Call of the Wild

The Newsletter of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Vol. VI No. 2 Summer 2002

The Evolving Wilderness Community

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 1 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Notes from the Chair Main Office Edward Sullivan Hands Over the Reins 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 was honored earlier this year when the Board of the largest conservation organizations in New Mexico. [email protected] • www.nmwild.org Directors entrusted me with Chair of a great His energies and creativity have been tapped deeply, P.O. Box 25464 grassroots conservation organization. As a brief they are the foundation upon which NMWA is built Albuquerque, NM 87125 introduction to those of you whom I have not met, and growing. Thank you Edward, you will be missed. myI primary focus in both my professional and volun- Starting in June, Jessica Pope comes on board as our 202 Central Avenue, SE • Suite 101 Albuquerque, NM 87102 tary lives is 1) to ensure that Wilderness, wildlands and new Executive Director. Jess comes from Arizona and biodiversity continue and 2) to enjoy and appreciate brings to our organization strong managerial skills, a Las Cruces Field Office them every day. I know that you share the same vision, grassroots background, and experience in passing leg- so we have a lot in common. I am always open to new islation. Most importantly, she posses a strong passion 505/527-9962 • fax 505/527-1571 ideas and suggestions as to how we can accomplish for wilderness and wildlands. When we offered her the P.O. Box 513 our mission, so please feel free to contact me. position, she was sitting on a raft in the San Juan River Las Cruces, NM 88004 As I assumed Chairmanship, I was given the task of (she was on a satellite phone if you are wondering). 101 N. Alameda • Suite 18 helping find a replacement for Edward Sullivan who Edward committed to staying with NMWA and Las Cruces, NM 88005 will be leaving NMWA later this summer. Edward working with Jess to show her the ropes until late July. decided to take a year or so to explore international He will be introducing her to the New Mexico Mission Statement conservation issues and is headed to South America. conservation community and NMWA members. The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is When he told me his plans, I said go for it, you will dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wild lands not have any regrets and will learn so much—but I ecently, there are days when many of us feel that and Wildernes areas. said this with a heavy heart. I will miss his friendship our efforts are overwhelmed by a stronger force and his superb leadership. Edward has done an amaz- Rthat does not appear to share our love and respect for NMWA Staff ing job of taking the vision and commitment of a vol- all that is wild. That other vision seems so short-term Greta Balderrama, Grassroots Organizer untary board of directors and building it into one of and not respectful of the abundance of life that Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator enriches our world. These are, however, the very times Steve Capra, Communications Coordinator when we must persevere, endure and reaffirm our Matt Clark, Inventory Assistant convictions to make a difference—and NMWA is Garrick Delzell, Grassroots Outreach doing just that! Your support and enthusiasm keep us Coordinator Table of Contents moving forward toward accomplishments that we can Greg Magee, Southern Field Coordinator all celebrate. During these times, I often refer to a Nathan Newcomer, Assistant Media Coordinator Wilderness Updates 3 Roxanne Pacheco, Bookkeeper Otero Mesa quote from the anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never Jessica Pope, New Executive Director NMWA Documents Broad Support for Wilderness doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only Michael Robinson, Wilderness Protection Calandar of Events 3 Coordinator thing that ever has.” Nick Sanders, Wilderness Protection Intern Wilderness Spotlight 4 Thank you for helping make a difference—and never Sean Saville, Grassroots Organizer Big Canyon in the Guadalupe Mountains underestimate the importance of even the smallest step Jim Scanlon, Grassroots Organizer Perspectives 5 you take in protecting wildlands. Always take time to Michael Scialdone, Northern Field Coordinator enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that we share in Edward Sullivan, Executive Director A Witness To Change—A Photographer New Mexico—it will refresh your spirit and reaffirm Kathy Wimmer, Development Assistant Looks Within My Beautiful Organ Mountains your commitment. —Randall Gray Board of Directors Inventory Update 6 Chair of the NMWA Board of Directors Randall Gray, Chair Lake Valley, NM The Robledos-Las Uvas Todd Schulke, V. Chair Silver City, NM Dave Parsons, Treasurer Albuquerque, NM Wild Science 7 Nancy Morton, Secretary Albuquerque, NM New Mexico Volcanoes “Never doubt Jim Baca Albuquerque, NM Feature 8-9 Greta Balderrama Carlsbad, NM The Evolving Wilderness Community that a small group of Pam Eaton Denver, CO Most Locally Owned NM Businesses Dave Foreman Albuquerque, NM Depend On Wilderness thoughtful, committed Bob Howard Santa Fe, NM Natural Allies Outgrowing Legacy Wes Leonard El Paso, TX of Misunderstanding Arian Pregenzer Albuquerque, NM citizens can change the world. Bob Tafanelli Las Cruces, NM Wilderness News 10 Steve West Carlsbad, NM North American Wilderness Conference 2002 NMWA Lobbies With Zia Pueblo Indeed, it’s the only thing Newsletter NMWA Testifies in Support of Sandia Settlement Tisha Broska, Managing Editor Catastrophe Looming in Energy Conference that ever has.” Committee Marty Peale, Editor, Design & Layout —Margaret Mead Oil & Gas from the Robledos? The Artists: Cover photo by M. Heinrich; p. 2 photo Flora and Fauna 11 anthropologist by S. Capra, p. 4 Hummingbird by N. Moore-Craig, Beetle Griffith’s Saltbush & Prairie Dogs by J. Cantley, photo by S. West; p. 5 Cabezon photo by J. Willis & watercolor of East Organ Mnts. by A. Peden; Get Involved 12 p. 6 map by M. Scialdone; p. 7 photo of Mt. Taylor by Write For NMWA, Zia Pueblo, Ojito Wilderness Dr. L. Crumpler; p. 9 photo by H. Adams; p. 10 photo by Action Alert: Letters Needed for the Gila J. Willis; p. 11 illustration by E. Cantor; p. 12 photo by J. Willis; p. 13 illustration by E. Cantor; p. 15 photo by Gettin’ Out There 13 Help Us Welcome M. Clark; p. 16 watercolor by A. Peden Wilderness ”Kind of Recalibrates Everything” Cabezon Outing a Success Wilderness NM Businesses For Otero Mesa Wilderness Jessica Pope The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the Book Reviews 14 National Wilderness Preservation System to preserve In the Presence Of Fear—Wendell Berry as our new Executive Director the last remaining wild lands in America. The Coalition For NM Wilderness Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures “an enduring Organizations and Businesses Support the Albuquerque Membership Reception resource of wilderness” for the people. Wilderness is Work of the Coalition for NM Wilderness Tuesday June 18, 7:00-9:00 pm defined as an area that has primarily been affected by the forces of nature with the imprint of humans Staff/Volunteer Profiles 15 Las Cruces Membership Reception substantially unnoticeable. It is an area that offers Wilderness Advocacy Through Music Tuesday, June 25, 7;00-9:00 pm outstanding opportunity for solitude or a primitive or Farewell—For Now unconfined type of recreation, and an area that For more details, contains ecological, geological, or other features of see Calendar of Events (p. 3) scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. Printed on Recycled Paper 2 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Wilderness Updates Your Letters Are Making a Difference for Otero Mesa n the past few months, work to pro- You’re Making A Difference sources.” Early in the last century, trains tect Otero Mesa has moved at a rapid were facing competition from a new The fight to preserve this vast tract of rate. The New Mexico Wilderness source—the airplane. The train barons Chihuahuan Desert grassland continues Alliance, in conjunction with the Otero used all their political power to maintain Please Write! on many fronts. What remains clear is MesaI Coalition, has traveled the State control. In the end, the plane triumphed. Senator Jeff Bingaman that your letters to our Senators and the speaking to groups as diverse as the Today we face a similar situation—the US Senate BLM are having a positive effect. The Rotary Club, senior centers, conserva- oil and gas industry is fighting to main- Washington, DC 20510 permitting process has been delayed, tion groups, colleges and elected tain control of the energy industry. To do senator_bingaman@bingaman. and now officials in Washington officials. In addition, we have generated this, they will drill the last wild land- senate.gov understand more clearly that New a steady stream of media—from news- scapes, destroy Native cultures, force Mexicans are not willing to roll over Senator Pete Domenici papers across the State, to radio and America into wars on foreign shores, and allow our wild landscapes to be US Senate television. Clearly these efforts have and continue to blanket the airwaves destroyed to fill the pockets of a few Washington, DC 20510 made a difference. with propaganda—and in the end, leave wealthy oil and gas executives. senator_domenici@domenici. our public lands degraded and our The coming months will be crucial— senate.gov country less secure. Otero Mesa, like so Politics we must continue to make the case for many other wild places in the West, is a Ms. Amy Luders In early May 2002, gubinatorial alternative energy production. Remem- symbol of why such arrogance must Field Manager candidate Bill Richardson, the former ber, New Mexico and much of the West be stopped. Las Cruces Field Office Congressman and Energy Secretary, are the Saudi Arabia of Wind. Yet, New Please keep the letters coming, and 1800 Marquess announced that he was opposed to any Mexico lags far behind other western Las Cruces, NM 88005 sign-on to our activist alert on the Otero oil and gas development in the Greater states in wind production, having only Mesa web site (www.oteromesa. org) to Otero Mesa Area. Before him, Las one commercial windmill near Clovis. stay up to date on breaking Cruces Mayor Rubin Smith also took the Recently, a Las Cruces business developments on this issue. pledge to protect this wild and impor- owner said to me that it was important —by Stephen Capra tant part of New Mexico’s conservation to save Otero Mesa, “if for no other NMWA Communications heritage. And on 30 May 2002, U.S. reason than to force the government to Calendar Coordinator Senate candidate Gloria Tristani called begin investing in alternative energy 18 June 2002—Albuquerque for the Bureau of Land Management to Membership Reception for re-inventory the Wilderness potential of Jessica Pope. Northern NM New Mexico’s Otero Mesa. Members and Board members In spite of these important political are invited to join us for a welcome reception for Jessica gains, the opposition has garnered more Pope at the home of Dave than its share of support for developing Grassroots Team Documents Foreman and Nancy Morton. Otero Mesa. All of the Republicans and 7:00-9:00 pm. Please call 505/ the other Democrat running for retiring 843-8696 for directions. Congressman Joe Skeen’s seat have pledged to open Otero Mesa to full- Broad Support for Wilderness 21-23 June—Volunteer Weekend, scale oil and gas development. A lot of Sacramento Mountains in the pril 2002 was a visible month for Monday the 22nd, Sean Saville was serious grassroots work remains to be Lincoln National Forest. Spend the New Mexico Wilderness Alli- invited to give a slide show presentation done on this issue! Summer Solstice up in the pine ance. The Grassroots Outreach to about 250 9-12th graders at Santa Fe trees of the mountains east of Team working on the Cabezon Cam- Prep. Altogether in two weeks in April, Alamogordo. 3.5 hours from Inventory paignA seemed to be at an event every- the grassroots staff and volunteers col- ABQ, 2 hours from Las Cruces. When our original inventory was where we turned recently. NMWA par- lected about 450 letters of support and completed, the New Mexico Wilderness ticipated in the Sierra Student Coalition numerous petition signatures for the 25 June—Las Cruces Membership Alliance came up with a figure of Conference at the Sevilleta Wildlife Ref- Cabezon Campaign. Thank you to all Reception, Southern members 460,000 acres of potential Wilderness uge and Research Station 12-14 April. who showed your support. and Board members are wel- come to meet Jessica at the home in Otero Mesa. Some of the large The Conference is a student-run and In the midst of all of these activities, of Greg Magee in Las Cruces. expanses of blue and black gramma -organized activist training seminar for the newest member to the Grassroots 7:00-9:00 pm. Please call grasslands were left out of the inventory, the young environmental advocates of team, Arturo Sandoval of Voces, Inc., 505/527-9962 for directions. however, due to roads and time today and tomorrow. Students from has been traveling extensively around constraints. 15- 25 years of age were present from northern New Mexico spreading the 10 August—Membership Gather- In the past two months, we sent a New Mexico and Arizona, including good word about Wilderness. With the ing, Las Cruces. Please join us team back out to these areas to inven- several students from the Hopi tribe in help of local Wilderness guides and at a gathering of southern New tory them—and the results have been Arizona who are fighting the Peabody ranchers from the north, Arturo has Mexico NMWA members and terrific! Another 50,000 acres of Coal Company in a widely publicized been setting up meetings with local friends at the La Cueva picnic roadless lands have been confirmed, battle to protect their land and water elected officials to let them know about area in the Organ Mountains bringing our total in the Greater Otero from ruin. NMWA Executive Director the cultural and economic benefits of near Las Cruces (505/527-9962; Mesa Area to 510,000 acres. Edward Sullivan gave the keynote Wilderness designation. Arturo’s style is [email protected]). address to kick off the event, and one of full disclosure, and his personal- 30 August-2 September—Volunteer Making New Mexico Businesses Grassroots Organizer Sean Saville led ity is one of integrity, so it is no wonder Weekend, Sabinoso. We will a training session on Wilderness. why people have found it very hard not backpack in to this little visited Part of the Coalition NMWA’s Albuquerque Grassroots to be interested in what he is saying. WSA in the northeast part of Currently, some 100 New Mexico Team—Garrick Delzell, Sean Saville With all of these elements combined, New Mexico along the Canadian businesses have signed up as sponsors and Jonathan Klar—participated in five we at the Alliance have grown ever River. Access can be difficult. If of protecting the Greater Otero Mesa separate Earth Day events raising public more encouraged by what we see in we cannot coordinate with BLM Area. Such support is crucial to the awareness of Wilderness issues, collect- the people we meet and speak with on and local land owners, we will protection of this wild landscape. We ing public support, and moving the a daily basis. It is obvious to us that switch to the Rio Grande Gorge hope to have 300 businesses on board Wilderness dialogue into the spotlight people not only want to see more Wil- area. 3.5 hours from ABQ, by July 2002. in New Mexico. We were at the Santa derness in New Mexico, but that they 7 hours from Las Cruces. If your business is not signed-on, Fe Earth Day event on the 20th, the want to see it for a broad diversity of 25-27 October—Volunteer Week- simply go to our web site (www. UNM and La Montanita Co-op Earth reasons, informed by a deep sense end, Peloncillos Mountains. We oteromesa.org) and fill out the required Day events on the 21st, and the of passion. will help with road restoration in information, or call our office (505/843- Cabezon Brewery Beer Tasting at Wild —by Sean Saville a WSA down in the Bootheel of 8696) —we’ll take care of the rest. Oats on the 20th. Also on Earth Day, NMWA Grassroots Organizer New Mexico. Exact dates TBA. 6-7 hours from ABQ, 3.5 from Las Cruces.

