved in immigration policies, Department of Interior’s Minerals gone by mid-century. These numbers Management Service announced that act as a dire warning, and one that the it will sell oil and gas leases on nearly USFWS needs to pay serious attention 30 million acres of prime polar bear to now. habitat in the Chukchi Sea, further Ultimately, the decisions and respon- stressing a species that is already sibilities lay squarely in the lap of H. dealing with climate change and Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish & dwindling sea ice. Wildlife Service. Instead of ignoring Meanwhile, USFWS Director Dale science, public sentiment, and his Hall approved the postponement of a agency’s mission statement, Mr. Hall long-awaited decision on whether to should heed the words of American place the iconic polar bear on the list humorist, Will Rogers, “Even if you’re of threatened species. on the right track you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” These two moves are almost certainly related. Listing the polar bear as There is still time for Dale Hall to threatened would trigger a range of reaffirm his commitment to wildlife protective actions. Delay of that listing conservation. It is time to put the gives the Department of Interior just wildlife he pledged to protect ahead enough time to move ahead with the of his pension. It is time to put lease sales without having to deal with science before politics and stop the the polar bear. Bush Administration’s final assault on nature. The listing delay was announced on a Sunday night, when few people were

Page 10 Spring 2008 Open Space and Habitat Protection in and Around Albuquerque

channels as migratory routes.

With such a diversity of plants and wildlife, we should be eager to preserve arroyo flood plains. This, unfortunately, has not always been the case. Our success stories are those arroyos that have been preserved as natural channels in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

I recently signed a compact with KAFB to protect 4.1 miles or 1,600 acres of the Tijeras Arroyo crossing the base as a wildlife corridor. The Facility Plan for Arroyos mandates that Open Space arroyos will be maintained in their natural state with little or no structural improvement. By Martin J. Chávez The Tijeras Arroyo, which flows out of across the land responding to the volume Encroachment into the flood plain and Tijeras Canyon and continues west past and velocity of storm water runoff, thereby channelization is to be prevented by public One key reason Albuquerque has begun the Albuquerque International Airport and creating large flood plains and alluvial fans. to emerge on the better end of so many acquisition of the natural flood plain then empties into the Rio Grande, drains through dedication or purchase. national lists in recent years has to do with over 80 square miles and has a 100-year- Natural arroyos are rich in plant life due to our commitment to quality of life and storm capacity two-thirds that of the Rio the soil moisture that remains after runoff The Plan also proposes a network of environmental concerns. Grande. events. Dense growths of chamisa, Apache connecting trails along arroyos so that plume, skunkbush, and even a few cattails Indeed, some of the clean, high wage jobs residents can enjoy off-street walking, Within the Tijeras Arroyo sits the 544 acre line arroyo channels. cycling, and horseback riding and all other that have begun to come our way have done Valle del Sol property, which is the southern so expressly because of our bold initiatives Herbs and grasses often are quite healthy manner of low-impact natural resource gateway to Albuquerque. I have made it a recreation. toward a more sustainable community with priority to acquire this property for Major along these channels. The abundant great amenities, including open space. Public Open Space to protect the watershed, vegetation attracts a concentration of But to bring it all together, we need to views and wildlife of the Tijeras. native wildlife in search of food and shelter. complete the establishment of a city-wide, Though Albuquerque already ranks among Herbivores like the jackrabbit, cottontail, the best metropolitan areas in the country interconnected system of trails, habitat, and It is immediately east of Interstate 25 and rock squirrel, white-tailed antelope, un-developed, natural land. Public input for urban open space, we are also a city west of the Air Force Base. ground squirrel, pocket gopher, flocks of that is growing. As a firm believer that directed at any and all local and regional sparrows, towhees, and other birds flock to elected officials in support of Open Space growth must be well planned and consider Albuquerque is a unique place in many natural arroyos. such things as sustainability and quality ways. One is the natural drainage system preservation and acquisition initiatives is of life, I am continually setting my sights of arroyos. These arroyos carry runoff Predators like the coyote, badger, hawk, critical. on expanding our park, wildlife, and open from the Sandias and West Mesa to the Rio owl, roadrunner and a variety of snakes If you’d like to get even more involved, space network. Grande and are dry most of the year. and lizards also frequent natural arroyos. please contact Tony or Scott in my office, Bears, deer, and mountain lions use arroyo Sometimes getting land protected can be Originally these arroyos meandered freely 768-3000, for further opportunities. contentious or costly, as was the case when we won new protections for an additional 125 acres of Bosque, or when I carried successful legislation -- during my time as a state Senator -- to acquire and protect what we now know as the Petroglyph National Monument.

On other occasions, it can be a very collab- orative effort. We recently celebrated acquisition of the 60 acre Hawkwatch and 400 acre Gutierrez Canyon properties where everyone was at the table early and had the community’s best interests in mind from the outset. Protecting the Tijeras Arroyo

Presently we have an opportunity to acquire key acres of the Tijeras Arroyo known as Valle del Sol, located just north of the new urbanist development known as Mesa del Sol.

Utah has 17 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 900,614 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Salt Lake City • Moab • Provo • Tooele • St. George

New Mexico WILD! Page 11 Why Wilderness?