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 3 Wilderness Spotlight Big Canyon Harbors Treasures in the Guadalupe Mountains ver the years I have taken every Vulture and returning to the nest hold- As this large beetle flew by through opportunity to spend time in Big ing a secondary feather. (The Turkey the Mexican Walnut, I stretched out my Canyon, the southernmost canyon Vulture was in shock but was unhurt.) right palm and held it still. I never knew in the Guadalupe Mountains before The evening serenade of a Spotted Owl why I did that, but the beetle must have Oentering Texas. Being just north of the or the bugling of Elk from the cliff tops. seen the motion, because it turned and well known and well traveled Knowing that, each time I have gone in headed straight for my hand. I didn’t McKittrick Canyon in Guadalupe there, a Mountain Lion has sat securely really think of the possibility of it being Mountains National Park, and having in some ledge above me, feeling safe a P. gloriosa—I just wanted to see what no easy access, have resulted in Big but always on the alert. One particu- would happen. The beetle made a six- Canyon being poorly known and visited larly large Mexican Walnut (may be the point landing on the end of my hand. only rarely. While I hope this article largest of the species in the Guads) that (With six legs, a six-point landing doesn’t cause an influx of people to this sheltered nesting birds and provided would be expected.) Here it was, a special place, I do hope it will bring home and nourishment for thousands Plusiotis gloriosa, sitting on my hand a bit of awareness to a true gem in a of insects. And of course, the sadness facing me. I couldn’t believe my good wonderful mountain range. I have hiked knowing that the ghosts of Merriam Elk, fortune at that unique moment. We over much of the Guadalupes (but Grizzly Bear and Bighorn Sheep were faced each other for a few seconds, never enough!), and Big Canyon is far also watching me. and it turned as if to launch from the and away my favorite place. It tops One special moment brought it all end of my hand. McKittrick and the others that get all into focus. Suddenly, from the side came another the attention. When I was doing vertebrate survey sound, that of a hummingbird. As the In 1980, I was hired as a sub-contrac- work for The Nature Conservancy in beetle perched at the end of my hand, tor on a Peregrine Falcon nesting study. the summer of 1989, we found the a beautiful male Blue-throated Hum- At the time, there was a nesting site conditions rather stark. It had been dry mingbird flew to the end of my hand, attended to by only a single male, and for some time, and animal activity was hovering back and forth, first looking at I was to check on the bird density in the very light. We had been there for sev- the beetle and then at me and then at area of the eyrie. That was my initiation eral days, and as the morning dawned As I walked through a young stand the beetle. Blue-throated Humming- into the soul of the Guadalupes, Big on the 5th of July, it looked like it would of Mexican Walnut, I noticed a large birds are the largest hummingbird in the Canyon, and perhaps to my own soul be another very hot, very dry day in greenish beetle fly by. I knew that there United States, about the size of a stan- and the reason why we are even here. the bottom of the canyon. Acacia and were two species of Plusiotis, a type of dard warbler, with a wingspan of eight I fell in love with the canyon the first mesquite growing at the mouth of the scarab beetle, present in the canyon, inches. Big Canyon is one of the few time I set foot there. Over the years, canyon were even stressed, with the but I had never been lucky enough to places in the State to find this species— numerous experiences from the canyon leaf size of these desert species smaller find more than their elytra. The elytra is and even there, it is very rare. have enriched me and have made me than I have ever seen. We were finding the hard covering present on the back For a few glorious seconds, the three a better person. I know that we usually the usual species in the canyon, but of the beetle that provides protection of us were transfixed. The hummingbird attribute such growth to people who numbers and activity were way down. for the membranous flying wings and gave the beetle, then me, one last look have had an impact on our lives—but Two other people were doing the plant abdomen underneath. The elytra of both and peeled away. The beetle followed why can’t the solitude of a canyon, surveys, and we usually went our species is a remarkable green, with that suit, careening through the Mexican away from the clutter of our society, separate ways for most of the day. of Plusiotis woodi being a soft, lime Walnut. I lowered my hand and stood do the same? I know it has for me. While they were checking out the area green. The other species, P. gloriosa, fits there, not wanting to take another step. The experiences have piled, up over in nearby Calamity Cove, I decided to its name well. The elytra is a rich green I don’t know what the beetle’s or the years. White-throated Swifts shoot- walk up the canyon again, just to put with broad indentations called striae. hummingbird’s intent were in all of this ing past me while I sat on the edge of in some time during the heat of the day, The striae in P. gloriosa are a rich silver was, or what they got out of it. But I a cliff, going so fast it sounded like and hoping I could find something. in color and contrast gloriously with know that as I stood there, my life was someone firing a rifle. A Peregrine Prospects were slim. the adjacent rich green. enriched, and I gained in a way that Falcon diving into the wing of a Turkey cannot be measured. The rest of that day in the field was an afterglow of that moment, as my thoughts constantly went back to it. A moment on a hot, dry July afternoon in the bottom of a white, rocky canyon. A moment in a lifetime of experiences. Why must we have Wilderness? Because our lives are enriched by it, even by just knowing it is there. By the possibility that we can see real meaning and learn what is important, by watch- ing a bug and a bird—and be touched by the moment. That won’t happen at a shopping center or driving down the highway at 70 mph. I know that, each time I have driven to the mouth of the canyon or dropped down from the top, I have sworn upon returning, “I won’t be going there again. It’s too rough and I’m getting too fat and old to keep doing this.” But though I continue to get older, and none of the joints work as well as they did when I first stormed in there, I know I will always be going back. And I’ll be look- ing for another beetle and humming- bird, or whatever treasure Big Canyon decides to share with me. —by Steve West NMWA Board Member

4 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Perspectives A Witness to Change—A Photographer Looks Within s a photographer, I have been help with. It was then that I realized fortunate. I believe that being that my commitment was facilitating interested in photography is another change with bigger goals. another way of saying that I am inter- NMWA has a voice that I can actively Aested in what goes on around me at all participate in. The Wilderness Alliance times. The camera has been an instru- seems like a living-breathing organism mental tool in teaching me awareness that consists of people whom I’ve been and empathy. Seeing things change, fortunate enough to meet in the short and reflecting on how I feel in light of time that I’ve been volunteering. My change, has allowed me to formulate opportunity to meet these people and opinions and become comfortable with understand what they do is enlighten- change. I now feel that this type of ing. Experiencing how I fit into this awareness, garnered from photography, organization and the changes that are is more a commitment to the process of put in motion because of NMWA is change; thus I feel I have become less that I am interested in something (this sions a volunteer must make. My best something in which I take personal a photographer and more a witness. is always a good feeling). It also means opportunity to climb comes on the pride. I have participated in a process With this in mind, I would like to that my interest in something could lead weekend or when I get off work. A that asks questions and allows me to describe my experience with the New to meeting people and donating pre- couple of weeks ago, I was presented generate my own answers. Mexico Wilderness Alliance and how cious time for the benefit of a cause. with the decision of either climbing or I celebrate my love of photography volunteerism is my newfound commit- Finally, once I decided to volunteer, staying committed to an earlier choice and the heightened awareness that ment to change. I invited the element of change into to volunteer. I chose to volunteer. Vol- result in my deepened commitment to I have found volunteering to be a very my life. unteering doesn’t mean that I will stop the Wilderness and the people who rewarding experience. The minute I As one takes on the vow of a volun- climbing, but I feel that my decision care passionately to protect it. These decided to volunteer the small amount teer, change is expressed first in one’s was rewarded. I drove to the NMWA commitments make all of us a witness of free time that I have, the process of own life. Committing the hours to this office and had a great time talking with to change. change began to work its magic in me. activity is big. An example can be found the other volunteers. As we talked, we —by Joshua Willis Being able to make this decision means in my love for climbing and the deci- did the odd jobs that NMWA needed NMWA Volunteer

After You “Look”, You “See” Them— Painting a Picture of My Beautiful Organ Mountains A friend of mine who is a nature trail of a rattler, jackrabbit tracks and tenaciously to the rocky surface like trivial matters. We are here as caretak- photographer in Florida asked me even a few coyote prints all blend to sentinels standing guard over the ers. We are here to reestablish the to pick a day and describe the Organ form a mosaic of life. Rocks of all treasure that is the Organ Mountains. family values of Nature—Mother Earth, Mountains to him. This is what l told shapes, colors and sizes abound. My Organs watch as a hawk circles Father Sun and all their children, each him. I hope you enjoy it. On a whitish rock a lizard is sunning the outer canyons in search of a mid- doing their part to keep the family himself—a horned lizard in his suit morning morsel. It’s so quiet you can strong and healthy and happy. I feel ow do I find the words to describe that is an artist’s palette of browns. almost hear the echoes of the herds of peace, contentment and freedom. what l see? My beautiful Organ Gradually, the land rises to become wild horses that once thundered I feel that the Earth and I are one. Mountains. I’m about 300 yards the base of my Organ Mountains. through the larger canyons buried deep Nurture Nature. from their base, and l can feel them. Above hills dotted with small canyons, in the mountains. —by Mary E. Kenny HThey’re so alive! Between me and the my Organs reach over 9,000 feet, People compare themselves to each NMWA Volunteer mountains lies the desert, with rocks piercing a sky the color of the other and try to outdo each other. Such strewn across the pale amber ground. finest turquoise. After you The desert floor is so full of life. Every “look” at them, you “see” few yards a mesquite or a cactus lays them. You can see the violence claim to it’s little piece of earth and pro- of their birth in the jaggedness vides food and homes for the desert’s of their peaks—the result of creatures. The mesquite are covered being ripped from the earth with slender emerald green leaves that and thrust into the heavens. gently dance in the ever-present desert The Organ Mountains are truly breeze that seems to whisper, “Be one alive. They are still growing, with the earth.” Between the mesquite and you can feel it. Here is are sprawling prickly pear cactus cov- true power. Not the vain ered in buds ready to burst into bloom. power of men, but the raw, The ocotillo is tipped with red plumes. pure power of Nature. No man It often reminds me of seaweed in an can create what towers before ocean of crystal clear air. The yucca are me—the rocky spires of a pushing up their flower stalks. Soon cathedral that no man could each stalk will become a mass of ivory, ever design. I see these moun- bell-shaped flowers rising three feet or tains every day, and every day more above the dark green swordlike they leave me breathless. leaves. In between are smaller barrel Where the sun is now, they cactus, strawberry hedgehog cactus, are clothed in a cacophony of and others scattered like petals strewn grays from almost white to as by the wind. dark as charcoal. They change On the ground are the calling cards color constantly throughout of our friends who call this home. The the day. In the crevices where dots and dashes left by lizards, the little rainwater collects are dark prints left by quails who scurry from green oases. Here and there, one bush to another. The long rope-like a lone agave or ocotillo clings New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 5 Inventory Update NMWA Counters BLM’s Arguments Against Wilderness Designation for the Robledos–Las Uvas ith our current administration’s areas we are recommending would size, naturalness, and outstanding For a particularly large and compli- lust to open up public lands to indeed have Wilderness character. opportunities for solitude or primitive cated area like Robledos Mountains– oil and gas development under Back in 1979-1980, BLM conducted and unconfined recreation (see box). Sierra de las Uvas, the write-up ended the guise of “national security”, many an inventory of its lands to determine The NMWA Proposal also lists: up being more than 40 pages! We are Wof the areas that NMWA is fighting to which lands it deemed suitable for •BLM’s reasons for dropping all now preparing WIH write-ups for all 23 protect as Wilderness have come under further Wilderness study. The lands that or parts of an area, units in Otero Mesa (see Call of the Wild direct and immediate threat. The the agency found to have Wilderness •followed by NMWA’s arguments Spring 2002) and will continue as Robledos Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas, character became Wilderness Study why BLM’s reasons are no longer needed. a 200,000-acre unit near Las Cruces is Areas (WSA). valid. These arguments are backed —by Michael Scialdone the latest Chihuahuan Desert gem to A WSA is required to be managed in with photo-documentation from NMWA Northern Field Coordinator come under the oil and gas industry’s a manner that preserves its Wilderness our recent inventory. fire. character, until Congress makes a final NMWA is using the Wilderness decision as to whether or not the area Inventory Handbook (WIH), a manual should become part of the Wilderness prepared by the Bureau of Land Man- Preservation System. agement (BLM), to try and get the In the 22 years that have passed since agency to do another on-the-ground BLM conducted its inventory, much has inventory of Robledos Mountains–Sierra changed on the ground. NMWA has de las Uvas. The WIH is a manual that been conducting a Wilderness inven- guides BLM personnel in conducting tory of BLM lands from 1999 until now, on-the-ground inventories to determine and our survey shows that many of the if an area has Wilderness character. roads that disqualified all or parts of The key to NMWA’s process is provid- an area for further Wilderness study, ing BLM with significant new informa- according to the BLM, are now faint tion that shows that the agency should tracks, barely noticeable on the ground. reconsider its Wilderness inventory find- Using the definitions for Wilderness ings published in its 1980 document character given in the WIH, we put New Mexico Wilderness Study Area together a write-up for this area that Decisions. We feel that, if BLM did shows it meets the BLM’s criteria for another inventory under the protocol Wilderness. The criteria used are those laid out in WIH, it would find that the found in the Wilderness Act of 1965—

The Robledos Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Characteristics

obledo Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas is located in northwestern Dona Ana •backpacking and horseback riding in the open terrain leading to lonely County adjacent to the Rio Grande, just northwest of Las Cruces and just south mesas; and ofR Hatch, New Mexico. The unit provides critical wildlife habitat and wildlife cor- •outstanding outdoor photography due to the high quality of southern New ridors for animals moving between the various desert mountain ranges in the area Mexico sunlight, particularly at sunrise and sunset. and the riparian zone along the river. Elevations within the unit range from a low of approximately 4,000 feet to over 6,000 feet. This elevation range, coupled with Supplemental Values—The Robledo Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas unit have many the varied geology in the area, provides for a diverse range of landscape forms and supplemental Wilderness characteristics that include scenic, ecological, histori- habitat types—juniper-dotted mountains; dramatic limestone, igneous and volca- cal and archeological values. Expansive vistas of the wild landscape are nic cliffs; remote grass-covered mesas and buttes; caves; deep and rugged box afforded from the mountaintops and ridges, while dramatic cliffs, box canyons, canyons with riparian habitats; gentle alluvial fan slopes covered with grasses and and other impressive geologic features can be found throughout the unit. shrubs; expansive desert grassland swales; and creosote-dominated lowlands are A wide diversity of vegetation types is represented in the unit—from juniper all encompassed in this exceptional Wilderness complex. woodland and savannah in the higher elevations to desert cactus in the lower elevations, the grasses in the desert flats, and the lush riparian zone along the Unit Size—The Citizen’s Wilderness Proposal for the Robledo Mountains–Sierra Rio Grande. The Robledo Mountains support an unusually high diversity of de las Uvas unit encompasses 154,152 acres of land managed by the BLM. cacti, including the state-listed endangered button cactus and Scheer’s The addition of 43,841 acres of state trust lands within the proposed boundaries pincushion cactus. brings the total Wilderness unit to 197,993 acres. The wide range of vegetation types translates into a diversity of wildlife habi- tat types—yet another ecological value. Pronghorn, mule deer, mountain lion, Naturalness—Though relatively close to Las Cruces, the nature and degree of coyote, bats, rock squirrels and other rodents, quail and numerous other birds human impacts in the Robledo Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas unit are quite are found here. The abundance of cliffs provides nesting and perching sites for minimal. Affected primarily by the forces of nature, the landscape here has many raptors, including bald and golden eagles, various hawks and owls, and retained its wild character. the federally listed endangered peregrine falcon. Reptile diversity is also high— Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude—While the high peaks and ridges in the banded rock rattlers, Madrean alligator lizards, and Trans-Pecos rat snakes are unit provide outstanding vistas, a true sense of solitude can best be found in the all found here, as are other reptiles that reach the northern or western limits of numerous canyons. Rugged terrain and large size also contribute to outstanding their range. opportunities for solitude. Many places within the unit are miles away from any History and Archaeology—At least 20 historic and prehistoric sites are known to significant road, and visitor use is light in most of the area throughout the year, occur within or adjacent to the Robledo Mountains WSA, including some of ensuring that one will find solitude here. the earliest known prehistoric habitation sites in southern New Mexico. The are Primitive and Unconfined Recreation—Opportunities for primitive and also several undisturbed pothouse villages, small caves, two Lithic Indian sites unconfined recreation in the unit include: in Horse Canyon, and at least two excellent petroglyph sites in the Sierra de las Uvas. In terms of historic resources, Lookout Peak in the Robledo Mountains •geological sight-seeing in the varied volcanic, igneous, and sedimentary was the site of a heliograph station during the early 1880s, used by explorers outcrops; to communicate with similar stations elsewhere about Apache activities. The •mountain climbing, rock climbing, and day hiking; historic Butterfield Trail also runs through the southern portion of the unit.