by Stephen Capra was becoming part of our vocabulary. Wilderness Society and David Brower of wilderness designation with just Electricity was spreading out from of the Sierra Club became alarmed slightly more than 2% of our public It’s a testament to the evolution of cities and reaching rural commu- at the Forest Service’s continuing lands protected as wilderness. humans that after thousands of years nities, and cities were exploding as dismemberment of Marshall’s system of civilization, during which time immigrants came to America in search and began calling for congressional In California close to 15% of public Europe lost its vast forests and the of a dream. protection of wilderness. lands are protected as wilderness. first Spaniards set foot in what is now In Arizona, the number is 6%, in New Mexico, that the idea took root By the 1920’s some conservationists In 1961 the University of California Montana 5% and in Washington State that we should set aside lands in their were beginning to sense that our conducted an independent study close to 11%. natural state; the idea of wilderness. forests and wild landscapes were of our roadless lands. They found Across the West, cities such as The idea that we should preserve for growing smaller. Some, like pioneering that the largest roadless unit in 1926 Albuquerque, Tucson, Las Vegas, all time the beauty that man cannot conservationist Aldo Leopold, began covered 7 million acres, but in 1961 Seattle, Boulder and Phoenix have and should not improve upon. to push for the protection of wildlands it was only about 2 million acres. of the size where a person could ride They also found the number of units wilderness areas on their periph- In America at the turn of the 20th on horseback for two weeks without 230,400 acres or larger in size had eries. There are also rural commu- century, industrialization was ever crossing a road. dropped from 74 to 19, and the total nities that have embraced wilderness spreading like fire. The automobile area dropped from 55 million acres to as important economic engines In 1924, at Leopold’s urging, the 17 million acres. bordering their communities and as a National Forest Service created its first quality of life issue for all people that Since its inception in Primitive Area, in the Gila National In 1964, after more than eight years call the West home. In New Mexico, in 1964, the wilderness preser- Forest. During the mid-1930’s, Robert of debate, the Wilderness Act vation system has grown to Marshall, a legendary hiker, visionary became law. Overnight 9.1 more than 702 areas covering and founder of the Wilderness Society, million acres of “primitive Wilderness 107,436,608 acres, the bulk began a personal inventory of the lands”, were placed into the of which is found in Alaska. In largest remaining roadless areas in the new Wilderness preservation designation the lower 48 states, the largest United States. He found 48 forested system. provides the wilderness area is the Frank areas of over 300,000 acres and 29 Church-River of No Return desert areas larger than 500,000 New Mexico has always strongest protections Wilderness in Idaho with more acres. By the late 1930’s, Marshall was had an important role in than 2.5 million acres. By responsible for setting up a system for the development of the for landscapes, thus contrast, the Gila Wilderness is protecting these so-called “Primitive Wilderness Act. Stewart benefiting wildlife. the largest wilderness in New Areas” established by the Forest Udall was Interior Secretary Mexico with just over 550,000 Service. But with Marshall’s sudden for President Johnson when acres. The nation’s smallest death at the age of 39, both wilderness the bill was signed and was wilderness is the Pelican Island and the Forest Service began to very involved in its creation. Senator addition to Albuquerque, the commu- Wilderness in Florida, at just backslide. Clinton Anderson of New Mexico was nities of Santa Fe, Taos, Grants, Silver 6 acres. The states with the also a strong champion of wilderness. largest amount of wilderness City, Ruidoso and Carlsbad all have Following WWII, the pressure on When this legislation was finally wilderness areas near their borders. include California, Alaska, our wildest lands began in earnest. signed by President Johnson, the first Colorado, Arizona and Idaho. Wilderness protects much of the With victory came prosperity. That wilderness area placed in the new drinking water enjoyed by commu- Wilderness can be found in prosperity meant forests were cut, system was New Mexico’s own Gila 44 of 50 states and since its nities across our state by protecting roads were built, rivers were dammed Wilderness. inception in the United States important watersheds. and the construction of new homes has become the standard in But today, New Mexico remains far countries around the world. exploded. By the 1950’s conservation groups led by Howard Zahniser of the behind other Western states in terms

Page 12 Spring 2008 What does wilderness construction, though designation designation mean? does not require an area to have been historically roadless. The Wilderness Act states: “A wilderness, in contrast with those But wilderness designation does areas where man and his own allow livestock grazing. In fact, works dominate the landscape, with the 1990 Arizona Wilderness is hereby recognized as an area Act, grazing guidelines were put in where the earth and its community place for all wilderness bills that of life are untrammeled by man, state “there shall be no curtailment where man himself is a visitor of grazing in wilderness areas, nor who does not remain.” should designations be used by administrators to slowly “phase Wilderness is designed to protect out” grazing.” our federal public lands and does not affect private lands. In Wilderness is an indispensable part of our any situation where wilderness history. Native Americans depended on designation surrounds private the bounty of wildlands for their survival. land, the private property owner Lewis and Clark found inspiration in the is given such rights as needed to wild, untamed beauty of their untram- assure adequate access to their meled America. More and more people property. are coming to understand the interrela- tionships between organisms and their Wilderness designation provides environment. John Muir said it best we he the strongest protections for stated, “When we try to pick out anything landscapes, thus benefiting by itself, we find it hitched to everything wildlife. else in the universe.” This basic “web of about subjects like drought, global outdoor skills that can last a lifetime. life” depends on the survival of natural warming and air pollution. We know Quite simply, wilderness represents It allows no motorized access areas like wilderness. Wilderness plays that man can make changes that freedom and that remains a very or use within its boundaries. an important role in the overall health of rapidly impact our environment, but American ideal. However, exceptions are made for ecosystems. we often wonder what the natural rate ranchers to access and improve of change would be without human Wilderness designation requires an their stock tanks, fence lines and Millions of birds use wilderness influence. Wilderness allows such act of Congress. It requires a bill other livestock related business. as nesting and wintering grounds. study and comparison. that must pass the U.S. House of Wildlife, such as bears, mountain Representatives and the Senate and Hunting is also permitted, along goats, wolves, prairie dogs and Wilderness is a natural classroom. In is ultimately signed by the president. with camping, fishing, canoeing, caribou depend on wilderness for a time when children are spending It requires a tremendous grass-roots rafting, hiking, backpacking, their survival. Wilderness also protects less time outdoors, the importance effort, but it also means that, unlike horseback riding, mountain areas for their geological significance. of wilderness and getting children many lesser protections, it is truly a climbing and birding. Examples include protection for into the wilds has never been more protection that lasts forever. areas with caves, volcanoes, canyons, important. In wilderness, children Wilderness designation does not The National Park Service and the allow oil and gas development, geysers, mountains, fossils, glaciers are exposed to wildlife, weather and and beaches. Wilderness is also a the unexpected. They gain confidence U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inven- nor does it allow logging or toried their roadless areas and made mining. natural laboratory where scientists by paddling down a rushing river, or can study the natural world. The finding an area by map and compass. wilderness designation recommen- It does not permit any new road data collected is answering questions They can learn history, art and dations to Congress between 1964 and 1974. In New Mexico, three areas in the Bosque del Apache NWR were designated wilderness in 1975, and Bandelier National Monument wilderness was established in 1976. Carlsbad Caverns was also given wilderness protection during this time. Wilderness quality lands exist on San Andres NWR, but no wilderness has been recommended because the area is entirely within White Sands Missile Range.