6 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Wild Science New Mexico—The Volcano State hen it comes to volcanoes, New crater, fissure eruptions, cinder cones— Mexico has some of the best occurs in New Mexico. examples on the North Ameri- Volcanic phenomena tend to concen- can continent. Many of these areas trate in two of the three types of plate Ware Proposed Wilderness Areas or boundaries—subduction zones, trans- designated Wilderness. form boundaries, and rifting bound- Apparently, each of the southwestern aries. Transform boundaries, such as states has a geologic specialty. Arizona Southern California, tend not to have is the Big Canyon State, Utah is the volcanoes. Subduction zones are the Mesozoic Fauna State, and Colorado is site of the big, explosive composite the big snow-capped Rocky Mountains volcanoes, such as those around the State. Then what is New Mexico? We Pacific Ring of Fire. Rifting boundaries, need only look out their windows for such as the mid-ocean ridges, Iceland the answer—New Mexico is the and East Africa, rarely occur on dry Volcano State. land—New Mexico is one of those New Mexico has one of the greatest rare places. concentrations of young, well exposed, Kilimanjaro may be more spectacular and uneroded volcanoes on the conti- than Mount Taylor, and Hawaii may be nent. And as a bonus, it is also the Rift more active today than New Mexico— Valley State; it has one of only four or but those are just particularly big, hard- five big continental rifts in the world— to-miss and isolated, examples of volca- East Africa being one of the others. The noes. In the final analysis, it is unique- fact is, New Mexico is one of the best Will there be another eruption? ness and diversity that is really New places to study the natural history of Mexico’s specialty, certainly in culture, volcanoes. Here are just a few facts but also in natural history. “Big” is not to consider. Probably. When? Geologically soon. necessarily the point, nor is it always Twenty percent (20%) of the U.S. more eroded than the Valles Caldera, Whereas most other volcanic areas on the best reference example. national parks and monuments based but they are in the same state of expo- the continent are extensively “water- on volcanic themes are in New Mexico. sure as the San Juan Mountains of Colo- damaged”, New Mexico is a giant he bottom line is that volcanoes are There are more here than Arizona, rado, another collection of mid-Tertiary air-conditioned museum of volcanic so much more concentrated in one Idaho, Oregon, and Washington resurgent calderas. You would have to phenomena preservation. Even the vol- Tplace in New Mexico—like a museum combined. go to the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the canoes that are eroded are really only —with exotic southwestern mesas and The type example and one of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in deeply cut, not weathered, and the sur- landscapes thrown in for visual relief. largest young calderas in the world— Alaska, or even Armenia to see face features are still intact for examina- So it is no surprise that New Mexico’s Valles Caldera—is in New Mexico. something similar. tion. In New Mexico, we can truly walk volcanoes are at one and the same time Yellowstone is a caldera, but it is a less Volcanism in New Mexico is not through the interior of many volcanoes unique, abundant, and diverse. When it visually obvious example of this type of “extinct,” but is dormant. The record of and still examine their relatively comes to the natural history of volcanic volcanic landform. volcanism in New Mexico is continu- uneroded surface features. phenomena, you do not have to make Two of the largest young basaltic lava ous over tens of millions of years, and Every major type of volcanic land- any excuses for New Mexico’s flows in the world—Carrizozo and there is no reason to think it stopped form—composite volcano, shield collection. McCartys—are in New Mexico. Some magically 3,000 years ago with the volcano, volcanic caldera, major ash- —by Dr. Larry Crumpler of the geological terms for surface fea- eruption of several cubic kilometers of flows, pahoehoe and aa lava, maar The New Mexico Museum of tures on lava flows were first defined basalt (what we know as McCartys lava Natural History and Science here in New Mexico, not in Hawaii. flow, El Malpais). New Mexico has one One of the greatest concentrations of only three large mid-crustal active of young volcanic steam explosion cra- magma bodies (under Socorro) in the ters—referred to as “maars” by geolo- continent. (The others are Long Valley, gists—occur in New Mexico. Zuni Salt California, Yellowstone, and Wyoming.) The Volcanic Beauty of the Rio Puerco Lake Crater and Kilbourne Hole Crater The Socorro area is one of the few areas ften, we sense that some place is special even though we may not know are two maars in New Mexico, often where there is a dearth of young volca- why. If knowledge of geological processes were more widespread, then used as type examples in textbooks. noes, so perhaps the Rift is working on Othere would be a more widespread appreciation of why the Rio Puerco valley The remains of maars literally fill White filling out its volcano landscaping. is special. Rock Canyon, and they pepper the There is no place else on the conti- Although much has been said about the natural beauty of the Rio Puerco surfaces of many of the other volcanic nent where people live in major metro- valley, one point that is often lost is the fact that the volcanic necks, of which fields, like the Mount Taylor and Potrillo politan areas (Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Cabezon is one, make this area unique. Simply put, there is no other place on fields. They are more abundant, better Albuquerque) and have so many differ- Earth where the interiors of young volcanoes are so well exposed as in the Rio preserved and more diversely exposed ent types of volcanoes within a few Puerco volcanic necks. It is a geological resource beyond comparison—but than those in the type area—the Eifel hours drive. In most parts of the world, poorly studied at this site. Such a study must be done. district of Germany. European geologists people are so far removed from any Cabezon is one of many massive, dark peaks known as volcanic necks that come here to learn about maars. volcano that they must travel many days are scattered throughout the Rio Puerco valley between Mesa Chivato and New Mexico encompasses several or fly in and out at great cost. In New Mesa Prieta on the west and east, and San Luis and I-40 on the north and of the largest concentrations of young Mexico, we can get up in the morning, south. Together with Mesas Chivato and Prieta, the necks are part of the Mount cinder cones—exemplified by the eat breakfast at the kitchen table, put on Taylor volcanic field, a cluster of several hundred small volcanoes that were Raton-Clayton, Zuni-Bandera and our field clothes, and be standing on a active between 3 million and 1.5 million years ago. A few volcanic necks, Potrillo fields, for starters. world-class example of some volcanic including Cerro Alesna, occur on the west side of Mesa Chivato. The greatest concentration and best feature by early morning. Or we need Unlike many isolated sandstone buttes and peaks in the Southwest, such as exposed examples of young volcanic only look out the window to see at least those in Monument Valley, the rocks of the Rio Puerco volcanic necks were necks in the world are in New Mexico one of those world-class examples on formed dynamically in volcanic eruptions. What makes them unique? They —in the Rio Puerco Valley (see box). the horizon. Or in only a few minutes, are all near-surface interiors of small, geologically young volcanoes that were The greatest diversity of young volca- we can go stand on one of the best deeply dissected when the Rio Puerco cut through the Mount Taylor volcanic nic rock types and classic suites of young examples of a fissure eruption field. Erosion has exposed the complex interiors of many of the small volcanic rocks—for example, the Mount (Albuquerque Volcanoes), a cluster of volcanoes. Taylor and the Raton-Clayton volcanic maar craters (Potrillo), or the largest Exploring them is all the more exciting, since one can see violent events fields—occur in New Mexico. young caldera in the world (Valles recorded in their complex structure. The eruptions were similar to those that The Datil-Mogollon region of New Caldera). form small scoria cones, such as Capulin and Bandera volcanoes, and in some Mexico is one of the largest concentra- The climate of New Mexico favors cases, similar to the eruption that formed Zuni Salt Lake and Kilbourne Hole. tions of resurgent calderas. These are preservation of volcanologic features. New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 7 Feature The Evolving Wilderness Community Builds on the Strength of Social Diversity ne thing we have learned at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance over the This edition of Call of the Wild is dedicated to these new alliances and perspectives past four years is the importance of collaboration and broad coalitions. Not on Wilderness. By bringing these new voices together under the umbrella of Wilder- only does the diversity of New Mexico demand it, but it has a great value unto ness protection, we are finding seeds of opportunity where we once thought the itself. Diverse partnerships strengthen our collective voice and provide us with new fields were fallow. Please read these articles with genuine interest and an open Oideas and perspectives. mind. The Coalitions we build today will be the wildlands we protect tomorrow. Through being open to these new alliances, we have found that hunters, ranchers, —Edward Sullivan wildlife advocates, tribes and landowners often share a common interest in protect- NMWA Executive Director ing the land. The only impediment to building these new relationships is often our own inability or unwillingness to listen and sometimes learn a new perspective.

Most Locally Owned NM Businesses Depend on Wilderness sk any Politician what really drives resources, but on protecting them. scapes, New Mexico gains a better within the small-business community. public policy, and s/he will say, These small, often family-owned outfits reputation among high-dollar industries Over the past year, more than 155 busi- “It’s the economy, stupid!” rely on a high quality of life here in like software companies that are look- nesses have lent their name and their Although that reality is often hard to New Mexico and vast wild landscapes. ing to open new offices. These busi- support to the cause of protecting Wil- accept,A it is never more true than today They struggle when our wildlands are nesses depend on being in area’s with a derness. From local restaurants, motels when businesses large and small are plowed under in the name of big high quality of life to attract a talented and shops, to outfitters, guides and out- struggling in the post-September 11th business and corporate profits. workforce. door supply stores, there is a growing economy. Politicians listen to business Craig Gerhard, owner of Riverdancer There is a misconception that the industry that depends on high quality leaders, and often ask “How will this Retreats and B&B in Jemez Springs says, economy of the West is driven by outdoor experiences for the general effect local business?” before acting on “People come up here for the scenic resource extraction. In fact, the vast public. contentious policy issues. beauty—if there weren’t protected areas majority of people work in industries On page 13, you will find the most We have found this to be true like Wilderness nearby, people wouldn’t that benefit directly or indirectly from up-to-date list of organizational and throughout the history of the public- come by.” Wilderness protection. These are all of business supporters in the Coalition lands debate in the West. Politicians Similarly, Mike Compton, owner of us working in retail, service, technol- for New Mexico Wilderness. Please often color the debate as “critters vs. Taos Creek Cabins, shares that view, ogy, and many other blue- and white- patronize these businesses. They are on jobs”—here in New Mexico, it’s “min- “Everyone coming out here wants to be collar industries. the front end of a growing progressive nows and owls vs. people.” What is in the Wilderness setting. The nearby That is why we are continually heart- business culture. With stronger pro- often not said, is that there are literally Wilderness areas definitely help our ened by the response that both NMWA Wilderness businesses, we will be able thousands of businesses that depend, business here.” and the Coalition for New Mexico Wil- to make a stronger case for Wilderness not on developing our natural Also, by protecting our natural land- derness are having in finding supporters protection. —The Staff of the NMWA

8 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Feature Natural Allies Are Outgrowing Legacy of Misunderstanding here’s something new happening in the public. All in all, the proposal goes the New Mexico Wilderness move- a long way in recognizing the impor- ment. For the first time in decades, tance of preserving these special areas conservation groups dedicated to pro- through the protections of the Wilder- Ttecting areas as Wilderness are working ness Act, while respecting and recog- together with New Mexico Pueblos and nizing historic rights and uses of the Tribes in a joint effort to protect special area on the part of the Pueblo of Zia places. While this cooperation makes and the general public. perfect sense, it is long overdue. Similarly, as has been widely publi- This trend, while relatively new to cized, the New Mexico Wilderness Alli- the Wilderness movement, is not new ance and other conservation groups, to New Mexico. In the very recent past, such as The Wilderness Society and the we have seen impressive collaborative Sierra Club, have been working closely projects—most notably, the broad- with the Pueblo of Sandia and the New based collaborative efforts to protect Mexico congressional delegation to critical areas such as the Petroglyph foster a settlement in the dispute arising National Monument and the Zuni out to the Pueblo of Sandia’s land claim Salt Lake. to the west face of Sandia Mountain These efforts have opened many eyes (see Call of the Wild Spring 2002). to the importance of engaging the entire The Pueblo of Sandia’s land claim has New Mexican community in our been a matter of public controversy for attempts to protect areas that have a number of years. The claim arose out cross-cultural importance. In the spirit of a dispute over the location of the of furthering this collaborative eastern boundary of the 1748 Spanish approach, the New Mexico Wilderness land grant to the Pueblo of Sandia. The movement is likewise reaching out to Pueblo contends that an 1859 survey tribal communities in an effort to pro- conducted by federal government estab- tect, as Wilderness, places that are criti- lished the boundary along the top of a cally important to all New Mexicans. foothill on the western slope of the This new partnership is a logical step mountain rather than on the true crest toward protecting every acre of poten- as provided in the grant from the Span- tial Wilderness in New Mexico. Typi- ish government. cally, Wilderness organizations focus Despite a 1998 federal district court solely on the Wilderness characteristics opinion stating that the government sur- of federal lands. The reason for this is vey was indeed incorrect and granting obvious. The Wilderness Act of 1964, the Pueblo’s request for a re-survey—an the federal statute that allows for desig- opinion that recognized the legitimacy Zia Pueblo Tribal Administrator Peter Pino and NMWA’s Grassroots Outreach nating Wilderness (see masthead, page of the Pueblo of Sandia land claim—the Coordinator Garrick Delzell discuss the Ojito Wilderness and Land Transfer Act. 2), applies only to federal lands. claim is still a highly contentious issue. Certainly in consideration of landscape In an effort to resolve this matter, the conservation-biology principles, we landowners). The primary focus, more and more land that is important New Mexico Wilderness Alliance has look at lands other than just federal however, is on federal lands. to both Tribes and conservation groups been working very closely with the lands (i.e., partnerships with private To date, conservation groups in New coming under threat of development, Pueblo of Sandia to put in place a Mexico have done very little work with we are beginning to bridge the gaps that settlement that would, like the “Ojito Tribes and Pueblos to create protected historically have kept us from working Wilderness and Land Transfer Act of areas within reservation boundaries. together to protect precious places. 2002”, provide for continued applica- There are some pretty strong historical To this end, the NMWA and the Coa- tion of the protective provisions of the reasons for this lack of cooperation— lition for New Mexico Wilderness have Wilderness Act while recognizing and some result from different views regard- been working hand in hand with the ensuring the continued right of the ing the uses of Wilderness, some arise Pueblo of Zia for the designation of the Pueblo of Sandia to use the area for from a lack of understanding and unfair Ojito Wilderness Area. The proposed cultural and religious purposes. biases on both sides. Ojito Wilderness Area is made up of This collaborative approach to work- Another area where the conservation approximately 12,000 acres in Sandoval ing with the Pueblos of Zia and Sandia community and Tribes have historically County that is adjacent to the Pueblo of is just the beginning of the NMWA’s had problems working together is in Zia trust lands. The area would be feder- work to develop enduring relationships non-Tribal federal lands where Tribes ally designated Wilderness, subject to with tribes and Pueblos throughout have historic attachment and where the protective provision of the Wilder- New Mexico. These relationships are in there are numerous cultural and reli- ness Act, while simultaneously protect- their early stages and will take time and gious sites. This is extremely important, ing important traditional Zia rights in continued effort to overcome unfortu- because many existing Wilderness the area. nate remnants of historical distrust. Areas and other areas with potential for The proposed “Ojito Wilderness and We are, however, firmly committed to designation as Wilderness have exten- Land Transfer Act of 2002” also pro- pursuing these relationships. We are sive cultural significance to Tribes. vides for a land transfer to the Pueblo extremely proud of the progress we These areas are filled with innumerable of Zia. The land transfer would include have made in a very short period of sacred and cultural sites to which Tribes approximately 13,000 acres of BLM time and look forward to the possibility and Pueblos require access, often in land having great religious and cultural of building similar relationships with seclusion, to perform activities crucial significance to the Pueblo of Zia. The every tribe or Pueblo in the State. If to the continued vitality of their religion lands would be put into trust for the these efforts prove successful, which we and society. Tribe with the added provisions that are confident they will, the future for a Here, again, the impasse that has the lands are to be managed and main- broad-based New Mexico Wilderness historically precluded cooperation tained as open space with an emphasis movement that provides for the protec- between Tribes and conservation groups on preserving the natural, wild and tion of all lands that are precious to has stemmed in part from distrust undeveloped character of the area. New Mexicans, both Native and arising from divergent viewpoints as to In addition, the Act would protect tradi- non-Native, seems extremely bright. the purposes of preservation and the tional Zia uses in the area, while pro- —by Michael Robinson meaning of Wilderness, as well as viding continued access for recreation NMWA Wilderness Protection largely unjustified cultural biases. With and scientific research to members of Coordinator New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 9 Wilderness News Wilderness Conference 2002 Spans National Boundaries n May 3-5, 2002 what has tradi- ness and manage Wilderness within necessary to make them successful. ample energy, national security and tionally been a “Northwestern” their jurisdictions in a variety of ways. Jim Scarantino called for a truly conser- environmental protection. Wilderness Conference debuted Understanding these differences can vative energy policy that will provide —by Matt Clark as a “North American” Wilderness result in more cooperation across the NMWA Inventory Assistant OConference—a change that illustrates political and cultural borders—and can a growing trend in trans-boundary col- result in a habitat better suited to main- laboration on conservation initiatives. taining nature’s ecological balance, The theme of “people working together, which recognizes no boundaries.” across national, administrative and First Nations members from the Catastrophe Looming in cultural boundaries to preserve North Northwest gave valuable insights on American wild lands and waters,” treaty rights, the tie between land and attracted renowned conservationists culture, and their participation in from the United States, Canada, Mexico conservation and restoration efforts. Energy Conference Committee and Tribal Nations to learn how to work Mike Harcourt, former Premier of Brit- more effectively across political and ish Columbia endorsed the inspiring side from homeland security and is very likely to push for its Public Lands cultural boundaries. Three NMWA staff concept, proposed by Dave Foreman anti-terrorism measures, energy Title as a compromise. Passage of the members, board members Bob Howard and The Wildlands Project, to create legislation has dominated the Public Lands Title in the final confer- and Dave Foreman, and Coalition for protected wildlands networks and a headlines more than any other DC issue ence report would be a calamity for inA recent months. The House passed the intermountain West. New Mexico Wilderness chair Jim “North American Wilderness Strategy Scarantino attended. Within 20 Years”. Researcher and au- an abysmal bill (H.R. 4) in August 2001 While the whole country fixated on The conference fielded the idea that thor Dorothy Zbicz gave examples of that was a carbon copy of the Bush/ the very public Arctic fight, the House “Different countries, different agencies, trans-boundary conservation efforts Enron Energy Plan; in April 2002, the devised a number of policies to system- and different cultures look at Wilder- around the world and the elements Senate passed more sensible legislation atically undermine protections for our (S. 517). AS both houses craft compro- public lands throughout the West. mise legislation, the Senate must hold These policies: firm to save the West from Bush. •disable local managers’ authority The cornerstone of the President’s to deny applications to drill, and Energy Plan and the House bill was •essentially void old management opening the Arctic National Wildlife plans that restricted leasing and NMWA Lobbies with Zia Refuge to oil and gas drilling. The drilling. Senate voted the measure down handily This “under the radar” attack on our in April (54-46). This vote came as the public lands cannot go unopposed. result of thousands of phone calls from New Mexican conservationists will Pueblo for Joint Proposal around the country to the Senate offices be especially important as the conferees n March 2002, NMWA Executive page 12). Interest among our Senators in the final days and hours. begin their deliberations in the coming Director Edward Sullivan joined and Congressmen in the proposal was Now that the House and Senate have weeks. Senator Jeff Bingaman (NM-D) representatives of the Zia Pueblo, very high. Both Senator Domenci and passed their own disparate energy bills, is chairing the committee on behalf of former Governor Bruce King, and Coali- Congressman Udall expressed interest the real fun begins—in Conference the Senate and is in a position to ensure tionI for New Mexico Wilderness Chair- in seeking legislation in this Congress. Committee, the two bodies must reach that the bad provisions of the House man, Jim Scarantino to lobby Congress Next steps for the proposal are: a compromise that they can send back Public Lands Title never see the light on the joint proposal to protect the •to present suggested legislative to both bodies for final approval and of day in the final conference report. Ojito/Puni Wilderness and transfer a language to the delegation, and then on to the President. Your calls can make a difference! parcel of BLM land to the Zia Pueblo. •to build support among the appro- Since the House and Senate Energy Please call or write Senator Bingaman The delegation that went back to priate committees in both Houses Bills are so different, conservationists and ask him to protect the West’s public lobby was assembled after months of of Congress. across the country are very concerned lands by upholding our existing protec- deliberations between the Coalition about the final conference report. Key tions against unchecked oil and gas and the Zia Pueblo on the proposal (see provisions for which House conferees exploration and by keeping the Public are expected to push hard are: Lands Title out of the final conference •opening the Arctic to drilling, and report. For contact information, see •the so-called “Public Lands Title”. page 12. Since Senate opposition to opening the —by Edward Sullivan NMWA Testifies in Support Arctic to drilling is so solid, the House NMWA Executive Director of Sandia Settlement n April 2002, Edward Sullivan and Oil/Gas from the Robledos? Staff Attorney Michael Robinson n April 2002, at the Competitive Oil Due, however, to the expanding traveled to Washington, DC to testify and Gas Lease Sale, the BLM offered interest in oil and gas development in front of the Senate Indian Affairs and up 12,477 acres of land in the heart in the West, urged on by the Bush EnergyI and Natural Resources Commit- of our Robledo Mountains–Sierra de Administration’s pro-drilling agenda, tees on Senator Bingaman’s Sandia Ilas Uvas Citizens’ Wilderness Proposal. this new interest is not entirely a sur- Settlement legislation (S. 2018). If the BLM actually issues leases there, prise. We fully expect to see similar While largely supportive of the settle- the land would be tied up and arguably interest in other areas, such as Otero ment agreement, Sullivan and Robinson disqualified as potential Wilderness for Mesa, where there has been no historic voiced opposition to “county consent” the next 10 years. New Mexico Wilder- development. The NMWA is paying provisions in Bingaman’s bill that would ness Alliance (NMWA) has issued a particularly close attention to oil and give Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties At the hearing, Senator Domenici formal protest to stop the sale. gas issues. We will continue to fight to “veto powers” over new uses that the said queried whether, if the county The Robledos Mountains–Sierra de stop any oil or gas development in the Forest Service might propose in the consent provisions were not removed, las Uvas is not typically associated Robledo Mountains–Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness area. This new veto power “all the Wilderness folks would come with oil and gas development. The area Citizens’ Wilderness Proposal as well would set a dangerous precedent and out of the bushes on this one.” Edward is comprised primarily of volcanic as other sensitive areas throughout give county-rights activists in the replied, “Yes, Senator, we certainly geologic structures that do not typically the State. Roundhouse and in Catron and Grant spend a lot of time in the bushes.” contain oil and gas deposits. For this —by Michael Robinson counties fodder for their effort to take reason, the industry has, historically, NMWA Wilderness Protection control of federal land. shown very little interest in the area. Coordinator 10 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Flora and Fauna Griffith’s Saltbush Survives on the Margins of Playas he proposed Lordsburg Playas four-wing saltbush, both are members Lordsburg Playas in New Mexico and parts of the Lordsburg Playas area, is Wilderness is found in extreme of the plant family Chenopodiaceae. Willcox Playa in southeastern Arizona. likely damaging to individual plants. southwestern New Mexico adjacent Although four-wing saltbush is com- More recently, a small population was Any form of significant surface distur- to the Peloncillo Mountains just north mon, Griffith’s saltbush is rare. Like discovered at some barrow pits near bance would certainly be detrimental to Tof Interstate 10. During wet and rainy many of the members of this family, this Deming, although these plants do not existing plants. A more recent concern periods, ephemeral shallow lakes in the saltbush is gray-green in color and may appear to be well established. is the invasion of Lehmann love grass in playas provide important habitat for reach up to a meter in height. The nov- Once described as the dominant the Willcox Playa. This exotic grass is migrating birds and other wildlife. ice can easily confuse the two shrubs, plant on the perimeter of the Lordsburg known to out-compete and replace Along the margins of the playas, but the unique appearance of the seeds Playa, more recent observations indi- native species. Griffith’s saltbush provides vital vegeta- (or fruits) on female plants is a key to cate that the plant is fairly common but The very limited geographic area tive cover and food for wildlife in identification. Four-wing saltbush, as its certainly not dominant. It appears to act where this plant is known to occur, and the area. name implies, has fruit with four well as a seral species in disturbed areas. The its restricted distribution at the perim- Playa ecosystems are not well stud- developed wings, while fruit of Griffith’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers eter of playas, is an example of the ied, but different playas possess differ- saltbush are flat and frequently heart- it a “species of concern”, endangered in uniqueness of the playa ecosystems. ent soil characteristics and unique plant shaped. Four-wing saltbush grows a portion of its range. The New Mexico These unique features offer important and animal associations. Each playa is abundantly in a wide variety of soils, Rare Plants Technical Committee opportunities for scientific study—an likely to have its own rare species that but Griffith’s saltbush seems limited to describes it as rare outside the State of excellent justification for the inclusion may or may not be found elsewhere. the saline margins of playas where the New Mexico. Threats to the plant are of Lordsburg Playas and other playa Around the perimeter of the Lordsburg plants are not submerged for long peri- not known with certainty. It is tolerant ecosystems in our Wilderness system. Playas is found the little known Griffith’s ods of time. For some time, this plant of light grazing pressures, but severe —by Tom Wootten saltbush, a small perennial shrub. Like was known to occur only at the pressure, such as has been observed in NMWA Member