In 1971, the U.S. Forest Service began a study of its additional roadless lands for possible wilderness recom- mendation (RARE-Roadless Area Review and Evaluation). Because of the inaccuracies and a strong agency bias against wilderness in the initial study, RARE II was conducted from 1977-1979. RARE II identified additional roadless areas in New Mexico, for a total of 2, 137,776 acres. In 1980, conservation groups proposed 1.8 million acres for wilderness, but

New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Why Wilderness? walked away with only 609,060 acres Wildlife Refuge, National Forest, or skies, spectacular grasslands and your tent. Wilderness simply makes of new National Forest Wilderness. BLM lands, people come from the mesas. And today people have come you feel alive! Later the Santa Fe National Forest world over to hike, hunt, camp and to better understand wild nature and inventoried more lands for additional enjoy the quiet beauty and solitude the importance of wildlife habitat. Wilderness reminds us of the best roadless acreage in its National Forest that wilderness provides. Wilderness They are better at understanding reasons for protecting land for the Management Plan. In recent years, the is part of the multiple uses found and embracing the wide variety of common good; it respects wildlife and New Mexico Wilderness Alliance GIS on our public lands. Public lands landscapes our state has to offer and water, it protects clean air and trees as analysis has identified more than one are owned by all Americans and our thus the importance of protecting old as many nations. Wilderness often million acres of additional uninven- access is both a privilege and a right. these areas through wilderness desig- helps define the communities that toried roadless lands in New Mexico’s nation. From wolves to jaguars, are found on its borders and it helps National Forests. In a world filled with cell phones, from prairie dogs to elk, wilderness define the maturity of us as a people. congestion, deadlines, skyrocketing provides the important protected It reminds us that our responsibility The Bureau of Land Management’s costs and exploding population habitat that wildlife needs to thrive. includes thinking for generations Organic Act of 1976, directed the growth, wilderness is a place for As Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez yet to come. As Thoreau said so well, agency to study areas for wilderness people to enjoy quiet and calm. recently stated so well, “wilderness many generations ago, “In wildness is recommendation. Currently there It’s a place where wildlife and the represents the gold standard for the the preservation of the world.” are some fifty BLM wilderness study change of seasons represent powerful protection of wild areas.” areas in New Mexico totaling more moments of wild beauty and personal Wilderness is essential for New than 972,000 acres, and our own discovery. Wilderness is a place where people Mexico and allows us to hold on to (NMWA) inventory of BLM lands come to experience quiet recreation, an important part of our past while shows the potential for more than Here in New Mexico, wilderness wild nature and a chance to feel the protecting our future. But we need to 2.9 million acres appropriate for the preservation represents a maturing true freedom that such big protected get moving and let our congressional wilderness preservation system. Our of the European approach to nature landscapes provide. Wilderness allows delegation hear from you. Tell them state’s newest wilderness, Ojito, is on appreciation. For many, wilderness us to walk, to smell, to spend a night wilderness means quality of life for BLM lands and the current bill for has always been a place of high on the ground, to watch the stars fill ourselves and generations to come Sabinoso, just east of Las Vegas, is also mountains and cold flowing rivers. a night sky, to hear the howl of a wolf, and it’s time we get working today. on BLM lands. But in New Mexico, while we are to feel the energy of a summer storm, blessed with high peaks and rivers, to watch a rainbow as the rain recedes, Whether it be National Park, National we are also a land filled with dramatic to wake up with fresh snow covering

NOTE: Acreages are based on GIS (computer mapping) calculations. They may vary from published acreages that are based on different Wilderness in New Mexico methods.Acreages are based on Federal Lands only. Existing Wilderness Areas Bureau of Land Management US Fish & Wildlife Service Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Bisti / De-Na-Zin 38,396 Chupadera Mountains 5,282 Cebolla (north unit) 30,306 Indian Wells 5,140 Cebolla (south unit) 31,603 Salt Creek 12,280 Ojito 10,895 San Pascual 19,760 West Malpais 40,111 TOTAL 151,310 TOTAL 42,462

National Forest Service National Parks Service Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Aldo Leopold 207,208 Bandelier 24,500 Apache Kid 44,733 Carlsbad (north unit) 3,235 Blue Range 29,646 Carlsbad (south unit) 28,126 Capitan Mountains 34,403 TOTAL 55,861 Chama River Cyn (north unit) 17,796 Chama River Cyn (south unit) 29,790 Cruces Basin 18,684 Dome 5,185 Gila 559,324 Latir Peak 20,945 Manzano 36,656 Designated Pecos 220,689 San Pedro Parks 41,360 Wilderness Total Sandia 14,477 Sandia 22,825 1,638,722 Wheeler Peak 19,640 White Mountain 46,920 Withington 18,807 TOTAL 1,389,089

Page 14 Spring 2008 New Mexico’s Wilderness Potential A Snapshot of Potential Wilderness areas on New Mexico’s Public Lands