Prairie Dogs are a Misunderstood Keystone Species rairie dogs are what conservation- ists refer to as a Keystone Species. This means that Prairie dogs help other species live, and if they were to becomeP extinct, other animals could also disappear. Keystone Species such as prairie dogs help support ecosystems (entire communities of life) of which they are a part. Some 200 species of wildlife have been associated with prairie dog towns. Some prey on prairie dogs themselves, such as golden eagles, swift foxes, coyotes, ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, badgers and black-footed ferrets. Prairie dog burrows also provide habitat for Burrowing Owls—who don’t dig their own burrows, but move into abandoned prairie dog burrows and live as neighbors. Prairie dogs are very social animals that live in family groups called cote- ries. A coterie usually contains an adult male, one or more adult females, and their young. As young male prairie dogs grow up, they move out of their home coterie in order to find or create new coteries. These coteries or neighbor- hoods cluster together creating larger towns or colonies, which create more protection from the above mentioned to these tunnels are large mounds of tailed prairie dog is currently under increased amounts of rich forage for predators. Prairie dogs from the same dirt, which serve to protect against review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife cattle—and works toward increasing coterie tend to get along well, commu- predators and weather. Prairie dogs Service for protection under the diversity on rangeland. nicating with complex verbal sounds, spend much of their time above ground Endangered Species Act. The Gunnison Prairie Dog (Cynomys often standing on their hind legs and in the daylight, but retreat underground Prairie Dog reintroduction efforts, gunnisoni) has also lost much of its emitting a two-note call. They also have with nightfall. however, have already begun on private habitat in New Mexico. In Albuquer- a variety of pitched warning calls to Prairie dogs remain very endangered, land throughout New Mexico. On the que, Prairie Dog Pals (a nonprofit alert the coterie to potential predators. often being shot or poisoned, sadly Gray Ranch in the extreme southwest organization) helps care for prairie dogs While a given coterie live together in because of misconceptions and a lack corner of New Mexico, a research trapped on public lands in the City. harmony, relations with other prairie of understanding cultivated by many project involving three reintroduced The organization provides relocation dog coteries can often be hostile. old myths. In 1900, an estimated five Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys for population control and sometimes Generally, disputes involve territory billion prairie dogs lived in North ludovicianus) populations in areas that supplemental feeding in barren areas and aggressive behavior. America. Unfairly, ranchers have are actively grazed by cattle has found to prevent starvation. Prairie dog towns can be quite viewed prairie dogs as pests that com- that there is a positive interaction For more information on Prairie elaborate and extensive, with networks pete with their livestock for food. Today, between prairie dogs and ranching. Dog Pals, see their web site (www. of underground tunnels and burrows. the prairie dog population has plunged According to early findings of the Gray prairiedogpals.homestead.com). Some have chambers for sleeping, by 98% in North America. The Mexican Ranch project, the prairie dogs have storing food, rearing young and even prairie dog is endangered, and the Utah successfully increased vegetation areas to dispose of waste. The openings prairie dog is threatened. The Black- biomass (Brown 2002). This leads to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 11 Get Involved NMWA, Zia Pueblo, Ojito Wilderness Ask For Your Help he New Mexico Wilderness Alli- managed by the Zia for the purposes of write a couple of letters in support of of your letter (P.O. Box 25464, ance is currently working with the conservation and protection of sites that this agreement. Send the letters to your Albuquerque, NM 87125; 505/843- Zia Pueblo on an agreement that are sacred to the Zia Pueblo. A lobbying Congressional Representative and your 8697; fax 505/843-8697; nmwa@ would give federal Wilderness designa- team went to Washington, DC in April two Senators (see boxes). nmwild.org). Ttion to the Ojito WSA (Wilderness Study 2002 to introduce this agreement to If you receive a response from any Area), which lies within our greater the NM delegation. The team was What To Say congressional office, please pass that Cabezon Country proposal. The agree- comprised of: along, too. Please use the sample letters pro- ment would also support the transfer of •NMWA Executive Director Edward —by Sean Saville vided below as a guide when writing approximately 13,000 acres of public Sullivan, NMWA Grassroots Organizer your own letter. There is no better way land into Zia Trust Land. This Trust Land •Chairman of the Coalition for New to communicate with your elected offi- would remain open to the public for Mexico Wilderness Jim Scarantino, cials than with a short, personal letter. respectful use and would further be •former NM Governor Bruce King, Include a sentence or two about why and this issue is important to you or add a •leaders of the Zia Pueblo including Sample Letter personal anecdote or other information Peter Pino. about yourself. If you have any personal Dear Senator Bingaman The reception was overwhelmingly [or Pete Domenici], experience directly related to the positive, and we feel confident that the subject, use that. I write to encourage you to sup- acceptance of this agreement will pro- Please Write! Keep it short. Your letter should be port the efforts of the Coalition for vide the momentum needed to create no more than a page. Two or three New Mexico Wilderness and the lease take a few minutes to a receptive environment for designation paragraphs are plenty. Zia Pueblo to protect the Ojito or write a letter to your elected of the remaining Cabezon Country officialsP in support of Wilderness Be sure to include your name and “Pu–i” area as Wilderness and for lands. It is these types of collaborative the Zia’s acquisition of surrounding designation for the Ojito WSA. mailing address on the letter. efforts bringing diverse interests to the public lands. We must show that our broad table that will serve to further the base of support is from all over Wilderness movement in New Mexico. Please Send Us a Copy! The Ojito Wilderness Study Area was recommended by the BLM for the State. We at the New Mexico Be a part of designating the first It’s a huge help if we know that our Wilderness designation more than Wilderness Alliance are willing Wilderness of the 21st Century in New members of Congress are hearing from two decades ago. It is time to per- to fight for Wilderness—but in Mexico. Please take a few minutes and you. Please mail, email or fax us a copy order to win, we need every one manently protect this special place. of you to stand behind us. Thank Zia Pueblo would allow continued you for your support! respectful public access to the Wait! Do I need to write to all acquired land, and no ranchers would be displaced. This agreement these people? The answer is “No”. would do much to increase positive Send your letter to your representa- relations between the northern tive—you have just one—and both NM pueblos and the conservation NM senators. If you live in the Albu- community as well as the NM querque area, Heather Wilson is delegation. your representative. If you live in Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos or other [Add any relevant personal northern parts of New Mexico, Tom anecdote or experience....] Udall is your representative. In the Thank you for your support. south, just write to your senators. Sincerely, Senator Jeff Bingaman 703 Hart Senate Office Building Your Name US Senate cc: [the other Senator] Washington, DC 20510 [email protected] In Santa Fe—505/988-6647 In Washinton, DC—202/224-5521 Letters Needed for the Gila Sample Letter Senator Pete Domenici ff-road vehicle (ORV) use is TTY: 505/388-8489 328 Hart Senate Office Building wreaking havoc on the Gila Fax: 505/388-8204 Dear Supervisor Andre, US Senate National Forest. Off-road Urge Andre to adopt this policy and Off-road vehicle use has increased Washington, DC 20510 vehicles, especially irresponsible and allow the Forest Service and the public significantly in the Gila National Oillegal activity—cross-country travel to monitor ORV use in the Gila [email protected] Forest in the past 20 years, and In Santa Fe—505/988-6511 and users creating their own trails— National Forest. effective management approaches In Albuquerque—505/346-6791 cause soil erosion and stream sedimen- Supervisor Andre is currently review- are necessary to ensure all users are In Roswell—505/623-6170 tation, disturb wildlife and vegetation, ing whether or not to implement this able to enjoy the Gila National For- In Washington, DC—202/224-6621 and create user conflicts. The evidence policy. Letters from the public will help est. The impacts caused by OHV use is clear in the Gila, and an effective assure her that this policy is the best are well documented. They include Representative Heather Wilson policy needs to be implemented in or- way to restrict and monitor ORV use disruption of wildlife and wildlife 318 Cannon House Office Building der to reduce the impacts. in the Gila National Forest. habitats, destruction of vegetation, US House of Representatives The “Closed Unless Posted Open — by Nick Sanders soil compaction, erosion, and Washington, DC 20515 Policy” removes any doubt whether a NMWA Intern stream sedimentation. [email protected] trail—notably, an illegal user-created I implore you to adopt a Closed In Albuquerque—505/346-6781 trail—is open or closed. Unless Posted Open policy in the In Washington, DC—202/225-6316 This policy was written during the Gila National Forest to reduce the Carter Administration but has not been impacts of OHV use, reduce conflict Representative Tom Udall implemented, because agency heads I wonder if my between OHV users, and improve 502 Cannon House Office Building and forest supervisors have not heard dreams are real or just mirage... monitoring and enforcement of US House of Representatives OHV regulations within the Gila. enough from the grassroots. Land of the Jaguar Washington, DC 20515 We are asking you to write a letter to: Thank you for your consideration. [email protected] Marcia Andre, Forest Supervisor I await your reply. In Santa Fe—505/984-8950 Gila National Forest -by Christophe Olson Sincerely, In Washington, DC—202/225-6190 3005 E. Camino del Bosque Silver City, NM 88061 Your Name Phone: 505/388-8201 12 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Gettin’ Out There Wilderness—”Kind of Recalibrates Everything” t was my first backpacking trip into wonder. I looked through the smudge Their impressions have been preserved the freeways and rarely even notice the the Grand Canyon, and three days of my ordinary perceptions and saw in the oral traditions of people still liv- incessant, smothering noise, unless a out I still was trying to get my mind beyond, as I never had before, the ing. The unsettling recentness of that trucker happens to hit the jake brake around the sheer immensity of it all. extraordinary grandeur. What a gift! geologic event etched a fine line into my right beside us. OneI of my companions on the trip, Bill But upon reflection, I realized that all inner measure of time. If we’re very open and fortunate, Wil- Stone, outdoor photographer and Grand Wilderness, each Wilderness, performs And so did seeing fossil corals on a re- derness will recalibrate our sense of Canyon veteran, must have sensed this, a similar recalibration upon us. Here’s cent trip to the Wilderness of the peace. For me, my everyday benchmark because as I stood gazing slack-jawed an example. Recall the first, or even a Guadalupe Mountains. As I examined for peace usually is an appointment at the spectacle, he came to me and recent, time that you camped in a Wil- the corals, saw their intricate details unexpectedly cancelled, giving me a remarked, “Kind of recalibrates derness beneath a clear, moonless sky. faithfully preserved, I easily could imag- free half hour in a coffee shop. I think everything, doesn’t it?” Stars beyond counting, like diamond ine them plucked last week from John Muir had something deeper in Yes, I thought, that was exactly what dust. The Milky Way an overarching a barrier reef somewhere, but these cor- mind when he wrote, “Nature’s peace was happening. Recalibration. All my majesty. And a deep sense of the true als were almost 300 million years old, will flow into you as sunshine flows inner benchmarks were being revised, vastness of the universe. Yet absent and human ancestors then were lumber- into trees.” raised. Certainly my perceptions of such a Wilderness experience, we ing amphibians. No oral traditions there. Polluted air, hazy skies, pervasive space and time would never be the often forget that the celestial wonder Wilderness also will recalibrate our noise, bottled water, bottled lives, sub- same. For the first time I not only even exists. measure of quiet. Not silence, for that sisting on tiny units of time dribbling acknowledged but also felt the brevity Nor is the Grand Canyon alone in implies the absence of sound but from our watches like solution from an and transience of human presence here recalibrating our sense of time. I think rather—quiet. In which to hear the IV tube—gradually the intolerable on Earth. The trail we’d been follow- of El Malpais National Monument. diminutive, otherwise unheard sounds becomes tolerable, the unthinkable ing—the forces and the time that had Standing at the Sandstone Bluffs Over- of nature—a breeze whispering through becomes unnoticeable, and the carved the Grand Canyon would erase look and gazing at the lava flow below, ponderosa needles, the murmur of a apertures of our souls contract. the trail like a smudge on a window. I realize that ancestors of modern small stream flowing over gravel, the Unless we recalibrate. Pretty humbling. But any sense of Indian peoples doubtless saw this chit-chat of unseen birds. Sadly, in our —by Bob Julyan insignificance I felt was overwritten by seemingly immutable landscape when normal lives a sound must rival a small NMWA Member an overwhelming sense of awe and it was a moving molten river of fire. bomb to gain our attention. We drive

Cabezon Outing a Success NM Businesses Support n the last weekend of April 2002, will designate an area as Wilderness NMWA took about 25 members and and also place land in trust for the the Otero Mesa Wilderness Campaign activists out to the vast Cabezon Zia Pueblo. Country that we are involved in propos- On Sunday, we took a hike up bbott Studio & Gallery, Mesilla, NM • Acupuncture Center of Los Alamos, Los ingI for Wilderness designation. This Cañon Tapia in the Chamisa/Banco Alamos, NM • Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Albuquerque, NM • wild 210,000-acre area is only 50 miles Breaks WSA (Wilderness Study Area). AAmigos Bravos, Taos, NM • Angel’s Vision, Handcrafted Jewelry, Albuquerque, NM • Barry Howard Studios, Taos, NM • Blossoms Garden Center, Taos, NM • Blue Dome northwest of Albuquerque—but when The canyon was formed by the Rio Gallery, Silver City, NM • Blue Rain Gallery, Taos, NM • Border Wildlife Consultants, you’re out there, it seems worlds away. Puerco, and much of the hike was Las Cruces, NM • Bud’s Cut Flowers & More, Taos, NM • Cameron’s Café, Albuquerque, The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance actually in the dry bed of one of tribu- NM • Casa de Santiago, Mesilla, NM • Catherine Lukes, N.D. (Dr. of Naturopathic believes in providing people with a taries to the Puerco. The canyon is Medicine), Corrales, NM • Child-Rite Inc., Taos, NM • Coyote Club, Taos, NM • Dave’s Wilderness experience to aid in under- characterized by steep sandstone cliffs Custom Cycle, Taos, NM • Deming Eyeworks, Deming, NM • D.O.M.E. (Dynamic Out- standing the importance of protecting in many areas covered by petroglyphs, door Moutain Experience), Los Alamos, NM • Ecos, LLC, Albuquerque, NM • Enchanted these special places. This type of experi- and a dry valley floor with many cholla Gardens, Las Cruces, NM • Environmental Dynamics Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Fast ential education is at the root of what and salt cedars (both indicative of Signs on Central, Albuquerque, NM • Fenix Gallery, Taos, NM • Fund for Public Interest motivates people to get involved with overgrazing). With the exception of Research, Albuquerque, NM • G&G Sports & Trophies, Taos, NM • G. Robert Johns (Landscape Architect), Albuquerque, NM • General Dentistry, Taos, NM • Golden Aspen our organization and what keeps our a couple of natural springs in the area, Massage Therapy, Los Alamos, NM • Gordon’s CDs, Tapes & Records, Los Alamos, NM membership coming back on these the canyon is very arid. • Grandfather’s Eagle, Albuquerque, NM • Gypsy Wagon Celtic & More, Albuquerque, Wilderness adventures with us. We explored and documented sev- NM • Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs, T or C, NM • Imaginary Scents, Inc., Albuquerque, NM A handful of folks and staff camped eral ancient ruins that have apparently • Inspirations, Taos, NM • Irish Mac’s Coffee House, Albuquerque, NM • Jess Alford out Friday and Saturday nights in the been renovated by the BLM and resi- Photography, Albuquerque, NM • Kelly Williams (Stylist), Albuquerque, NM • La Piñata, area, despite the heavy winds. On dents. At one point, two of us were Albuquerque, NM • Larry Van Eaton, Attorney at Law, Taos, NM • Larry’s Hats, Albu- Saturday, we did a tour of the area, admiring some of the well preserved querque, NM • Las Comadres, Taos, NM • Life Force Unlimited, T or C, NM • Los highlighting the diversity of landscapes petroglyphs—and got up close and Alamos Chiropractic Center, Los Alamos, NM • Louie’s Rock-n-Reels, Albuquerque, NM • Luna Loca Metaphysical Books, Albuquerque, NM • Magic Circle Bagels, Taos, NM within the Cabezon Country. The personal with a mature and very large • Matthew T. Byers (Attorney & Counselor at Law), Carlsbad, NM • Miles Diller, Ph.D., Cabezon Country Wilderness Proposal rattlesnake. Fortunately, the snake was Los Alamos, NM • Mountain View Market, Las Cruces, NM • Naranjo’s Art & Jewelry, Area includes: not interested in us. Albuquerque, NM • New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Albuquerque, •high-desert grasslands, Cañon Tapia makes a great day hike. NM • NMPIRG, Albuquerque, NM • Noah’s Ark, Inc., Carlsbad, NM • Nob Hill Acu- •dramatic volcanic formations, Because the canyon floor is relatively puncture Center, Albuquerque, NM • NuCity Publications, Albuquerque, NM • Old •high mesas containing old growth flat, the hike is not too strenuous, and Mesilla Pastry Café, Mesilla, NM • Old World Imports, Albuquerque, NM • Oxygen ponderosa pine ecosystems and there is plenty of perfect wild New Therapy Associates, Las Cruces, NM • Paja Construction Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Paper endless red rock canyons full of Mexico to explore. Book Exchange, Taos, NM • Paul’s Men’s Shop, Taos, NM • Pauline’s Fashions, Carlsbad, petroglyphs and ruins, and For more information on our sched- NM • Peacecraft, Albuquerque, NM • Pete’s Pets, Los Alamos, NM • Photo Art Imaging, T or C, NM • Pinion Café & Bakery, Silver City, NM • Premier Medical, Taos, NM • R •evidence of the many cultures and ule of Wilderness outings, please see Books, Los Alamos, NM • Rio Grande Weavers Supply, Taos, NM • Sachs, Albuquerque, civilizations that have called this our web site (www.nmwild.org) or NM • Shadey Lady Lamps, Albuquerque, NM • Shelly L. Fritz, DDS, Albuquerque, NM area home. the Calendar of Events (page 3). • Sierra Chiropractic, T or C, NM • Silver Moon, Albuquerque, NM • Sky’s the Limit, The tour ended with a very inspiring —by Sean Saville Las Cruces, NM • Soothing Sensations Massage Therapy, Deming, NM • Southside Cop- talk by Peter Pino, the Tribal Administra- NMWA Grassroots Organizer ies, Graphics, Blueprints, Taos, NM • Southwest Framers, Taos, NM • Spectrum Pottery, tor for the Zia Pueblo. Peter spoke to T or C, NM • Stepback Inn, Aztec, NM • Stone Wolf, Taos, NM • Studio Estevane, Albu- the crowd about the history and signifi- querque, NM • Talking Talons Youth Leadership, Tijeras, NM • Taos Creek Cabins, Taos, cance of this area to the Zia. As one of NM • Taos Eyewear, Taos, NM • Taos Herb Co., Taos, NM • Taos Mosaic, Taos, NM • Taos Tack & Pet Supply, Taos, NM • The Arts of Remembrance, Silver City, NM • The our guests commented later, “It was the Herb Store, Albuquerque, NM • The Mystic Bear, Albuquerque, NM • The Porterhouse, best classroom I have ever been in.” Deming, NM • VanEvery, Thrasher & Company (CPAs), Albuquerque, NM • We Buy Peter briefly spoke in favor of the agree- Music, Albuquerque, NM • Xian Antiquities, Deming, NM ment between NMWA and the Zia that New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 13 Book Reviews In the Presence of Fear n the past 20 years, there have been means of war, we have almost totally In the final chapter, “In Distrust of many voices that speak to the idea neglected the ways of peaceableness. Movements”, Berry explores the limits of conservation, Wilderness and the We have, for example several of movements. The often one-dimen- protection of wild places. In that time, national military academies, but sional aspect of groups dedicated to oneI of the great voices has belonged not one peace academy.” protecting the environment or working to Wendell Berry. What makes Berry’s The second chapter of this refreshing toward social justice. voice even more distinctive is that the book looks at the folly of the so-called “What we must do above all, I think, tradional conservation themes we con- “global economy” and Berry’s version is try to see the problem in its full size stantly espouse (Wilderness, wildlife, of a real land ethic—the importance of and difficulty. Industrialism, which is National parks) have not been the buying locally and really living our lives the name of our economy, and which constant of his verse. Rather, Berry has with the morality needed to protect is now virtually the only economy in consistently written and spoken on wild lands and wildlife: the world, has been from its begin- behalf of a land ethic. For Berry, the “The folly at the root of this foolish nings in a state of riot.” Wilderness, wildlands and wildlife economy began with the idea that These are the writings of a person are interwoven with the farmer, a corporation should be regarded, connected to the land and community, the community, and the sense of legally, as a person. But the limitless like a tree is to the forest. This small a moral imperative and a clear destructiveness of this economy book should be read by all elected interconnectedness. comes about precisely because officials, for it instills a humility and a In his latest work, a mere three chap- a corporation is not a person.” sense of wholeness and respect that our ters put together by the Orion Society Given the current climate we live in, modern world is so often lacking, espe- following the September 11th tragedy, with oil and gas development threaten- cially in the political arena. Berry crafts Wendell Berry takes on the events of makes the case for peace and the ing wildlands everywhere, where per- his insight, in few pages, but leaves us September 11th and distills them into importance of the earth as a whole: sonal freedoms are being undermined, with a vision that is solid and secure. his own version of a new declaration of “What leads to peace is not violence and where our country remains As a result, his words provide comfort purpose for America. In contrast to the but peaceableness, which is not shocked and fearful as a result of the and moral focus for a world so endless flag waving and self-righteous- passivity, but an alert, informed, events of September 11th, Berry chal- suddenly changed. ness that has been displayed for practiced, an active state of being. lenges us to understand the bigger —by Stephen Capra months, Berry questions the conven- We should recognize that while we picture of these disturbing events and NMWA Communications tional wisdom and, with moral clarity, have almost totally subsidized the their genisis. Coordinator