LOCATION ACREAGE Gila Lower Box 21,254 Petaca Pinta 12,297 Aden Lava Flow 27,750 LOCATION ACREAGE Playas Valley 10,602 Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah 15,195 Gila Middle Box 21,835 LOCATION ACREAGE Alamo Hueco Mountains 15,901 Goodsight Mountains 20,260 Point of Rocks 10,516 Alamo Mountain 5,258 Goodsight Peak 17,227 Point of Rocks Canyon 4,174 Alexander Mountain 5,391 Gore Canyon 11,906 Polvadera Mountain 10,260 Animas Mountains North 14,019 Granite Peak 33,240 Prairie Dog 12,751 Antelope 20,530 Gray Peak 26,859 Presilla 16,004 Antelope Pass 23,559 Guadalupe Canyon East 1,946 Presilla SE 9,787 Antelope South 5,644 Guadalupe Canyon West 2,082 Pronghorn 4,678 Apache Box 6,172 Guadalupe Escarpment 11,576 Providence Cone South 6,797 Apache Hills 18,912 Gyp Hills 7,900 Pup Canyon 42,296 Ash Creek 10,184 Gyp Hills SW 8,576 Pyramid Mountains 35,564 Badger 12,635 Hachita Peak 18,103 Rawhide Canyon 11,822 Big Hatchet Mountains 72,429 Hachita Valley 7,530 Red Flat Wash 12,020 Big Yucca 5,332 Header Rock 3,185 Red Hill 34,624 Big Yucca North 11,554 Horse Mountain 8,868 Redhouse Mountain 10,449 Blue Creek-Red Rock Mesa 34,044 Howell’s Ridge 6,430 Rincon del Cuervo 42,995 Boardwell Canyon 13,981 Huapache Canyon 2,654 Rio Chama 12,768 Brokeoff Mountains 57,723 Ignacio Chavez 36,914 Rio Grande Gorge 36,240 Brushy Mountain 16,391 Jornada del Muerto 35,719 Rio San Antonio 17,050 Cabezon 9,088 La Leña 10,107 Robledo Mountains 59,045 Cambray 7,745 La Montonera 10,749 Rough Draw 34,484 Carrizozo Lava Flow 27,359 La Paloma Canyon 20,718 Sabinoso 16,252 Cebolla Wilderness Addition 9,586 Last Chance Canyon 1,912 Sacramento Escarpment 5,092 Cedar Mesa 6,258 Lewis Canyon 68,310 San Luis 7,709 Cedar Mountains 114,312 Little Black Peak 16,191 San Luis Lake 9,096 Cerritos de Jaspe 6,895 Little Hatchet Mountains 4,046 Santa Rita 10,000 Cerro Cuate 8,166 Loma de las Cañas 19,754 Shiloh Draw 4,507 Cerro de la Olla 12,265 Long Canyon 2,357 Shiloh Hills 22,623 Cerro Pomo 55,366 Lordsburg Playa 23,985 Sierra de la Cruz 9,261 Chain of Craters 21,001 Luna Mesa 6,606 Sierra de las Uvas 94,322 Chamisa - Banco Breaks 17,979 Magdalena Mountains 15,108 Sierra Ladrones 61,303 Chupadera Wil. Addition 7,179 Malpais Ridge 7,189 Sierra Rica 36,240 Cibola Canyon 5,058 Manzano Wil. Addition 806 Sleeping Lady Hills 10,413 Collins Hills 13,699 Mariano Mesa 7,644 Southern Caballo Mountains 21,023 Continental Divide 108,238 Massacre Peak 9,408 Split Lip Flats 14,357 Cookes Peak 27,099 McVeigh Hills 4,291 Stallion 47,571 Cornucopia Draw 12,979 Mesa Crotalo 10,360 Steeple Rock 15,161 Cornucopia Hills 7,018 Mesa Gallina 28,537 Techado Mesa 10,646 Cornudas Mountain 14,615 Mexican Canyon 8,460 Tejana Mesa 7,440 Corral Canyon 5,227 Monte Seco 29,760 Timber Mountain 7,889 Cowboy Rim 10,995 Mount Riley 8,540 Turtle Mountain 5,471 Crest Garden 8,824 Night Hawk Ridge 11,510 U Bar Ridge South 11,542 Crooked Canyon 6,815 Nutt Grasslands North 4,741 Ute Mountain 12,744 Culp Canyon 11,330 Nutt Grasslands South 9,541 Veranito 7,226 Culp Canyon South 9,007 Nutt Mountain 13,312 Volcano Hill 22,937 Devils Backbone 19,883 Organ Foothills 6,319 Wahoo Mountain 9,274 Doyle Peak 5,987 Organ Mountains 19,961 West Malpais Wil.Addition 2,980 Dugout Canyon 12,841 Otero 5,453 West Potrillo Mountains 161,493 Dunnaway Canyon 5,890 Otero Mesa 12,653 Wind Mountain 6,617 Eagle Nest 23,738 Otero Mesa East 4,544 East Potrillo Mountains 20,021 Otero Mesa South 5,650 El Malpais Adjacents 2,525 Padilla Gonzales 10,326 NMWA’S COMPLETE Empedrado 14,634 Palomas Hills 5,684 WILDERNESS INVENTORY: Flat Top 6,894 Peloncillo Mountains 3,881 Florida Mountains 24,390 Penasco Canyon 6,023 2,917,366 ACRES Gap Hill 6,659 Penasco Peak 285

Wyoming has 15 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 3,111,232 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Laramie • Buffalo • Jackson • Cody • Sheridan • Cooke City

New Mexico WILD! Page 15 large expanses in hopes of increasing grass and therefore stocking numbers of cattle. In Arizona alone, in what was once good Gray Vireo habitat, over 1 million acres of juniper were cleared between 1950 and 1961. Not surprisingly, Gray Vireo numbers plunged in that area. Removal of juniper through clearing for cattle or firewood cutting will negatively impact the birds.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is slightly over 70% wilderness with 33,125 acres designated as such. In that 50 square miles there are some of the densest concentrations of Gray Vireos ever recorded. A series of transects were run in the park in 2003 to determine bird density in several canyons. These short transects found over 100 wilderness and biodiversity nesting pairs of Gray Vireo and the amount of canyon side and bottom sampled was very small. Having this area as wilderness by Steve West some who looked at wilderness in the long northern Mexico, the Gray Vireo. Partners in is a big plus in the efforts to secure the future term and wanted areas set aside so they and Flight lists the world population at 400,000 Wilderness is often promoted as a place of this and other species. While national future generations could have a wilderness with 90% of Gray Vireos occurring in the to recreate, as an area with scenic value or parks are generally viewed as sanctuaries for experience. A benefit of this movement, United States. While the number seems large, one which is largely roadless and worthy wildlife, it is not always true nor does wildlife however, is that numerous species now have the birds themselves are small. To put this in of protection. But one of the major reasons always play a role in park policy, management a better chance to survive. As long as our perspective, all the Gray Vireos on the planet for wilderness that is not mentioned often and decision-making. At Carlsbad Caverns, society provides a wilderness experience to put together weigh less than two Hummer enough is to protect landscapes with healthy wilderness, along with designations of no each generation, we hope to have enough H2s! and intact biodiversity. grazing and no wood-cutting, provides an people who will not only use wilderness to extra buffer of protection to the Gray Vireo Gray Vireos are listed as endangered or There are about 2 million life forms classified enrich their lives, we hope we have enough and several other species of concern. threatened in several areas and are a species on this planet. No one knows the final people to advocate not only for wilderness that is being closely watched. There are a number and getting that information seems protection, but for more wilderness. We appreciate and value our wilderness areas. number of threats to the species, all of which impossible. Some taxonomists think the They enrich our lives, provide protection for The case is often made with large animals, are related to how the land is managed. number may approach 100 million species. water supplies, help clean our air, give us particularly carnivores. Obviously Grizzly Overgrazing can increase the number of Naturally most of these are small critters, opportunities for solitude, hunting, camping bears and Mexican wolves need larger juniper or other non palatable plants. This obscure plants and many single-celled life or exploring. And they give us peace of mind expanses of land in order to survive. But what may be good for Gray Vireo nesting sites. forms. But they exist, they evolved together just because we know they are there. But for about all the other creatures? One of the best But more cows mean more cowbirds, which and their actions and interactions produce many species, Wilderness areas are vital for examples I know deals with a little bird which mean more Gray Vireo nest failures. On the largely stable ecosystems. their survival. is found across 7 southwestern states and other hand, junipers are often removed from Many species increase in numbers as humans modify their habitat. Sometimes they move into a new niche or human activity removes a competitor. However, for many species it is a difficult adjustment and most do not prosper. For example, a grassland developed into homes and shopping malls may provide habitat for Great-tailed Grackles and House Sparrows, but it will have been transformed into a barren wasteland from the viewpoint of Lesser Prairie Chickens and Bison.

So why is wilderness important? To many life forms it is their last stand, the last piece of what was once a large habitat. Wilderness areas can preserve vast landscapes of the planet and contain relatively healthy ecosystems. In this country, wilderness has been preserved because of citizens’ efforts to promote the cause. There were

New Mexico has 24 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 1,635,026 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Albuquerque • Santa Fe • Taos • Grants • Roswell • Carlsbad • Ruidoso

Page 16 Spring 2008 Peter Wirth—Environmental Leader by David Ehrman Representative Wirth serves on the House Bill 248 which House Energy and Natural Resources sought to expand the State Representative Peter Wirth (D, Santa committee, the Appropriations and regulatory oversight of Fe and Eldorado) has proven to be an Finance committee and the Rules the State Oil Conservation effective leader for the protection of the committee. In 2007, he was appointed as Division. While the bill environment in the New Mexico. Wirth the House Parliamentarian. did not pass, it began an received a 100% rating from the Conser- important discussion vation Voters of New Mexico in 2007. From his seat on the Energy Natural about the future of new Resources Committee, Representative Since his election in 2004 to represent oil and gas drilling in Wirth has also been a leading opponent House District 47, Governor Richardson New Mexico. of bad industry bills. During the 2007 has signed into law twenty-two bills legislative session, Wirth led the fight to Peter is a third gener- sponsored by Representative Wirth. kill an eighty-five million dollar state tax ation New Mexican. His Representative Worth has sponsored key credit proposed for the Desert Rock coal maternal grandfather environmental legislation including: plant proposed on the Navajo Nation. He John Gaw Meem came • Passed enabling legislation allowing also was able to stop an environmental to Santa Fe in 1920 with local water conservation ordinances. covenants bill proposed by the mining tuberculosis. Mr. Meem industry which would have facilitated the recovered to become one • Created the green building tax transfer of polluted properties without of New Mexico’s preem- credit to encourage energy efficient complete clean up. inent architects and construction. advocates for historic In 2007 and 2008, Representative Wirth preservation. Peter’s down to become Undersecretary of State • Banned eminent domain for private has been a leader in the fight against oil grandfather on his dad’s side of the for Global Affairs during the Clinton economic development. and gas drilling in the Galisteo Basin family was a camp counselor and math Administration. South of Santa Fe. He was the first to • Expanded the State tax credit for open teacher at the Los Alamos Ranch School call for a six month state moratorium, Peter is an avid outdoorsman and fly space easements. before the war. His uncle, Tim Wirth something Governor Richardson of Colorado, was a member of the U.S. fisherman and has said life is best • Authorized regulation of mercury imposed in January, 2008. In the 2008 House of Representatives from 1975 to camping next to a northern New Mexico emissions from new coal fired power plants. legislative session, he and Representative 1987 and was elected to the U.S. Senate stream with his wife Carol and two Rhonda King (D Stanley) co-sponsored in 1986, serving one term before stepping children ages 10 and 14.

the late 1970’s. Together, we are sponsoring high-profile tributes to the wolf, from UNM Embracing the Lobo Wolf Awareness Day in October to the Wolf Recovery Resolution and “Save the Lobo” T-shirts (on sale at the UNM Bookstore) to It is this sort of activism that UNM that is clearly demonstrated by the wolf last year’s Wolf Tracking Expedition. UNMWild! Wilderness Alliance has been population decline over the past four years. This year we will be a part of the Dia de engaged in from our beginning— A change in management is necessary, By Phil Carter Los Lobos event being held at the KiMo to cultivate a sense of responsibility for its as the wolves cannot sustain their own Theater on March 14, 2008. We are also In 1920, the University of New Mexico mascot within the UNM community. In populations in the current situation. planning the 2nd annual Spring Break Wolf adopted the Mexican gray wolf, the lobo, as the past ten years of wolf reintroduction Unfortunately, the UNM community is in Tracking Expedition from March 15-20, the mascot for its football team. The lobo, in the Southwest, students and the rest of some ways a microcosm of New Mexican 2008. Everyone attending is required to as it was said at the time, is “respected for the university have rediscovered the value society and is prone to the same apathy help document the expedition in some way. its cunning, feared for its prowess, and is of the lobos that originally inspired the toward lobos. It is not a willing indifference, The event will be our best opportunity yet the leader of the pack.” students of the 1920’s. UNM Wild seeks to but UNM at large shares the public’s to demonstrate the Mexican gray wolf’s remind people that this rediscovery was an unique importance to the values and Despite this praise, 67 wolves were slaugh- frustration with U.S. Fish & Wildlife opportunity denied to the UNM community principles of UNM. tered in 1920 by the U.S. Biological Survey. during the half-century of complete wolf Service’s incompetent management of This federally-sanctioned extermination extinction in the United States. Mexican wolf reintroduction. Here on The lupine values that influenced the continued until the 1950’s, and the total campus, a half-century without wolves adoption of the lobo by UNM—cunning, extinction of the lobo continued without Nonetheless, the tenth anniversary of the in New Mexico allowed the UNM Lobo prowess, and leadership—are all drawing protest from the UNM community. Mexican gray wolf reintroduction brings to devolve into a homogenized cartoon compelling reasons to admire the animal. Clearly, loyalty to peers was a wolf trait not renewed urgency in defending the lobos. representation of the wolf, and UNM Wild However, resiliency, another defining shared by UNM Lobos. Of the paltry 52 wild wolves now living in devotes time to reconnecting the dots quality of the Mexican gray wolf, most the Southwest, New Mexico contains only between the mascot and the real animal in inspires UNM Wilderness Alliance in its However, just as the U.S. Biological Survey 23 wolves and one breeding pair. Twenty the collective mind of the university. activism. The wolves have faced down changed its tune and became the U.S. Fish wolves (over a third of the total population) extraordinary threats in coming this far & Wildlife Service and the lead agency of Some students however, recognize that the were removed from the wild last year into the 21st Century. It is time for UNM to Mexican gray wolf reintroduction, UNM can combination of perseverance, compassion on behalf of federal predator control, an finally recognize this quality of the lobo and become a major advocate for sustainable and luck has brought the lobo back to New overly-aggressive and self-defeating policy to truly represent the Mexican gray wolf. populations of wolves. Mexico from a population of five wolves in

New Mexico WILD! Page 17 Drowning in the 19th Century Why Mining Reform Needs to Happen Now

By Nathan Newcomer common concerns of those who live in the held hearings on mining reform and is It is time for New Mexico’s senior Senators America west today. But efforts to drag this working on a bill that has already passed to lead the country and stop dragging this It was a time when the country was 19th Century way of thinking into the 21st out of the House of Representatives. archaic, 19th Century law into the 21st expanding west. Cattlemen, prospectors Century have often collapsed under the Century. It is time to bring about real and those seeking to start a new life set out pressure of the mining industry. The Hardrock Mining and Reclamation changes that secure our future quality of across the vast prairies of the Heartland Act (HR 2262) requires miners on federal life. and began settling in the Rocky Mountains. This deficiency in rational mining public lands to pay royalties of 8% of gross It was a year when President Ulysses S. reform has resulted in mining operations income on new mining operations and The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Grant enacted the 1872 Mining Law, which impacting long-term water supplies. For 4% on existing operations. The monies is working hard to guarantee that local encouraged citizens to stake claim to the example, at the former Molycorp mine in raised by this royalty would ensure water citizens’ voices are heard on this issue. We land and flourish. Questa, New Mexico, which is now owned quality protection, and place responsible will be organizing a hearing at the end of by Chevron, water will need to be perpet- regulations on the quantity of water used March to give the public an opportunity One-hundred and thirty-six years later, ually pumped and treated so as to prevent in mining operations. To date, there is no to help shape mining reform for the rest the 1872 Mining Law is still in affect with the pollution of local water resources. such requirement to ensure long-term of country. It is our voices that will act as a many of its original provisions, including This is not exaggeration—it is a fact that water conservation. platform for the rest of the country to stand the lack of any sensible policy that ensures mining has had a free-reign on our public up and be counted. Join us in working the preservation of wildlands, wildlife, and lands, and generations far into the future Most importantly though, the Hardrock to enact responsible mining reform that water quality. will still be dealing with the shortsighted Mining and Reclamation Act would give promises to protect water, wildlife, and policies of centuries past. local communities and land management wilderness. The United States of America is the only agencies, like the Forest Service and country in the world that does not tax the New Mexicans however, are in a unique Bureau of Land Management, the ability Check www.nmwild.org for more infor- mining industry a royalty fee for devel- position in that our two congressional to withdraw certain areas of concern from mation on the citizen hearings and please oping our public lands. Put plainly—the Senators, Jeff Bingaman (D) and Pete V. mining claims. Today, there is no such contact Nathan Newcomer at 505-843-8696 interests of mining trump those of water, Domenici (R) serve as the highest and provision that gives the public and land / [email protected] if you’re interested in wildlife and wilderness. second highest members, respectively, on management agencies the opportunity to staking a claim in mining reform. It would seem like common-sense to reform the Senate Energy and Natural Resources make their voices heard when it comes to this Civil War era law so that it reflects the Committee. This committee has recently preserving our most precious resources. Who Says You Can’t Take it With You? NMWA’S WILD GUIDE is now available! It’s handy for any outdoor enthusias, and at under $10, it makes the perfect gift for all your friends and family who love the Wild Side of life! You can pick up your copy at Sportz Outdoors and REI Or, contact Craig Chapman (505) 843-8696 [email protected].

Montana has 15 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 3,443,038 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Chico Hot Spring • Livingston • Bozeman • Missoula • Helena • Libby

Page 18 Spring 2008 NMWA Service Projects …a great way to show your love for the great outdoors!

April 18, 19, 20, 2008 Cebolla Canyon

THE PLACE: South of Grants, adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument in the El Malpais National Conserva- tion Area (NCA). We will be working in Cebolla Canyon, east of Hwy 117, between two units of the Cebolla Wil- derness. THE PROJECT: Gene Tatum, President of the ABQ Wildlife Federation will be the project’s leader. The project will entail building rock structures in arroyos to aid in riparian restoration. We will camp in the canyon near the project site. MEALS: Volunteers will need to pack their own Meals, except NMWA will provide breakfast burritos on Saturday morning. There will be a potluck on Saturday evening, please bring a dish to share. AWF will grill hamburgers, veggie burgers, and brats and provide all the fixin’s. Max participants: 30 Driving time: 2 hours west of ABQ

April 18, 19, 2008 Melvin Mills who had an orchard and Wildlife ‘Partners for Wildlife’ project of a flow that went 5 feet past its bank several buildings down along the river near Reserve. Rio Puerco in some places! By slowing down and until a flood in 1903 washed them out. THE PROJECT: Vann Clothier of Stream capturing this water, the canyon and A few remnant buildings still remain. Dynamics is doing the design and its wildlife benefit. We will be build- THE PLACE: The Rio Puerco south of THE PROJECT: This project will be a leading the restoration effort on the ing rock structures to aid in riparian Cuba. great opportunity to see a unique part ground. The work will involve planting restoration, and may also build some THE PROJECT: For over a month before of New Mexico. We are working on the willows and cottonwoods on an eroding post vanes. the project, Jim Matison of Forest details of the project with the Kiowa river bank using an induced meandering MEALS: NMWA will provide all meals Guardians leads a crew that preps NG. There are illegal off-road vehicle design. We will camp at an excellent except lunches. the site. Non-native plants along the trails in the canyon that we may close spot in a very secluded canyon. Max participants: 35 Driving time: stream bank are cleared and holes are and there is old fencing that needs to MEALS: Volunteers will provide all their 2.5 hours south and west of ABQ drilled down to the water table. On be removed. own meals. May / June 31, 1, 2, Friday and Saturday, volunteers place MEALS: NMWA will provide all meals Max participants: 30 Driving time: 5 2008—Rio Santa Barbara cottonwood poles and willow in these except lunches. hours west of ABQ THE PLACE: North of Pecos Wilderness holes and refill them, careful not to Max participants: 25 Driving time: THE PROJECT: For the past three years leave any air pockets that will allow the 3.5 hours northeast of ABQ May 16, 17, 18, 2008 in early June, we have teamed up with plant to dry out. Contact: Jim O’Donnell at Limestone Canyon Karen Cook of the Camino Real Ranger MEALS: Forest Guardians will provide 505-751-7309, [email protected] lunch. District to prevent motorized access THE PLACE: We return to this beauti- in the forest where it is illegal or is Max participants: No limit. Driving May 2, 3, 4, 2008 time: 70 miles north of ABQ ful canyon on the north end of the San causing resource damage. We will San Francisco River Mateo Mountains. Our camp will be install barriers to prevent further illegal April 25, 26, 27, 2008—Kiowa at the base of the work area where FR intrusions. Tres Allianzas! is a yearly collaboration 476 crosses the canyon. An almost MEALS: NMWA will provide all meals Mills Canyon between the Sky Islands Alliance, Upper full moon will greet us as we hang out except lunches. Gila Watershed Alliance, and the New under 100+foot tall ponderosa pines. Max participants: 40 Driving time: THE PLACE: The Kiowa National Mexico Wilderness Alliance. THE PROJECT: The stream in Limestone 2.5 hours north of ABQ Grasslands include lands surrounding THE PLACE: The San Francisco River Canyon is intermittent, with flows com- the Canadian River, which has carved in the heart of wolf country. Come lend ing mostly from snow melt and summer a beautiful 700 foot canyon in to the a hand to a very successful US Fish & monsoons. Last year we saw evidence grasslands. Mills Canyon is named for

New Mexico WILD! Page 19 Keeping Community Alive

By Arturo Sandoval condition. I always felt bonded to everyone the food we will increasingly need to rely on. members on Saturday night. there. We worked should-to-shoulder for a I can still remember the strong sense of common good. That was a great feeling. First, we will travel to the land made famous In May, we will travel to the high mountain community I felt as a child whenever spring by painter Georgia O’Keefe. There, in the red meadows on the eastern slopes of the Sangre rolled around and it was time to repair and When lunch time rolled around, we sat rock mesa country near Abiquiu, we will join de Cristo Mountains to help two acequia prepare the acequia madre for the growing alongside the ditch bank, sharing our the members of the Acequia de los García to associations repair their acequia madre season. sandwiches and burritos. clean and repair their ancient acequia. They for the summer. We will camp at 9,000 feet, will share the history of their acequia with overlooking the entire valley. Saturday night, It was an important ritual for the entire After we had finished, I would go home with us. Founded in the early 1700s, the acequia we will share in a matanza with the local village. Viejitos, jovenes and everyone an aching body and a bursting heart, knowing has been in continual use ever since, with people, learning about their life ways and in between joined in to repair the main I had been part of something ancient and the exception of the decade in 1680 when sharing our love of place with each other. irrigation canal that watered everyone’s fields sacred. the Native Americans successfully revolted during the summer months. against Spanish settlement and drove the For more information contact Craig Chapman In March and May, we will gather to keep this at (505) 843-8696, [email protected] We would start early in the morning and ancient agricultural practice alive. In the age colonists away. work all day, sometimes two days, depending of global warming, it is more critical than We will camp near the Rio Chama and we on the length of the main canal and its ever that we keep arable land cultivated with will share a matanza with all of the acequia

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Coordinator needed for the Aldo Leopold Centennial Celebration To mark the 2009 centennial of Aldo Leopold’s arrival in the Southwest, a year-long series of events are being planned by a diverse group of organizations in New Mexico and Arizona. A Coordinator will be hired for 20 months, starting in May, 2008, to better organize these events. Enthusiasm, self-discipline, people skills, energy, and a passion for Leopold and conservation are required!

To read the job description and apply, visit: www.leopoldcelebration.org

Save the Date Saturday, October 11, 2008 2008 New Mexico Wilderness Conference

Dry Heat Photography • Contact DeAnna Dimmit Keynote Speaker: Terry Tempest Williams 505.730.8576 • [email protected] at the Hotel Albuquerque

Washington has 30 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 4,317,099 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Port Townsend • Seattle • Yakima • Brewster • Chelan • Walla Walla

Page 20 Spring 2008 Offset your total carbon impact with the help of Green Energy Products, Services and Ideas for a New Mexico. Healthy & Sustainable Lifestyle www.greentagsusa.org/greentags/newmexico.cfm

When You’ve Got Environmentally COME TO BOLIVIA with Hazardous Materials to Dispose of HABITAT FOR HUMANITY July 19-Aug. 3, 2008 Call 911. Leaders: Joanne Calkins Call Earth’s 911 Toll Free at 1-800-cleanup (800-253-2687) and Lisa Verploegh and find out: We will spend about half the time building houses - where your local recycling centers are and the other half touring - where to safely dispose of household hazardous materials and pesticides Chapare Rain Forest, La Paz and Lake Titicaca - how to protect water quality in your community - how to incorporate renewable energy in your everyday life $1600 includes all expenses except airfare to La Paz - how to save money, shop smart and protect the environment For details, 505-268-1733, [email protected] - learning about home composting

GREENBUILT TOUR and SUSTAINABILITY WEEK Events In May The U.S. Green Building Council New Mexico Chapter (USGBCNM) will hold its ninth annual GreenBuilt Tour in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and other locations in New Mexico May 17 and 18, 2008. The GreenBuilt Tour is an excellent opportunity to get inspiration, ideas and education for improving a planned or existing home’s comfort, sustainability, and energy efficiency. USGBCNM will also hold Sustainability Week events, including a series of lectures and a “Green Expo” in Albuquerque on May 10. For more information on the GreenBuilt Tour and Sustainability Week events, visit www.USGBCNM.org or call 505-227-0474. An Invitation to Join the WildStyle Reading Group If we wish to understand our contemporary attitude toward the environment, its literary history is an excellent place to start. There may be no single historical period or culture that created contemporary environmentalism, but in the United States the publication of Thoreau’s Walden in 1854 is often recognized as the beginning of a new, recognizably modern way of thinking about the relationship of humans to non-human nature. Industrialization and heavy settlement of the West sparked an awareness of a variety of environmental problems that are still with us, problems such as the loss of wilderness and the extinction of native species. Tracing the development of American literary history through an era of environmentalism, we can look at how literature responds to ecological problems and shapes our thinking, so that we may better understand our own environmental values. I invite anyone to join me in exploring the literary past, present, and future of environmental criticism through a series of books and discussions. We will begin with Henry David Thoreau’s Walden and a discussion of the text towards the end of March. If you are interested, send an e-mail to [email protected] and start reading!

Further readings may include: On the lighter side try: A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold Two in the Far North, Mardy Murie Animal Liberation, Peter Singer Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey The Future of Environmental Criticism: Anthropology of Turquoise and Eating Stone, Ellen Melloy Environmental Crisis and Literary Imagination, Lawrence Buell Refuge, Terry Tempest-Williams Uncommon Ground, William Cronon The Secret Knowledge of Water, Craig Child Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv New Mexico WILD! Page 21 THANKS FOR THE INCREDIBLE COVER PHOTO BEN!

Benjamin Parker was raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is currently residing in Durango, Colorado. Having graduated with a degree in Geology and a MBA from New Mexico State University, he found himself torn between a strong desire to work in the outdoors and qualifications placing him in an office surrounding. Motivated by the desire to express his love of the outdoors and travel, Ben discovered photography, with the eventual aim of becoming a full-time landscape photographer. Inspired by the works of Ansel Adams, Art Wolfe, and Galen Rowell, Ben captures and presents landscapes through fine-art photographic prints. Combining a lifetime of outdoor experiences with a broad understanding of landforms and light, Ben has been able to capture those rare moments of exceptional beauty that only nature can provide.

Benjamin T. Parker • P.O. Box 2066, Durango CO 81302 (575) 649-3868 • http://www.southwesthorizons.net

SEE WOLVES THIS WINTER IN THE WILDS OF WYOMING Explore the wilds of Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with Taylor Outfitters Interested in seeing and discovering more about the wildlife and natural history of to see one of the largest congregations of wildlife in North America. Tory the Gila River region? Then take a journey with WILD BY NATURE and discover the and Meredith Taylor have enjoyed sharing the beauty of Yellowstone and remarkable richness and beauty of the Gila National Forest. We specialize in developing customized outdoor excursions; learning vacations with just the right mix of education led natural history interpretive tours for more than 25 years. They are and recreation. Whether your field of interest is observing wildlife, horseback riding now leading Winter Wolf Watch trips to see wolves and other wildlife and packing, learning animal tracking, exploring wilderness, backpacking, bird wintering in America’s first national park - Yellowstone. Taylor Outfitters watching or taking in the spectacular scenery, we can provide the opportunity you practices low impact horseback wilderness tours, X-C and snowshoe are looking for! So join us for or a day in the frontcountry or a week in the remote trips, wildlife watching tours with “Leave No Trace” wilderness ethics. backcountry and begin your adventure to discover the wildness within you! For more information, please contact: PO Box 423, Mimbres, NM 88049 (307) 272-5916 Tory & Meredith Taylor, 6360 Hwy 26, Dubois, WY 82513 www.WildByNatureTours.com • [email protected] 307-455-2161 or [email protected]

“Organ Morning”

FINE ART GALLERY 1701 Calle de Mercado, Suite #3, Mesilla, New Mexico (505) 642-4981 email: [email protected] • www.david-rothermel.com

-Please note: We all appreciate recycling, but please do not use our bar-coded envelopes when mailing to someone else. The barcode is read automatically and is Graphic Design for Progressive Causes programmed for our address. We have received and Political Campaigns. a number of letters and payments lately in our Joe Adair 505-319-3754 envelopes that were meant for someone else. [email protected] Thank you!

Oregon has 30 Wilderness areas. Total Acreage 4,317,099 WILDERNESS IS EVERYWHERE! Communities: Waldport • Sweet Home • Eugene • Portland • Klamath Falls • Bend

Page 22 Spring 2008 the long and short of it

By Tripp Killin exception) feel that their work falls into two Wolf reintroduction. to think beyond their own lifetimes. By broad categories: services and advocacy. making bequests and other so-called legacy “The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Services are provided to people or places to Many of our supporters have chosen to gifts, they are giving long-term. They is a non-profit 501(c)(3) grass roots alleviate current ills, suffering or damage. support us in ways that mirror these distinc- recognize that the landscapes that have been environmental organization dedicated to Advocacy is the work done to solve the root tions. For instance, some have become so important to their lives will need their the protection, restoration, and continued causes of those ills, suffering or damage. monthly donors. These supporters give help and support long after they themselves enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and $5, $10, or even $20 a month to support have passed away. Wilderness areas.” The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance our efforts. While individually small, these does both types of work. Through our amounts add up over time to produce a The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance This mission statement guides both our service projects and administrative work significant impact. These donors understand is honored by all our donors and very daily work and our long-term planning. with various land agencies we are actively that gifts right now can make a difference. proud to do the work they make possible, Someone asked me the other day (with a engaged in providing services. That is, we Some donors, meanwhile, have also begun regardless of the methods they choose. smile), “How long until you’re done?” protect streams, close damaging illegal trails While it is possible to imagine a time and tear down obsolete when all suitable lands are protected as fencing right now to repair wilderness, it is impossible to think that harm to our public lands. “I included New Mexico theses protections would ever be wholly Conversely, we engage in free from threat. Nor is it likely that the advocacy by fighting to Wilderness Alliance in work of restoring landscapes from the change abusive policies, damage of the last 150 years of poor policy protect lands under the my Estate Plan because will be completed any time soon. Thus, we 1964 Wilderness Act, see our work as both immediately vital and and challenge inept necessary for generations. government implemen- I feel a responsibility tation of good programs Non-profit organizations (and we are no such as Mexican Gray to Wilderness. Young people should enjoy the When you give to the New same places that have Mexico Wilderness Alliance, your touched my life.” gift will go towards efforts in - Bob Howard protecting New Mexico’s land. In a way, your gift ToYou find can out how,make contact Wilderness Tripp Killin, Associate a part Director of your legacy too. will last forever. (505) 843-8696 or [email protected]

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

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

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

New Mexico WILD! Page 23 Friday, March 14, 7-9pm a RALLY by New Mexicans Hell-Bent on SAVING OUR WOLVES Dia de

NEW MEXICO los WILDERNESS WILD ALLIANCE Lobos

SUPPORT MEXICAN WOLF PRESERVATION

passport’ new mexico wilderness alliance the 2008 s presents to New Mexico Gear swap ‘08 Great Outdoor Equipment Swap SELL YOUR SELDOM-USED QUALITY OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT Outdoors THEN BUY SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN MISSING! Sunday, May 18TH Visit REI, Sportz Outdoors, or contact 10am — 4Pm Craig Chapman at 505-843-8696 142 Truman NE, in Albuquerque 505/843-8696

UQU New Mexico LB ER A Q NONPROFIT ORG. U U.S. POSTAGE

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Sponsored By: REI, Osprey & Sportz Outdoors A 22% commission Benefits New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Page 24 Spring 2008