Coalition for NM Wilderness Keeps On Ticking he Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness is an association of businesses and organizations that support Wilderness protection. The CoalitionT has nearly 100 members Organizations and Businesses Support the Work around the State (see box), including a rural county economic development council, a trucking company, retail of the Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness stores, outfitters, and environmental SI, Albuquerque, NM • American Lands, Washington, DC • American Planning Association, New Mexico Chapter, Albu- organizations such as The Wilderness querque, NM • Animal Protection of New Mexico, Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Anodyne, Albuquerque, NM • Audubon Soci- Society, the Center for Biological Aety of New Mexico, Santa Fe, NM • Beeps, Albuquerque, NM • Bike Coop, Albuquerque, NM • Bird’s Eye View (GIS Services), Diversity, the Sierra Club and the Albuquerque, NM • Blue Dragon Coffeehouse, Albuquerque, NM • Blue Mesa Café, Albuquerque, NM • Bosque Accounting & New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Taxes, Bernalillo, NM • Bow-Wow Records, Albuquerque, NM • Buster’s 66 Coffee-shop, Albuquerque, NM • Carson Forest The Coalition has been working Watch, Llano, NM • Celebro Natural Fiber Clothing, Albuquerque, NM • Center for Biological Diversity, Tucson, AZ • Chalk closely with NMWA on gathering sup- Farm Gallery, Santa Fe, NM • Chihuahuan Desert Conservation Alliance, Carlsbad, NM • Citizens for a Rational Water Policy, port for the Ojito Wilderness proposal. Albuquerque, NM • Clark Truck Equipment, Albuquerque, NM • Committee of Wilderness Supporters, Cortaro, AZ • Cottontails Recently, the board of the Coalition met Plus, Los Alamos, NM • Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, Albuquerque, NM • Coyote Moon, Santa Fe, NM • Defenders of Wild- and set a goal of tripling its membership life, Albuquerque, NM • Desert Moon Nursery, Veguita, NM • Earth Tones, Santa Fe, NM • Endangered Species Coalition, and providing regular communications Washington, DC • Fourth World Cottage Industries, Santa Fe, NM • Frank Lee Video, Albuquerque, NM • Friends of to members. The Coalition is also striv- Albuquerque’s Environmental Story, Albuquerque, NM • 4 Wheelers for Wilderness, South Weber, UT • Glass Creations, Rio ing to increase opportunities for partici- Rancho, NM • Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Escalante, UT • Guadalupe Fun Rubber Stamps, Santa Fe, NM • Hand pation by its member businesses and Maiden, Santa Fe, NM • In-Crowd, Albuquerque, NM • La Montinita Food Coop, Albuquerque, NM • Laughing Lizard Cafe, organizations. Jemez Springs, NM • Lauren’s Experience, Albuquerque, NM • Magennis Studio, Rio Rancho, NM • Martha’s Body Bueno, Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Mountains & Rivers, Albuquerque, NM • National BLM Wilderness Campaign, Salt Lake City, UT • Na- Sean Saville of NMWA, and Melyssa tional Environmental Trusts, Santa Fe, NM • National Parks and Conservation Association, Albuquerque, NM • Native Spirits, Watson of The Wilderness Society’s Santa Fe, NM • Natural Sound, Albuquerque, NM • Naturescapes, Las Cruces, NM • New Grounds Print Workshop & Gallery, Wilderness Support Center, deserve Albuquerque, NM • New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Board, Albuquerque, NM • Ocean Waves Natural Healing, Albuquer- much of the credit for the accomplish- que, NM • Parsons Biological Consulting, Albuquerque, NM • Pulse Nightclub, Albuquerque, NM • R.B. Winnings, Albuquer- ments of the Coalition to date. que, NM • Raised by Wolves, Inc., Thoreau, NM • Ramblin Café, Santa Fe, NM • Republicans for Environmental Protection, Membership in the Coalition is free. Board, Albuquerque, NM • Rio Grande Restoration, El Prado, NM • Rio Mountainsport, Albuquerque, NM • Santa Fe Mountain If you own or work for a business that Sports, Santa Fe, NM • Sauce/ Raw/ Liquid Lounge, Albuquerque, NM • Schomberg Optician, Los Alamos, NM • Sierra Club, appreciates the benefits of Wilderness Rio Grande Chapter, Board, Albuquerque, NM • Sierra County Economic Development Organization, Truth or Consequences, for New Mexico’s culture, economy, NM • Silverado Café and Coffee, Albuquerque, NM • Sinapu, Boulder, CO • Skeleton Art Gallery, Santa Fe, NM • Sky quality of life and natural environment, Island Alliance, Board, Albuquerque, NM • Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Salt Lake City, UT • Southwest Environmental and want information on becoming a Center, Las Cruces, NM • Southwest Forest Alliance, Flagstaff, NM • Southwest Originals, Albuquerque, NM • Stone Mountain member, please contact Jim Scarantino Bead Gallery, Albuquerque, NM • T&E, Inc., Cortaro, AZ • Terra Firma, Albuquerque, NM • The A Store, Albuquerque, NM • (268-0947, [email protected]). The Wilderness Society, Board, Denver, CO • The Wildlands Project, Tucson, AZ • The Wildlife Land Trust, Washington, DC • You can show your support for New Tierra Wood Stoves, Taos, NM • Trust for Public Land, Santa Fe, NM • Turtle Mountain Brewing Co., Rio Rancho, NM • Village Mexico Wilderness by patronizing Pizza, Corrales, NM • Voces Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Weekdays, Albuquerque, NM • White Mountain Conservation League, pro-Wilderness businesses. Pinetop, AZ • Wilderness Watch, Missoula, MT • Wild Birds Unlimited, Santa Fe, NM • Wild Earth Llama Adventures, Taos, NM —by Jim Scarantino • Wild Mountain Outfitters, Santa Fe, NM Chairman of the Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness 14 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Staff/Volunteer Profiles Wilderness Advocates Build Community Through Music n 10 April 2002, the New Mexico NMWA would like to offer special Wilderness Alliance reached out thanks to our concert sponsors: to a new audience of potential •Apple Mountain Music, Wilderness supporters by sponsoring a •Laura Rose Boyle, Massage Obenefit concert with the David Grisman Therapist (Tierra Madre), Quintet. Even though sponsoring a con- •Ed Cohen, cert was a new endeavor for NMWA, •the Vaughan Company Realtors, we produced a wonderful event with •the Klar Family, many benefits for the Alliance. These •Elliott Marks Photography, benefits ranged from income to •La Montanita Co-op, increased membership, as well as an •La Posada de Albuquerque, evening of inspiring music to rejuvenate •Martha’s Body Bueno Shop, us all for the awakening Spring. But for •Odwalla, many of us, the largest incentive of all •Quickbeam Systems, Inc., was the potential to inform a captive •Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, audience of 650 New Mexicans about •Wild Oats, and our efforts to protect wild lands •R.B. Winning Coffee Company. throughout New Mexico, and to gain We would also especially like to letters of support to our delegation for thank Stewart Dawson, lighting the protection of Cabezon Country and designer and light board operator, for Otero Mesa. donating his services; Mimi Peavy for Welcome, Greta Balderrama! In this issue of Call of the Wild, we talk assisting Stewart; and the KiMo about different Wilderness advocates Theatre Staff. Also, thanks to the follow- throughout New Mexico that we tradi- ing for the loan of items: NMWA’s New Southern Grassroots Organizer tionally overlook when seeking allies. •Mesa Azul Gallery Café In the process of organizing this event, (formerly Blue Mesa Café), we have all learned first hand that new •Morningside Antiques and and innovative ways of outreach to Christy Marvin, diverse communities is an extremely •Albuquerque Little Theatre. important way to successfully protect —Jonathan Klar A Call for Photography! Wilderness here in New Mexico. NMWA Intern he New Mexico Wilderness Alli- Cedar Mesa, Palomas Hills, Gap Hill, ance would like to call on all of Antelope Pass, Granite Gap. you photographers out there to Chihuahuan Desert Units—Chupadera donate your time, talents and images! Wilderness Addition, Eagle’s Nest, TWe are looking for high-quality land- Malpais Ridge, Luna Mesa, San Luis scape photos for the following units in Farewell—For Now Lake, Cambray, Providence Cone our statewide Wilderness proposal: ometimes it amazes me to look vision for a wild New Mexico. When South (SE), Aden Lava Flow, East back and see how far this organi- she speaks of her experiences in the Big Colorado Plateau Units—Alamito Potrillos, Massacre Peak, Good Sight zation has come since we “got Outside, it is like she is shining a light Wash, Ranger Cabin, Split Lip Flats. Mountains, Good Sight Peak, Sleep- ing Lady Hills, Achenbach Canyon, down to business” more than three upon you from the depths of her soul. Central Highlands Units—Alexander yearsS ago. We have grown and suc- She also has the skills and ability to run Redhouse Mountain, Redhouse Mountain, Cerro Pomo, Red Hill, Mountain Notch, Culp Canyon South, ceeded because we have the most what has become quite a complex busi- Magdelena Mountain Expansions, La Paloma Canyon, Crooked Canyon, dedicated Board of Directors, staff, ness. I hope you will welcome her as Mariano Mesa, Mesa Gallina, Monte Buzzard Canyon, South of Texas Hill membership and coalition partners I’ve you have welcomed and supported me Seco, Petaca Pinta, Point of Rocks Canyon, Lonesome Ridge, McKittrick ever encountered, and because we are over these past three and a half years. Canyon, Polvadera Mountain, Tejana Canyon, Devils Den, Antelope–South, working to protect some of the wildest Although I am leaving New Mexico Mesa, Volcano Hill, Wahoo Moun- La Montonera, Presilla SE, Sierra de and most beautiful Wilderness areas for the time being, I am leaving my tain 1&2. I’ve ever hiked. That is why it is so hard heart and my future here. I am not giv- la Cruz, Big Yucca–North, Peñasco to announce that, at the end of the ing up the fight we all have dedicated Headwaters Units—Cerro de la Olla, Canyon, Peñasco Peak, Rim Rock summer, I will be leaving the New so much time to—I am just making Rincon del Cuervo. Canyon, Otero Mesa South. Mexico Wilderness Alliance. room for new energy and new ideas to Sky Island Units—Gore Canyon, Pyra- efore heading out to take photos of As a part of this Wilderness family, take us even further. In the meantime, mid Mountains, Animas Mountains, these wild areas, please contact you share the same ideal and vision I will be exploring and learning North UBar Ridge South, Hatchita Matt Clark (505/843-8696) for direc- that drives the rest of us—that someday throughout South America for a few Valley, Doyle Peak, Little Hatchet B tions and tips, and also so we can keep what remains of wild New Mexico will years. I hope to come back to New Mountains, Hatchita Peak, Howells track of which areas are being docu- be protected, and that other areas cur- Mexico someday with new ideas and Ridge, Playas Valley, Corral Canyon, mented by whom. rently degraded will be restored. It perspectives that will enhance the great Mexican Canyon, Swan Canyon, sounds simple enough, but this work work we are already doing. is long-term. It takes commitment, not Thank you so much for believing in only on the behalf of individuals, but me, but more importantly for believing as an organization. in NMWA. Sometimes I think I’m crazy While we each make an incredible for leaving such a loving and caring impact in this organization in our own family, but I know in my heart that I am way, I firmly believe this organization not leaving this family or this place for is bigger than any one of us. I know it’s good—just for a little while. certainly a lot bigger than me. That is So next time you’re on Turkey Feather why I can leave the organization this Pass, tell the old pines I say hello. Or if summer with great confidence that you are ever in the Columbine-Hondo, our streak of success and growth will pick a few wildflowers for me. And as continue for years to come. you gaze across the vast expanse of Another reason I am leaving confi- Otero Mesa, watch the pronghorn run dently is because I believe we have for me. Farewell, friends—for now. found the best person possible to take —Edward Sullivan over the position of Executive Director. NMWA Executive Director Jessica Pope shares our passion and New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2002 15 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 25464 U.S. Postage Albuquerque, NM 87125 PAID Permit #426 Albuquerque, NM

Thank You, Alice Peden he New Mexico Wilderness Alliance would like to thank Alice Peden for her dedication to preserving New Mexico’s Wilderness through her artwork. Alice has donated more than 15 of her watercolor paintings to the Alli- Tance to pretty up the pages of Call of the Wild. She also recently sent paintings of Otero Mesa to our Representa- tives with a personal note of why Otero Mesa is important to her and why it should be protected for everyone. 16 Summer 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance