Call of the Wild

The Newsletter of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Vol. VI No. 4 Winter 2002

TheThe SkySky IslandsIslands New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 1 New Mexico A Note from the Chair aving just returned from Australia, I am reminded Wilderness Alliance how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. Main Office Though I am fascinated with the grander and 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 biodiversity of the Northern Territory and Kimberly [email protected] • www.nmwild.org Houtback, they have nothing to surpass what we often take for granted in the Land of Enchantment. This P.O. Box 25464 acknowledgment furthers my resolve to protect the Albuquerque, NM 87125 wildlands I am part of. 202 Central Avenue, SE • Suite 101 With the sun shinning low through the window, I am Albuquerque, NM 87102 reminded that another year has passed and so much has happened within the New Mexico Wilderness Alli- Las Cruces Field Office ance (NMWA). My last report to you spoke of Edward 101 N. Alameda #8G Sullivan’s decision to leave NMWA and follow the call Las Cruces, NM 88005 of the wild to South America. This was the genesis for a 505/527-9962 major effort by the board to find a worthy replacement, which we have in Jessica Pope. I am glad to say that Mission Statement Jess has exceeded all of our expectations. She is a The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is dynamic lady who meets every task and challenge dedicated to the protection, restoration, and with the determination of a climber trying to ascend continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wild lands Cookes Peak before lunch! Thank you Jess, your efforts and Wilderness areas. are appreciated. Jess inherited difficult times but quickly rose to the NMWA Staff challenge and is making great progress. As you know, Greta Balderrama, Grassroots Organizer the economy took a dramatic turn downward in Las Cruces Office response to world events. With this economic change, Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator Steve Capra, Director of Wilderness Campaigns many of the foundations upon which NMWA and Greg Magee, Southern Field Coordinator other non-profit organizations depend have reduced or Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager even eliminated their grants. This required that conser- Jessica Pope, Executive Director vation groups, including NMWA, take a very hard look Randy Gray, Chairman of the Board Michael Robinson, Director of Wilderness at budgets, priorities, and staffing. To ensure that Protection of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Sean Saville, Grassroots Organizer Albuquerque Office NMWA can aggressively work toward Wilderness and Michael Scialdone, Northern Field Coordinator wildlands protection, the Board of Directors very reluctantly let some of NMWA’s family go. In August, Board of Directors Garrick Delzell, Matt Clark, Jim Scanlon, and Kathy Randall Gray, Chair Lake Valley, NM Table of Contents Wimmer’s positions were eliminated to re-size NMWA Todd Schulke, V. Chair Silver City, NM Wilderness Updates 3 Dave Parsons, Treasurer Albuquerque, NM for our new budget dictated by world events. This was Nancy Morton, Secretary Albuquerque, NM Otero Mesa an emotional event for all, because staff and board Jim Baca Albuquerque, NM Wilderness Spotlight 4 share a common vision for New Mexico’s wildlands Pam Eaton Denver, CO Florida Mountains—A NM Sky Island and have spent much time together celebrating our Dave Foreman Albuquerque, NM victories and planning our future. This decision was Bob Howard Santa Fe, NM Perspectives 5 especially difficult, because each one of these indi- Wes Leonard El Paso, TX Life In Oil Country—A New Reality viduals contributed so much hard work, enthusiasm, Arian Pregenzer Albuquerque, NM ideas, and dedication to the goals of NMWA. I and the Bob Tafanelli Las Cruces, NM Inventory Update 6 rest of the board want to use this forum to say “Thank Jim Scarantino Albuquerque, NM Explorations In the Big Burro Mountains You Garrick, Matt, Jim and Kathy; you are missed more Steve West Carlsbad, NM Wild Science 7 than you realize. Your absence is felt not only in our Tom Wootten Cortaro, AZ Landscape Linkages— hearts but on the front line of wildland’s conservation Key to Connectivity in the Sky Islands Newsletter where challenges continue to grow.” Tisha Broska, Managing Editor Feature 8-9 I want to assure you, our members and supporters, What Are Sky Islands? Marty Peale, Editor, Design & Layout that NMWA is strong and moving forward. We are The Peloncillos adjusting to the new economic conditions and are The Artists: Cover photo of Big Hatchets by D. Fore- Sky Islands Wildlands Network exploring opportunities to diversify our funding, since man; p. 2 photo of Randy Gray by N. Winkler; p. 3 il- Links Landscapes, People foundations will be limited in how much they can lustration by E. Cantor, p. 4 photos by G. Magee; p. 5 help. So now, we must look to you, our membership, photo of Roy Dearing by S. Capra; p. 6 photo of Gila Wilderness News 10 Lower Box by G. Magee; p. 7 illustrations by E. Cantor; Sandia Mnt. Settlement Awaits Senate OK for continued support. If you can, please give even p. 8 photo of Big Hatchets by M. Berman; p. 9 photog- Oil and Gas vs. Gila Lower Box, Robledos, more generously. We are looking into a variety of rapher unknown; p. 10 photo of Sandias by J. Willis; p. Boardwell Canyon events and activities that will generate income to sup- port our programs that protect wildlands and Wilder- 13 photos by S. Saville; p. 14 illustration by E. Cantor; Flora and Fauna 11 p. 16 photo by M. Berman. NM Life Zones—From Chihuahuan to Tundra ness. If you have ideas to help meet these objectives, please contact us. We are all in this together, because Get Involved 12 we all love the enchanted landscape we come Reiterate Support for a Wild Otero Mesa home to. A Call For Hope Enjoy this issue of our newsletter, which is dedicated Wilderness Gettin’ Out There 13 to the Sky Islands region. When I first hiked these areas The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the Jemez High School Goes to Cabezon of high biological diversity more than 30 years ago, National Wilderness Preservation System to preserve these gems of evolution became the genesis and core the last remaining wild lands in America. The Coalition Update 14 of my commitment to the protection of biodiversity Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures “an enduring Cabezon Working Group to Help and wildlands. No matter where my career and life resource of wilderness” for the people. Wilderness is New Businesses have taken me, the Sky Islands have been my beacon defined as an area that has primarily been affected by Brochure Promotes Coalition the forces of nature with the imprint of humans for coming home. The New Mexico Wilderness Alli- substantially unnoticeable. It is an area that offers Staff/Volunteer Profiles 15 ance, Sky Island Alliance, Wildlands Project, and oth- outstanding opportunity for solitude or a primitive or Board Salutes Sullivan’s Contributions ers have made the Sky Islands a priority for protection unconfined type of recreation, and an area that NMWA Seeks Community Liaisons and rewilding. Learn about them, visit their remote contains ecological, geological, or other features of You’re Invited—NMWA’s Annual Holiday Party canyons and mountain tops, share your hikes with scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. unique plants and animals, and help us keep them Printed on Recycled Paper wild and beautiful. —Randy Gray, Chairman of the Board 2 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Wilderness Updates Your Support Is Otero Mesa’s Only Line of Defense Now ocated in southern New Mexico, wenty-five years ago, the BLM under more than 520,000 acres of the Greater that there is no correlation between the Greater Otero Mesa Area is took a Wilderness inventory of the Otero Mesa Area qualify for Wilderness Otero Mesa and the fundraisers with considered to be the nation’s wildest T1.2 million acre Greater Otero Mesa designation. Nevertheless, BLM is Dick Cheney. The obvious is all too and largest Chihuahuan Desert grass- Area. From records we have obtained, attempting to accelerate development, clear, however, and HEYCO is not only Lland remaining on our public lands. we can see that: without reinventorying the area. mounting more money to fight to This rare network of grasslands, moun- •a considerable portion of this develop Otero Mesa, but is also gaining tains, serpentine canyons, and rolling inventory was based on aerial he lead company that wants to more political muscle. hills represents the only intact corridor photos, supplemented with limited exploit Otero Mesa is Harvey E. Yates The Wilderness potential of the between the Guadalupe and Sacra- on-site Wilderness reviews and TCompany (HEYCO), based out of Greater Otero Mesa Area is in serious mento Mountains for many species of inventories; and Roswell, New Mexico. George Yates, jeopardy. BLM: concern, including the State’s healthiest •the review covered only about the president of HEYCO, recently spon- •continues to ignore calls for a new herd of pronghorn antelope—which, 15,000 acres of the 1.2 million sored two $1,000-a-plate fundraisers in Wilderness inventory, and unlike other herds throughout New that comprise the area. southern New Mexico for Vice-Presi- •continues to neglect conducting Mexico, is native to the area and has When the BLM completed this cursory dent Dick Cheney. Yates has long been comprehensive scientific surveys never needed reintroduction. More than review, it recommended a mere 11,000 an enemy of conservation. He remains that could prove—or not—that oil 1,000 native wildlife species—includ- acres for intensive Wilderness evalua- on the board of the Mountain States and gas development can occur ing black-tailed prairie dogs, mule deer, tion—and then decided that none Legal Foundation (a group devoted to responsibly. coyotes, bald eagles, ferruginous hawks, qualified. fighting environmental regulation and At a recent meeting, BLM released its mountain lions, and 250 species of Would an assessor come to your supporting off-road vehicles, etc.), and new plan that calls for creating Leasing migratory songbirds depend on Otero home and judge its value by inspecting he is a former chairman of the board of Units in the grasslands of Otero Mesa, Mesa’s remaining, intact Chihuahuan only your bathroom? This extrapolation that organization. Yates is also the wherein several oil companies would Desert grassland. model does not work for your home, cousin of the president of Yates Petro- combine efforts to drill within specific Despite the fact that Chihuahuan and it is inherently unsound for deter- leum, the first company to obtain a units. At the meeting, ranchers made it Desert grasslands have received rela- mining the Wilderness potential of this drilling lease in New Mexico. In 1982, clear how strongly they objected to the tively little protection—Guadalupe great grassland. it was Yates Petroleum that plowed a fact that BLM would allow so much of National Park and the surface area of road into the Salt Creek Wilderness near the surface area to be disturbed by oil Carlsbad Caverns National Park, total- y contrast, in Summer 2001, the Roswell. It took several weeks and a and gas development. They voiced even ing less than 110,000 acres, represent New Mexico Wilderness Alliance court injunction to stop the drilling. more concern about how unclear the the only protected Chihuahuan desert Bconducted a Citizen’s Survey to docu- Newspaper reports of the time show BLM proposal was. The ranchers argued grasslands in the United States—the ment the Wilderness potential of the two people speaking up strongly in that the lack of specifics: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is area. Several months of comprehensive, defense of the Yates operation. One was •allows industry too much flexibility, moving aggressively to expedite oil and on-the-ground fieldwork, which strictly then Interior Secretary James Watt. The and gas development on Otero Mesa. followed BLM’s Wilderness Handbook other was a congressman from Wyo- •could ultimately contaminate In many ways, the plan to develop guidelines, led to the realization that ming—Dick Cheney. Industry argues precious ground water supplies Otero Mesa replicates the plan pro- and forever disfigure these special posed for Alaska’s Arctic National Wild- grasslands. life Refuge. It is designed to fool the Industry representatives attempted to general public into believing that oil stare down their vocal opponents and and gas drilling would only leave a made it clear that they will go to court small “footprint” on the landscape and to see more lands open to development can be done in an “environmentally with fewer restrictions. The agency sound manner.” In reality, the impacts released its timeline for the Final EIS, of full-scale drilling would cause an which now appears to be March 2003. unprecedented disadvantage for wildlife and habitat and would forever extin- n the time that remains, it is critical guish the potential for Wilderness. that Senator Jeff Bingaman hear from Industry argues that reclamation of NewI Mexicans. Your letters, phone the land would enable plants and ani- calls, and faxes are making a difference mals to thrive after development ended. on this issue! Now, it is time to focus In an area so naturally dry and in the our attention and efforts at a local level midst of a five-year drought, the term and elevate the pressure and support for “reclamation” is a euphemism; it is sim- Senator Bingaman to take a strong ply industry jargon designed to placate stance on this issue. the general public. Perhaps a more Jeff Steinborn is a field representative accurate word for the environmental for Senator Bingaman in Las Cruces. He challenge in the wake of the proposed is the key contact person for opinions, industrial development would be full- comments, and personal meetings scale “restoration”—a model that would regarding Otero Mesa. We urge you to acknowledge how damaged these grass- contact Mr. Steinborn; convey to him lands would be and how much time that Senator Bingaman must stand up they would foreseeably need in order for Otero Mesa and defend this price- to recover. less piece of our natural heritage. (For The fact is, however, that no real sci- more information, see page 12 and ence exists to confirm that either recla- www.oteromesa.org.) mation or restoration can succeed in The oil and gas industry continues this harsh desert environment. Regard- its strangle hold over our New Mexico. less of the wording, industry is anxious At Otero Mesa, we must draw a line in to begin drilling, and the BLM is heed- the sand and say “NO!” to their endless ing to its needs, under great pressure lust for power and profit. If we can stop from the Bush Administration, while this development, we can open the ignoring the Wilderness qualities, the door to a true conversation about alter- science, and the will of many citizens native energy production and efficiency living in New Mexico. —and preserve a true national treasure for many generations yet to come. —by Stephen Capra and Nathan Newcomer

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 3 Wilderness Spotlight The Florida Mountains—One of New Mexico’s Sky Islands he Florida Mountains are located sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding, in Luna County approximately hunting, photography, rock climbing, 12 miles southeast of Deming. and wildlife viewing This mountain range is characterized The Florida Mountains contain scenic byT spectacular jagged spires and multi- values of exceptional quality. The steep, colored cliffs of Precambrian granite angular rock outcroppings with jagged, overlain in places by Ordovician lime- vertical intrusions dominating the high- stone. These rugged mountains rise est peaks are breathtaking both from more than 2,800 feet above the sur- within and outside the boundaries of rounding desert to an elevation of 7,448 the unit. Because of the large variations feet at Florida Peak, and dominate the in elevation, exposure, and soils, habi- landscape for miles around. Gently tats in the Florida Mountains are numer- sloping alluvial fans that radiate out ous and varied. These habitats include from the mountains are included within endemic and relict plant communities. the boundaries of the unit. Endemic plants are plant species that

“Archeological surveys of only 607 acres within the [27,000-acre] WSA have established the presence of 22 cultural sites, most of them prehistoric. These include a series of bedrock mortars and an unusually large campsite.”

This mountain range is truly a sky are limited to specific habitats and island, and a diversity of habitats are found nowhere else. Relict plant com- found here. Coniferous woodland, munities are those that were formed a mountains scrub (or chaparral), grass- long time ago during a different climate lands, and desert shrub and cactus plant regime, but have found refuge in a par- communities comprise much of the ticular micro-habitat such as those vegetation. Small pockets of riparian found in the Florida Mountains. Sea- areas are found around the numerous sonal and perennial springs in the unit springs in the unit. Canyons in the unit provide important water for a diverse direct rainfall into the closed drainage wildlife population. Bird species of note basin of Mimbres River. The Florida include golden eagles, prairie falcons, Mountains Wilderness Study Area great-horned owls, hawks, ladder- (WSA) and Area of Critical Environmen- backed woodpeckers, canyon wrens, tal Concern (ACEC) are encompassed and black-chinned sparrows. This is by the Wilderness inventory unit that also home to mountain lion, mule deer, will be part of the Citizens’ Wilderness javelina, and numerous other mammal Proposal currently being prepared by species. the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. The historical and archeological The Florida Mountains were desig- values of the Florida Mountains have nated an ACEC due to significant scenic not been well documented, although values, wildlife resources, natural sys- archeological surveys of only 607 acres tems including endemic and relict plant within the WSA have established the communities, and natural hazards. The presence of 22 cultural sites, most of area is also home to an endangered them prehistoric. These include a series plant species, the Florida Mountains of bedrock mortars and an unusually oreohelix (also known as the Florida large campsite. Mountainsnail). This species appears on The Florida Mountains are a unique the States Endangered Species list and is part of the Sky Islands region that few a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federal Species hikers have discovered. There are no of Concern. formal hiking trails, but the area is great The Citizens’ Wilderness Proposal for for cross-country (off trail) day-hiking the Florida Mountains unit encom- and technical climbing. Spring Canyon passes more than 24,000 acres of land State Park is located in the northern managed by the Bureau of Land Man- portion of the proposed Wilderness unit agement (BLM). The addition of more and is a great day-use area for hikers than 3,000 acres of state trust lands and those who’d like to enjoy a picnic. within the proposed boundaries brings Rockhound State Park is north of the the total potential Wilderness unit to proposed Wilderness unit on the rugged more than 27,000 acres. west slope of the Little Florida Moun- The canyons and rugged terrain in the tains. This park is a favorite for rock- Florida Mountains allow visitors to dis- hounds because of its abundance of perse and avoid the sights and sounds agates and quartz crystals. Hiking trails of others, providing outstanding oppor- provide spectacular views of the tunities for solitude. Opportunities for Florida Mountains. primitive and unconfined recreation —by Greg Magee include backpacking, geological 4 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Perspectives Life In Oil Country—Waking Up To the New Reality t’s finally cooling off, at this time of oy and Louise Dearing are not your year at the home of Roy and Louise likely environmental activists. Roy Dearing. The Dearing’s modest home Rspent his adult life working with the oil occupies 12 acres, just a few miles industry, but his trust was shattered by Isouth of Carlsbad, New Mexico. It can the same arrogance and greed that the be found on a lonely stretch of asphalt industry flaunts widely—from its pro- that passes by a Christian summer camp posals for Otero Mesa in southern New and their neighbors Gene and Cathy Mexico, to the endless roads and pipe- Hood, who farm and ranch on the lines that now cover the Guadalupe surrounding 800 acres. Mountains, a place Roy fondly remem- For the Dearings, life had always bers hunting and camping not that been about hard work, raising a family, many years ago. Now he simply says, and enjoying some time fishing, camp- “They have trashed the place.” ing, and bringing their large extended Today on Roy’s property, the baby family together for fish frys and holi- quail are gone, the melons go uneaten, days. For more than 30 years, Roy the deer have long since discovered the worked in the oil fields as a roughneck remaining quiet places. Duke Energy and in the mines of southeastern New could easily move the compressor Mexico, using his earnings to buy the several miles away, but that would be land and home where he would raise an expense. Profit must always come his family. On the edge of his property, before people. a small natural gas compressor, owned New Mexico remains blessed with by a small independent oil and gas wild landscapes, great communities, company, easily co-existed with his and special people like the Dearings lifestyle. Baby quail drank from his who continue to fight against all odds outdoor spigot, and Roy always raised for something we consider a basic right enough watermelon to share with the as Americans—respect. They are not a deer that bedded down on his lawn on wealthy corporation headquartered on lazy summer evenings. For Roy and the other side of our country. They are Louise, hard work had produced a good people who have spent their lives in life, and for Roy, his pending retirement New Mexico and want to retire in their meant more time for fishing, family, and home with quiet, family, and an occa- simply sitting on his front porch and sional barbeque in their front yard. They enjoying country living. represent the reality of the Bush energy Two years ago, that idyllic existence policy—designed to put corporate was transformed almost overnight. The profits before the welfare of average small 100-horsepower compressor at Americans. the edge of his property—500 feet from his front door—was purchased by Duke Update Energy, the industry giant that is cur- Since October 2001, the New rently under investigation by federal Mexico Wilderness Alliance has worked authorities looking into their energy- Roy and Louise Dearing are not your likely environmental activists. Roy spent his with the Dearings to move that 1,200 trading practices. adult life working with the oil industry, but his trust was shattered by the same horsepower compressor away from next What the Dearings next witnessed arrogance and greed that the industry flaunts widely—from its proposals for Otero to their home and allow them the qual- was that small gas compressor being Mesa in southern New Mexico, to the endless roads and pipelines that now cover ity of life they deserve in their retire- replaced by a 1,200-horsepower natu- the Guadalupe Mountains. ment years. In July 2002, the Dearings ral-gas compressor that stands three sto- accompanied us to Washington, DC to ries high. Within days, the compressor meet with our delegation and discuss was up and running—and the quality of the fate of Otero Mesa. They spoke life for which the Dearings had worked “In July 2002, the Dearings accompanied us about Otero Mesa, their own plight, so hard was shattered. Today, the con- and the arrogance of the oil industry. stant drone of the compressor rumbles to Washington, DC to meet with our delegation Their emotional appeal affected though their house, bright floodlights fill everyone with whom we spoke. the night sky, and the release of gas and discuss the fate of Otero Mesa. Recently, Louise Dearing called our remains a constant. Inside, the walls office. Congressman Skeen’s office had and floors shake at times, as the com- They spoke about Otero Mesa just contacted them to say that Duke pressor shudders and gulps. At any Energy had agreed to move the com- time, sour gas, hydrogen sulfide (H S), 2 and their own plight pressor away from their home within could be released accidentally, as it has the next few months. In recent days, in Texas and southeastern New Mexico and the arrogance of the oil industry. crews have been busy clearing a new in recent years with tragic results. Each site and beginning the process of mov- year, the compressor releases tons of Their emotional appeal affected everyone ing the giant compressor. This is the first nitrogen and carbon monoxide gases, time a compressor has been moved in and when the wind blows to the West, New Mexico as a result of pressure the gas comes through their windows. with whom we spoke.” from the conservation community. It is a Every time there is lightning, the great and very special victory for those Dearing’s children call to insist that Roy though the State has a glut of electrical far, the compressor continues to roar. of us working to protect wild places, for and Louise leave their home for fear of power. The new power plant under con- Eddy County politicians refer to the tax it reminds us all of the importance of an explosion. struction in Deming will supply more revenue and jobs, while ignoring the people and the quality of life we value. Duke Energy’s response has been to power—perhaps to California—and will decreasing quality of life and the recent We will monitor the situation over meet tersely with the Dearings, speak of suck more than 22 million gallons of discovery that some of Carlsbad’s drink- the next few weeks and hope that the a buyout, and build a small aluminum precious water out of our aquifer every ing water was found to be contami- commitment remains. If so, we shall wall with hay bales to buffer the con- year in order to operate. nated with H2S gas. Gas wells are being share some champagne and a fish fry stant sound. Meanwhile, the company The Dearings have met with local and drilled in Carlsbad neighborhoods with the Dearings in the days ahead! continues to buy up pipelines and build state representatives, and most recently where children play and next to —Stephen Capra power plants in New Mexico, even with our congressional delegation; so people’s homes. NMWA Director of Campaigns New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 5 Inventory Update Explorations in the Big Burro Mountains eing inventory coordinator for Upon completing the road inventory, southern New Mexico with the I climbed up to a high point several New Mexico Wilderness Alliance miles south and west of Bear Canyon (NMWA) has its fair share of ups and where I had started the day, and I downs.B It’s fantastic being able to visit enjoyed a snack as I gazed a thousand the wonderfully wild landscapes that feet in elevation down into the chasm of I might otherwise never have known the Middle Box. Against my better judg- about, but I also bear witness to many ment, I felt my inner child calling me to atrocious human abuses of our public climb down to the river right here and lands. My explorations of the Big Burro hike back through the heart of the Gila Mountains southwest of Silver City Middle Box to Bear Canyon, where I are typical of this roller-coaster ride was to rejoin my companion. My expe- of emotions. rience told me it was dangerous to drop My first trip to the Burro Mountains into a box canyon without knowing for was before coming to work for NMWA. sure there was a safe way down through A friend and I drove down to the Bird the cliffs. It would be smarter to go back Area along the Gila River and back- across the uplands as I had came, but packed a couple of miles down the river that inner voice kept calling me. So for an overnight stay. Hiking along this downward I plunged off the mountain. thin ribbon of river oasis, I was amazed Today, I was lucky—despite slipping to see the diversity of life that calls this and falling on the steep slope a couple place home. I was especially surprised of times on my way down, I found a to see such birds as ospreys and north- chute that brought me safely to the ern cardinals, species I didn’t know river. By this time, I had worked up could be found in this part of the world. “The desert oasis I had first encountered quite a sweat in the hot afternoon sun, And for the first (and only) time, I also and it gave me great pleasure to strip off saw a family of coatimundis foraging my clothes and plunge into the cool along the river. This was a special trip several years ago soothed my distressed thoughts, water of a deep pool in the river. After into the heart of this wild landscape— giving thanks for my good fortune, I one I’ll never forget. and those worries flowed out of my body headed upstream. The dramatic Middle Several years later, after coming to Box canyon was everything it had work for NMWA, I was assigned to just as the river flowed promised to be from my viewpoint above. I saw many more birds, and was down the beautiful canyon.” thrilled to see bear and mountain lion tracks in the wet soil next to the river. complete the road inventory for the My last trip to the Big Burro Moun- At one point, I encountered a family of northern portion of the Big Burro Moun- tains/Gila Middle Box area was a little mergansers floating down the river. As tains, including the Gila Middle Box more than a month ago. I backpacked soon as they saw me, the mother turned Follow Up roadless area. My first excursion into with another friend down Bear Canyon and called her dozen or so chicks to the area in this capacity was memo- to the Gila River. Our goal was to com- follow her back upstream away from n 26-27 October 2002, rable as well, but for a different reason. plete the road inventory on the west the perceived danger. I watched in NMWA joined forces with I drove into the mountains on the side of the river. Unfortunately, the trip agony as three of the young ones the Upper Gila Watershed Alli- O Saddlerock road and was appalled to did not start out on a good note. Within struggled to follow their mother up the ance and the Sky Island Alliance see the extensive maze of ATV trails that the first mile of leaving the vehicle, we cascade. After several attempts culmi- to close three roads in the Burro exist here. Prior to starting this project, encountered a large group of cattle at nated in being swept back down the Mountains adjacent to the Gila I had seen extensive ORV damage in the only wet area along the canyon. The rapids, it seemed apparent that they Middle Box roadless area. One of the Robledo Mountains near my home riparian vegetation was trampled, and wouldn’t make it. They wouldn’t quit the closures blocked ATVs and in Las Cruces. The abuses seen here the cattle had done their best to eat up trying, so I continued upstream, hoping motorcycles from accessing were beyond anything I had previously the relatively lush vegetation around the family would return for them. I soon ecologically sensitive springs in witnessed. Virtually every canyon in the spring. It was somewhere between passed a large boulder in the middle of Wildhorse Canyon. Another cut the area had vehicle tracks in it. It was depressing and maddening to see a the river and saw that the merganser off access to an archeological site especially distressing to see these tracks large pile of cow dung festering in the family was hiding behind it, trying their on a ridge above Saddle Rock ripping up the lush vegetation in the only pool of water along the canyon. As best to avoid being seen. Immediately, Canyon. The third closure wet spring areas found along some of we continued down the canyon toward they headed back downstream to blocked access to a dangerously the canyons. These canyons provide the river, I was disappointed to see that reclaim their stranded family members. steep route where search and res- critical habitat for birds and other ani- ATVs had recently intruded closer to Though I was tired and sore when cue teams had often been called mals in the area. I can only imagine the river than they had when I had been I got back to my truck, my spirit was on to save injured or stranded how the roar of ATVs and motorcycles here less that a year ago. rejuvenated. I was once again ready to motorized recreationalists. must disrupt and stress the wildlife As we came to the river, memories resume my effort on the behalf of wild Thanks go out to the 25 volun- trying to obtain precious water at of my first trip to the Gila Middle Box places everywhere. Later, it occurred to teers who donated their time these springs. flooded my mind. The desert oasis I had me that sometimes our plight as conser- to make this restoration project The upland situation was not much first encountered several years ago vationists is not unlike those small a success. better. I found illegally cut ATV trails soothed my distressed thoughts, and mergansers. It often seems as though Marcia Andre, the Gila that crisscross the ridges and slopes, those worries flowed out of my body the current of those who would abuse National Forest Supervisor, causing serious damage to the highly just as the river flowed down the beauti- and destroy the land is strong; and approved the closures and also erosive soils found here. Where some ful canyon. We saw such an incredible sometimes this current seems insur- deserves our thanks. Please take tracks were badly eroded, new ones diversity of birds, and I learned from my mountable. If we persist in our journey the time to write her at 3005 E. had been created off to the side. When knowledgeable friend the interesting upstream, however, our larger family of Camino del Bosque, Silver City, the new tracks had eroded, yet another stories of the black phoebe, Bell’s vireo, like-minded conservationists can give NM 88061. Let her know that set had been created off to the side of and many other birds. After a restful us the strength and determination to we appreciate her leadership on the second one. Because of this pro- evening under the clear, starry night, protect special places like the Gila this issue. In your letter, encour- cess, extensive hillside areas are eroded we agreed to split up and head across Middle Box and the Big Burro age her to approve more road and denuded of vegetation. After this the river to complete our mission for Mountains. closures to protect the natural outing, I resolved to do everything I the day. Much to my delight, the roads —by Greg Magee resources of the Gila National could to stop this kind of destruction I inventoried that day were abandoned, NMWA Southern Field Coordinator Forest. on our public lands. and nature was reclaiming the land where the roads once existed. 6 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Wild Science Landscape Linkages: The Key to Connectivity in the Sky Islands he newly emerging, and burgeon Of particular interest is the role that native wildlife and humans alike, Mexico! Stay tuned for an update. For ing science of Conservation Biology linkages play in the movements of via the dedication and collabora- more information, visit has brought to the attention of the wide-ranging species, such as the cou- tion of network of concerned and www.skyislandalliance. org/sia/. public the importance and urgency of gar, wolf, bear, and even the elusive active citizens (see article, page 9). Another pertinent effort to research Tstudying and preserving what remains and endangered jaguar, which has been The Sky Island Alliance (SIA), a local landscape linkages in the Sky Islands is of habitat connectivity. spotted verifiably in the borderlands non-profit organization based in Tuc- proposed by Dr. Paul Beier at Northern What is habitat connectivity? Simply region several times over the past son, and the New Mexico Wilderness Arizona University in Flagstaff—”Map- put, it is the open country that ties wild decade. These individuals are appar- Alliance, are working together to ping and Modeling Connectivity for places together. These areas go by ently male dispersers ranging up from implement aspects of the SIWN Vision. Carnivores Among the Sky Islands.” many names, depending on their scale, their northernmost breeding population Among many of its other great pro- Beier’s proposal is to install 800 hair location and function—corridors, land- in the northern Sierra Madre of Mexico. grams, SIA has developed a strong vol- snares (barbed carpet pads with olfac- scape linkages, dispersal linkages, etc. Carnivores’ use of linkages to move unteer-based Wildlife Tracking Program. tory and visual attractants) in these In order to avoid confusion, I will refer between mountain ranges is not well Trained by professionals and coordi- connective areas and monitor them for to these areas as linkages. The primary documented. The scientific community nated by stellar staff, these dedicated 12 months to document puma occur- functions of linkages are: proposes, however, that linkages are not volunteers adopt a transect (a somewhat rences. Jaguar occurrences, while less •to provide dwelling habitat for only used by carnivores—they are linear route, approximately 1-2 miles likely to be detected, will also be wildlife, as extensions of “core” essential to their long-term survival. long, strategically selected by science documented. Track surveys will be protected areas or proposed Because they require both montane and advisors) in a wild area or suspected conducted at the same sites to docu- Wilderness areas; desert habitats, these focal species are wildlife linkage. The trackers/adopters ment bear occurrences. The primary •to provide for seasonal wildlife key to planning for connectivity. So then travel their transect in teams every objectives are: migrations; how can we know what linkages these six weeks, scouring the area (50 ft. on •to map locations used by puma •to provide for dispersal and genetic dynamic, secretive animals are moving each side of the transect) for any sign of and bear in potentially connective interchange between core areas through? five focal species: cougar, bobcat, desert flats between approximately (tie metapopulations of species Mexican wolf, black bear, and coa- 15 mountain ranges in the Sky together); and timundi. Evidence of prey species such Island Ecoregion; and •to allow for latitudinal and as deer and elk is also recorded. When •to model the probability of puma elevational range shifts with and bear travel in these deserts as a climate change (Sky Island function of landscape features (dis- Wildlands Network, p. 152). tance to core area, narrowness of As the collective imprint of human the potentially connective habitat), developments and roads continues to micro-topography (bajadas, ridges, grow, what was once seamless wild washes, rock outcrops), vegetation, country is in many places becoming and anthropogenic habitat features divided and impermeable to the natural (distance to road, night lighting, movements of wild animals. While the house, mine site, or cropland). Sky Island region remains largely unde- These data are needed to plan for veloped, it is not immune to this alarm- connectivity for pumas and bears ing trend. Thankfully, federal ownership crossing desert lowlands between Sky (Forest Service and BLM) in the Sky Islands. Managers and conservation Islands region protects wildlife habitat organizations can use the data in values of the mountains to a certain regional conservation planning, to influ- degree. However, the threat of road ence future development patterns, land building, subdivisions, ranchette devel- exchanges, sale of state lands, transpor- opments, and resource-extraction pro- tation projects, and human activities posals loom large for many linkages in that might sever connectivity in the intervening desert lowlands (mostly the region. private and state lands that do not have This is a collaborative proposal a conservation priority). The study, between Northern Arizona University’s identification, and protection of these Beier Lab of Conservation Biology and areas has only recently become a high Wildlife Ecology and SIA. While this priority for a number of conservation or- proposal is not yet funded, we are ganizations, university researchers, hopeful and optimistic that funding will agencies, and private land owners. come through for this vitally important The “basin and range” geography of research. For more information, visit the Sky Island region contains mountain oak.ucc.nau.edu/pb1/index.htm. ranges that rise up dramatically from surrounding desert grassland ”seas” to t is clear that protecting habitat con support stacked vegetation communities Several efforts are underway to iden- tracks, scat, or other signs of these ani- nectivity is important, not only in the that change rapidly with elevation tify, research, and protect linkages in mals are identified, the following are ISky Islands, but everywhere! There is gain—from dry and thorny flats to open the Sky Islands region. The Wildlands thoroughly documented: day/time/ great potential to protect habitat here woodlands and pine-clad peaks. Thus, Project, an international conservation weather, location, photograph, mea- in the Southwest, and ongoing efforts to the sky islands are, by definition, moun- organization whose mission is to surements, etc. SIA currently has 36 do so are applauded! The New Mexico tain ranges that are isolated from each “rewild” North America, has taken a deft detectives actively tracking in three Highlands Wildlands Network Vision— other by intervening deserts, much like lead role with the release and imple- linkage areas! While the data they a vision to connect the Sky Islands to islands of the ocean are separated by mentation of The Sky Island Wildlands gather can only verify the presence or the Southern Rockies—will be released water. Because of this natural isolation, Network (SIWN) and Conservation absence of these critters, data collected in Spring 2003. some species can be found in only one Plan, which aims to: over the long-term can allow for trends While such visions are powerful, Sky Island. Other species that roam and •halt ecological damage to and on-the-ground issues to be recog- there is much research and work to be fly have been “sky island hopping” the region, nized and addressed. There is currently done. To be successful, they will need since their genesis—and will continue •heal these ecological wounds, a proposal to expand their tracking pro- your involvement and support, as part to do so, if human stewards will accept and gram, with an aim to engage an active of the network of people working to their presence, protect their core habi- •work to create a connected and group of volunteer trackers in a priority protect networks of wildlands tats, and preserve their travelways. protected network of wildlands for linkage area in the Sky Islands of New —by author New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 7 Feature What are the Sky Islands? he Sky Islands are located in south- coatamundi, black bear, bighorn sheep, eastern Arizona, southwestern New mountain lion, elegant trogan, thick Mexico, and northern Mexico. This billed parrot, Gould’s turkey, sulfur region is ecologically unique because it bellied flycatcher, and goshawk. Less isT the crossroads of the temperate Rocky known but equally exotic are Jarrow’s Mountains and the tropical Sierra spiny lizard, bunch grass lizard, twin Madre Occidental, as well as the meet- spotted rattlesnake, ridge-nosed rattle- ing place of the Sonoran and Chihua- snake, and the green rat snake. Coupled huan Deserts. About 40 small moun- with this is a diversity of amphibians, tains, and some not so small, arise insects, and other invertebrates. Scien- within a sea of rolling grasslands and tists, naturalists, and bird watchers deserts, hence the name Sky Islands. come from all over the world to study In New Mexico, the most prominent and “play” in this area of great biodiver- Sky Islands are the Peloncillos, Animas, sity. In fact, the American Museum of and Big Hatchets, all of which contain Natural History established a perma- Wilderness study areas. The combined nent field station in the Chiricahua topographic, geological and climatic Mountains of southeastern Arizona that diversity provides habitat for a myriad has hosted hundreds of biologists and of plants and animals. The bottoms of ecologists over the years. the mountains and surrounding land- Pull out an atlas of North America, scape are composed of grassland or and look at the Sky Islands in the con- desert shrub, but as you ascend the text of the continent as a whole. You mountains, the vegetation changes to will quickly see that they are stepping oak grassland, then coniferous forests. stones in a mountain chain that In fact, with a light pack you can climb stretches from Central America to from the southwestern deserts to Alaska. They are an integral part of a “Canada” in a matter of hours, continental corridor connecting biologi- ecologically speaking that is! cal diversity. They are individually The Sky Island region contains more unique, and yet they are part of the than half of the breeding bird species greater whole. They are truly wildlands, in North America and more than 4,000 and Wilderness abounds within them. kinds of plants. In addition, they pro- —by Randall Gray vide habitat for unusual and charismatic NMWA Board Member species such as jaguar, javelina, In New Mexico, the most prominent Sky Islands are the Peloncillos, Animas, and Big Hatchets, all of which contain Wilderness study areas. The Peloncillos: A Special Part of the Sky Islands s we rounded the bend in the Rim of central Arizona, providing a road, I saw a tawny-colored flash meshing of diverse habitats from sub- out of the corner of my eye. My tropical to temperate and an important companion exclaimed, “Mountain corridor for wildlife in the region. lion!”A The animal was magnificent, run- The diversity of wildlife present in ning full speed across the valley in front the Peloncillos is almost overwhelming. of us. Within just seconds, the lion had More than 325 different bird species run the full stretch of the valley and had have been documented in the range. disappeared over the ridge to our left. The Peloncillos also boast an area We ran to the top of ridge hoping to containing the highest diversity of lizard catch one more glimpse, but our human species in the United States. That area legs were too slow, and the animal was has been recognized by the Bureau of gone. Never had I seen an animal move Land Management as an area of critical so fast, with such power. The encounter environmental concern and is managed left us all breathless. to protect the species present there. We were in the Peloncillos conduct- The range also provides habitat for ing road surveys, when we caught sight bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coa- of the lion. Although we had hoped to timundis, and black bear, among others. see some birds and other small mam- Just a few years ago, a jaguar was mals that weekend, none of us expected sighted in the range. Historically, the to see a large cat—the Peloncillo moun- Peloncillos provided habitat for wolves, tain range can surprise you sometimes. and someday we may see the return of Straddling the Arizona-New Mexico- the wolf to the area, as the range con- Mexico border region, the Peloncillos nects with current reintroduction sites are relatively dry and low-lying in the in rim country to the north. United States, compared to other sky The Peloncillos have been traversed islands in our region. In Mexico, the since time immemorial, not just by through the range. Skeleton Canyon, these mountains and, according to his- range broadens and rises, becoming wildlife, but also by human travelers of a small canyon on the west side of the torical accounts, ran into some trouble wetter and larger. The Peloncillos are all kinds. Ancient rock art in the area range, was used by smugglers and with a herd of feral cattle along the way. the only range in the Sky Islands that provides archaeological evidence of Apaches alike and was the site of For some time now, private landown- form a continuous connection from the human activity many centuries ago. The Geronimo’s final surrender in 1886. ers, Congress, and federal agencies Sierra Madre in Mexico to the Mogollon Spanish Conquistadors also blazed trails The Mormon Battalion traveled through (continued on the next page)

8 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Feature Sky Islands Wildlands Network Links Landscapes, People ince its release in 2000 as the first The Sky Islands Wildlands Network of native habitats; •an agreement between the Sky Wildlands Network Design to be Conservation Vision is guided by a set – protection, restoration, and Island Alliance and the Coronado published in North America, the of principles adopted by its primary maintenance of ecological National Forest to close 100 miles Sky Islands Wildlands Network Conser- sponsor groups—Wildlands Project, and evolutionary processes; of non-designated roads over vationS Vision (Sky islands Wildlands New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Sky – protection and restoration the next decade; Network) has added a new approach to Island Alliance, Arizona Wilderness of connectivity between •the inclusion of Landscape Link- land and wildlife protection in the bor- Coalition, and The Wilderness Society— wilderness core areas; ages identified in the Sky Islands derlands region of southwestern New that provide a broad avenue for involve- – control of exotic species; and Wildlands Network in Pima Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and ment by other groups: – reduction of pollution and County’s (AZ) Sonoran Desert northern Mexico. Conservation Plan; In essence, the Sky Islands Wildlands •focus by the Arizona Open Land Network provides a broad-brush paint- Trust on protecting private lands ing of what conservation can look like in the Sky Islands for their if applied across a 10,000,000-acre biological values; ecoregional landscape that includes the •recognition of endangered species work areas of hundreds of conservation protection by ranching coalitions groups, state and federal agencies, like the Malpai Borderlands Group private individuals, ranchers, outdoors and other private ranchers; organizations, land trusts, and many •increased reliance on prescribed other land-protection advocates. burning programs by the National Based on a connected matrix of large Parks Service; and Core Wildlands Areas, Wildlife Move- •collaborative, nature-based tourism ment Linkages, and Compatible Use development to protect private Lands, the overall goal of the plan is to lands and wildlife in northern first slow, then reverse the extinction Mexico by Proyecto Corredor crisis that threatens many species in the Colibri and Southeast Arizona borderlands ecoregion. To accomplish Bird Observatory. this lofty end will likely take genera- Perhaps one of the best indications tions of effort, including specific conser- that a broadly inclusive implementation vation actions aimed at “healing eco- approach is beginning to work across logical wounds” across the landscape. differing conservation methodologies, The challenges to implementation of across political boundaries, and across such a visionary concept are many, not a wide social and cultural landscape the least of which is remaining true to a •A focus on rewilding, which recog- restoration of areas degraded was last month’s “Sky Islands 2002: strict scientific methodology in the face nizes the vital ecological role of by pollution. Restoring Connections” conference of social and economic factors that large carnivores, other keystone •Protection of nature by the best in Tucson. With a primary goal of have often compromised conservation species and processes, and the science available. informing and inspiring the public and efforts in the past. The optimistic under- need for large protected core areas •Conservation exists in both existing network participants of the pinning of the Sky Islands Wildlands and landscape linkages connecting ecological and social contexts numerous complementary conservation Network, however, and the fact that its them. •People can successfully adopt initiatives going on in the Sky Islands rationale recognizes the need to make •Ecological restoration based on six economic and social uses of the Wildlands Network, the event drew networks of people, as well as networks “Healing the Wounds” goals: land that are compatible with more than 300 people representing of land, the centerpiece of its success, – protection and recovery fully functioning ecosystems. more than 100 state, federal and private has already begun to expedite its of native species; •Reliance on networks of people conservation organizations. achievement. – protection and restoration using varying approaches to The conference featured 32 speakers, protecting networks of land. each describing different efforts to pro- Such guidelines were specifically tect the region’s biodiversity. The end designed to accommodate the interests result was striking—a recognition of a wide array of conservation entities throughout the audience that regional, with the ultimate goal of connecting not Peloncillos (continued from page 8) landscape-level conservation in the Sky only landscapes, but people, as well. Islands cannot be accomplished with- have recognized that the Peloncillos are The Peloncillo Mountains deserve Currently, the Sky Islands Wildlands out embracing the fact that every effort, deserving of special protection. Private recognition and protection as a globally Network has been endorsed and sup- no matter how small, contributes to an landowners are engaging in efforts to unique wildlife corridor. The Sky Island ported by more than 50 groups and end goal that is shared by all: a robust, conserve their land, while federal agen- Alliance and other conservation organi- individuals now forming an unofficial connected Sky Islands ecoregion that cies have designated areas of critical zations are focusing their efforts on the “network of people protecting networks protects and preserves land and native environmental concern, a research preservation of the region. We have of land.” species, and contributes to healthy natural area, and a zoological-botanical done road surveys, and we have also The work of these groups and indi- people and healthy communities. area—all of which are managed to pro- restored habitat by closing some roads. viduals includes efforts to: The Sky Island Alliance, based in tect their unique values. Also, Congress We hope that, through our efforts and •expand existing, and designate Tucson, Arizona, works to restore and has designated a Wilderness area, those of other entities, the Peloncillos new, Wilderness areas; protect the sky island region of south- anchoring the northern part of the will continue to serve as a haven for •identify and propose other public eastern Arizona, southwestern New range, and several Wilderness wildlife species, and as a crucial bio- lands protection mechanisms; Mexico, and northern Mexico through study areas. logical link between the Sierra Madre •protect private land within legal advocacy and on the ground Despite the various efforts to preserve and the Rocky Mountains. It is also a Landscape Linkages; restoration activities. For field schedules them, the Peloncillos are still in need of wonderful place to find solitude from •build grassroots and political or more information, contact the Sky help. I-10 creates a barrier to wildlife our hectic modern lives, and observe support; and Island Alliance (www.skyislandalliance. movement between the northern and some remarkable animals and birds. •create excitement for conservation org; 520/624-7080). southern portions of the mountains, and Please join us on one of our field week- in the region through public For more information on the Sky other roads fragment habitat throughout ends, or visit the area on your own, outreach meetings and media Islands Wildlands Network, contact the range. Poor livestock practices in sometime soon. coverage. the Wildlands Project’s southwest field some areas; fire suppression; degrada- —by Rachel Kondor These broad efforts are resulting in office in Tucson (520/884-0875). tion of riparian areas; and clearing of Ecosystem Defense and Policy many success stories that, like jigsaw —by Kim Vacariu land for recreation, resource extraction Director for the Sky Island Alliance puzzle pieces being placed together, SW Representative, Wildlands Project and development have left the are gradually shaping a conservation Peloncillos in less than ideal condition. vision across the region. Conservation action successes have included: New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 9 Wilderness News Sandia Mountain Settlement Agreement Awaits Senate OK n 29 July 29 2002, Senators the fact that, unlike the Pueblo, Bingaman and Domenici released the counties have no legal claim to a ”Mark-Up-Draft” of the T’uff the Area. Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act The revised version of S.2018 does, O(The Act). The mark-up came after however, have some alarming provi- Senator Domenici and other members sions. Most notable is a provision that of the public expressed concern with provides for up to $750,000 in attor- the original bill presented on 14 March neys fees for all parties that participated 2002. The Act is the Senators’ attempt in the previous litigation—even parties, to settle the long-standing dispute over such as the Sandia Mountain Club, the Pueblo of Sandia’s land claim to the which voluntarily entered into the law- western face of Sandia Mountain. suit and lost. As with the County Con- The claim has been in and out of sent provision, this is an unprecedented litigation during the past seven years. allowance of attorney’s fees that should Currently, all parties have agreed to not be supported. forego future litigation in the interest of The new version of the bill is likely to pursuing a fair and just Settlement. In pass through the Senate, and if all goes April of 2000, the Pueblo, the Forest well, the claim to the west side of Service, and the Sandia Peak Tram Sandia Mountain will be resolved Company entered into a Settlement before the end of the year. The New Agreement that essentially cleared up Mexico Wilderness Alliance is still all the issues with respect to the claim. actively involved in this matter. We To become effective, however, the strongly support a fair and just resolu- Settlement Agreement requires legisla- tion of this dispute that protects the tive action. Under the terms of the mountain, and recognizes and respects Settlement Agreement, Congress must the Pueblo’s rights and interests in the pass legislation by 15 November 2002, matter to a close. The Senate held proposal, some good and others not so Area. No legislation is perfect. Never- or the parties have the right to withdraw hearings on the bill, for which former good. Importantly for Wilderness and theless, the revised T’uff Shur Bien Pres- the Settlement Agreement and return to NMWA Executive Director Edward public-lands advocates, the revised ervation Trust Area Act is a step in the court. If this happens, the fate of Sandia Sullivan and Staff Attorney Michael version of S.2018 removes a dangerous right direction and seems as though it Mountain, and more than 9,000 acres Robinson prepared and presented testi- “County consent” provision that would will finally bring a resolution to this of designated Wilderness will be deter- mony. Since then, the bill has been have provided Bernalillo and Sandoval longstanding dispute. mined by a federal judge sitting in revised and, just recently, presented Counties with the unprecedented —Michael Robinson Washington, DC. to the public. authority to prohibit new uses in the NMWA Director of The Act, (Senate Bill 2018 [S.2018]), The revised bill makes several Area. This provision put the Counties on Wilderness Protection is the Senators’ attempt to bring this changes to the previous legislative equal footing with the Pueblo—despite

Oil & Gas vs. Gila Lower Box, Robledos, Boardwell Canyon s the quest for oil and gas contin- in New Mexico. The area also has great NMWA also continues to fight the ues to threaten our public lands archaeological significance, with battle against oil and gas development in New Mexico, the New Mexico numerous prehistoric dwellings and in Otero Mesa. We have officially filed Wilderness Alliance continues to fight large petroglyph panels. a protest against the applications from theA legal battle to protect existing and The Robledos Mountains are adjacent the oil and gas industry for “permit to potential Wilderness. Over the past few to the Rio Grande in southern New drill” in Boardwell Canyon. In this pro- months, we have filed official protests Mexico and provide critical wildlife cess, we are first and foremost outlining with BLM against oil and gas Leases habitat and wildlife corridors for ani- the reasons and authority that BLM has in the Gila Lower Box and Robledos mals moving between the various desert to deny the permit. If BLM accepts the Wilderness Study Areas (WSA). mountain ranges in the area and the application, we are asking the agency The Gila Lower Box WSA encom- riparian zone along the river. Juniper- to limit the potential locations of drill passes more than 19,000 acres of dotted mountains; dramatic limestone, ing sites and surface disturbance, potential Wilderness and is part of a igneous, and volcanic cliffs; remote in order to protect the Wilder complex of areas with exceptional eco- grass-covered mesas and buttes; caves; ness qualities of the area. logical value—the Gila Lower Box, the deep and rugged box canyons with More than 17,000 acres of potential Blue Creek to the north, and the Middle riparian habitats; gentle alluvial fan Wilderness exist in Boardwell Canyon. Gila Box to the east. Among the ecosys- slopes covered with grasses and shrubs; The geological makeup of the mountain tems are: expansive desert grassland swales and range is primarily limestone, providing •the riparian areas along the Gila creosote-dominated lowlands are all habitat for a wide diversity of cacti, suc- River and tributary creeks; encompassed in this exceptional Wil- culents, and other unique Chihuahuan •nearby canyons, and derness complex of potentially 150,000 Desert plants. Boardwell Canyon also •adjoining uplands. acres plus. contains important wildlife habitat in The combination defines a naturalist’s This wide range of vegetation types the relatively lush arroyo riparian paradise. Soaring on thermal air cur- translates into a diversity of wildlife vegetation. rents above the river and ridges are habitat types. Pronghorn, mule deer, Clearly all three of these areas threat- several species of raptors, including mountain lion, coyote, bats, rock squir- ened by oil and gas are worthy of endangered bald eagles and peregrine rels and other rodents, quail and numer- Wilderness designation. NMWA will falcons. Gila monsters have been seen ous other birds are found here. The continue to fight to stop any oil or gas in the area. Mammals include black abundance of cliffs provides nesting drilling in these areas, until they are rock rattlers, Madrean alligator lizards, bears, mountain lions, javelina, coa- and perching sites for many raptors, permanently protected. and Trans-Pecos rat snakes are all found timundi, ringtails, beavers, mule and including bald and golden eagles, vari- —by Tisha Broska here, as are other reptiles that reach Coues deer—indeed, this ecologically ous hawks and owls, and the federally NMWA Membership Coordinator the northern or western limits of rich area is estimated to include almost listed endangered peregrine falcon. their range. half of all the vertebrate species found Reptile diversity is also high—banded 10 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Flora and Fauna New Mexico Life Zones Reach from Chihuahuan to Tundra cologists have said that New Furthermore, elevations in the State Lower Sonoran Transition Mexico includes all the life zones range from 2,817 feet near the Texas This occurs below 4,500 feet in New Within this zone, from 7,500-8,200 in North America except tropical. border south of Carlsbad to 13,161 feet Mexico and, despite the name, features feet, ponderosa pines replace pinon- (During the State’s “monsoon season,” atop Wheeler Peak in the Sangre de the plants of the Chihuahuan Desert junipers. Summers are mild and winters someE residents might even include Cristo Mountains northeast of Taos—a rather than the Sonoran Desert, which cold, often with substantial snowfall. that!) Certainly, biological and topo- vertical relief of more than 10,000 feet. does not exist in New Mexico. Tem- Other native pines grow here, such as graphic diversity are part of the State’s The occurrence of specific plants and peratures are hot for much of the year the limber and Apache pine. Other appeal among hikers. Not only can they animals within this enormous range and evaporation high. typical plants include Rocky Mountain find somewhere to hike at any time of depends on other factors as well— Characteristic plants are mesquite, maple, New Mexico locust, and year, they also have an extraordinarily available moisture, temperature, habi- creosote bush, yucca, agave, four-wing riparian willow. broad array of ecosystems to explore. tat, and so forth. While there are thou- saltbush, and Chihuahuan grasses such In the same week, they can hear pikas sands of micro-ecosystems in New as burro grass, grama, black grama, Northern Coniferous Forest barking among rocks above timberline dropseed, ricegrass, sacaton, and Mexico, the State can be divided into This zone, from 8,200 feet to timber- in the Rocky Mountains and also look tobosa. several major life zones. Hikers should line (10,000-11,500 feet), is dominated for Gila monsters in the Chihuahuan be familiar with these, not only because by Douglas fir, white fir, subalpine fir, Desert. this awareness enhances the experience Upper Sonoran Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, alpine The major determining factors behind of hiking, but also because each has its Within this zone, generally occurring juniper, limber pine, and occasionally this diversity are latitude and elevation. own unique characteristics and chal- from 4,500-7,500 feet, summers are hot in the north, bristlecone pine. Aspens New Mexico shares its southern border lenges. Classification systems and labels and winters somewhat mild. While pre- are common in disturbed or transition with Mexico and Texas, in the Chihua- vary widely among naturalists, and the cipitation is modest, evaporation is still areas. Summers here are cool, winters huan Desert, and its northern border actual situation is infinitely more com- high. This is the zone of the pinon-juni- cold, and mountains with these eleva- with Colorado and the southern Rocky plex than what is presented here. Nev- per forest, New Mexico’s most wide- tions catch lots of moisture. Mountains. ertheless, the following classification spread vegetation type. has been widely used and is easy to Other characteristic plants are alliga- understand. Tundra tor juniper, Chihuahua pine, chamisa, Here above timberline, the dominant cholla, Apache plume, Gambel oak; vegetation is a tough, windswept mat of and, near water, box elder, tamarisk, low, hardy grasses, sedges, and shrubs. and of course, cottonwood. The major determining factors Temperatures are cool to cold, even in summer, and evaporation is high behind this diversity because of wind, elevation, and expo- sure. A considerable amount of snow are latitude and elevation. falls, although most is swept away by high winds. Hikers in this zone should New Mexico shares its southern border be prepared for severe weather at all with Mexico and Texas, in the Chihuahuan Desert, times of the year. he above classification is greatly and its northern border with Colorado oversimplified. The elevation cut-offs Tvary enormously by latitude and and the southern Rocky Mountains. whether a slope is facing north or south. Don’t worry too much about labels or definitions; just get to know the plants and landscape. —from New Mexico’s Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide by Bob Julyan

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 11 Get Involved You Care, So Reiterate Support for a Wild Otero Mesa Now rom radio interviews, television that Senator Jeff Bingaman hear from us Statement (EIS) until further commercials, to slide-show presen- now. Our letters, phone calls, and faxes scientific review of the area tations at universities and at the are making a difference on this issue! It is conducted. homes of NMWA members, the word is time to focus our attention and efforts •Also ask that the BLM do a Senator Bingaman’s aboutF Otero Mesa is being spread at a local level and elevate the pressure thorough Wilderness inventory, across New Mexico at an urgent pace. on Senator Bingaman to take a strong since Wilderness values were Field Offices The time to act is now. The nation’s stance on this issue. not addressed in the draft EIS. largest and wildest Chihuahuan Desert Jeff Steinborn, Senator Bingaman’s If you live in Las Cruces, please make Bernalillo, Cibola, Sandoval, grassland is edging closer to the possi- Field Representative in the Las Cruces an appointment to speak with Mr. Torrance, and Valencia Counties bility of full-scale oil and gas develop- office, is the key contact person for Steinborn personally. We urge you to 625 Silver Avenue, SW ment. It is absolutely imperative that issues regarding Otero Mesa. A call or contact Mr. Steinborn and convey to Suite 130 New Mexicans from every corner of visit to Jeff Steinborn, followed up by him that Senator Bingaman must stand Albuquerque, NM 87102 the State express their concern for this a letter to Senator Bingaman, will have up for Otero Mesa and defend this 505/346-6601 unique and unspoiled area, which is the greatest impact. In your letter to priceless piece of our natural heritage. in danger of being lost forever. the Senator and conversation with If you have any questions or would Catron, Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, The Las Cruces Bureau of Land Man- Mr. Steinborn: like help setting up a meeting with Luna, Otero, Sierra, and Socorro agement (BLM) will be issuing a deci- •Ask that Senator Bingaman urge Senator Bingaman or his staff, contact Counties sion soon that will seal the fate of the the BLM to delay implementation Nathan Newcomer (505/843-8696; Greater Otero Mesa area. It is critical of the final Environmental Impact [email protected]). 148 Loretto Towne Centre 505 South Main Las Cruces, NM 88001 505/523-6561

Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, San Miguel, and Union A Call For Hope Counties he election is over and the returns, matter who controls the House, or the As the holiday season approaches, Las Vegas 118 Bridge Street, Suite 3 as always, leave us with mixed Senate, or the presidency. The power is I wish each of you great peace and P.O. Box 1977 emotions. The changes in the Con- within us to carry the day. We can powerful hope. I thank you for the Las Vegas, NM 87701 gress don’t bode well for the conserva- create the groundswell necessary to support and dedication you have shown 505/454-8824 tionT agenda. The Endangered Species save these lands. We have done it throughout this past year. The New Act, the National Environmental Policy before; we will do it again. Mexico Wilderness Alliance would be Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Lea, Act, protection for the Arctic National I would ask each of us to pause right nothing without you. I am confident Lincoln, Quay, and Roosevelt Wildlife Refuge—all have been under now and get out five sheets of paper. in the vitality of our members and look Counties attack by the Bush Administration, and •Address one to Senator Bingaman. forward to the Wilderness victories your now they have a Congress friendly to Thank him for what he has done resolve will bring about. Here’s to the 105 West Third, Suite 409 that agenda. Even more disconcerting, as chair of the Senate Energy and 108th Congress—watch out folks, Roswell, NM 88201 the loss of the Senate leaves the door Natural Resources Committee. we’re coming! 505/622-7113 wide open for easy confirmations of Tell what the wild places in New —by Jessica Pope Bush-appointed conservative federal Mexico mean to you, and ask him Los Alamos, McKinley, Rio Arriba, judges who will be with us for a long to use this time as an opportunity to San Juan, Santa Fe, and Taos time. How they interpret the environ- show bold leadership by acting to Counties mental-protection laws will have far- preserve them. 119 East Marcy, Suite 101 reaching effects. There is much to be •Write to Heather Wilson. Congratu- Santa Fe, NM 87501 concerned about in times like this; it’s late her graciously on her reelec- 505/988-6647 easy to get discouraged and lose hope. tion. Tell her why you work so hard The coming years are not going to be on behalf of Wilderness. Tell her it easy in terms of advancing a Wilderness is New Mexico’s greatest resource agenda. The protection of these wild and needs her leadership. places will rest on our tenaciousness, •Send the next letter to Pete our creativity, and our ability to inspire Domenici. Thank him for the Wil- More Contact Information... and move the souls of those whose job derness areas for which he spon- it is to decide the fate of these lands. sored legislation in the past. Tell Senator Jeff Bingaman Representatve Heather Wilson Our passion and commitment will save him about the other wild lands here 703 Hart Senate Office Building 318 Cannon House Office Building the day in the end, I am convinced. in our beautiful State that need United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives We do not have the luxury of giving in protection too, urge him to act to Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 to the dark forces of despair and hope- preserve, not extract. lessness. There is much to do. We can •Next, write to Congressman Udall [email protected] [email protected] create opportunity from what we have and affirm that, if ever there was a In Santa Fe—505/988-6647 In Albuquerque—505/346-6781 been given. time for boldness, it is now. He is In Washington, DC—202/224-5521 In Washington, DC—202/225-6316 In her essay to the Congress on Wil- our conservation champion, and (TDD) 202/224-1792 derness, Terry Tempest Williams wrote, we need him to step up. Representative Tom Udall “The eyes of the future are looking back •Finally, send a letter to Representa- Senator Pete Domenici 502 Cannon House Office Building at us praying that we act with restraint.” tive elect Steve Pearce introducing 328 Hart Senate Office Building U.S. House of Representatives Her words invoke a powerful image, him to the dogged voice of wild- United States Senate Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20510-3101 and to us, those same eyes also look, lands protection. Let him hear your [email protected] praying that we act boldly, that we passion and resolve. Let’s start him [email protected] In Santa Fe—505/984-8950 never lose hope, never give up our off in Congress with a keen aware- In Santa Fe—505/988-6511 In Washington, DC—202/225-6190 determination to fight for and give voice ness that we are here and will be In Albuquerque—505/346-6791 to these wild lands that we love. Our a force to be reckoned with. In Roswell—505/623-6170 Representative-elect Steve Pearce opportunity is one of resolve. We are The future lies with us. We must hold In Washington, DC—202/224-6621 P.O. Box 2696 presented with the chance to recommit on to our power and not concede it to (TTY/TDD) 202/224-3844 Hobbs, NM 88241-2696 and firmly rededicate ourselves to the anything, most especially not to despair. Phone 505/392-3869 mandate that not one more acre will be Hope comes from action. Write your Fax 5.5/392-4579 lost. In this is the power and light that letters, talk to your friends and neigh- [email protected] feeds our creativity and energy and will bors, be a never-ending voice for lead us to our victories. It does not Wilderness. 12 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Gettin’ Out There Jemez Valley High Goes to Cabezon ne of the best facets of my job as Occasionally, we stopped for water or a grassroots organizer is getting to check out a cactus or a unique rock out into our wild public lands. It formation, of which there are many. is extremely rewarding to take a group Once at the base of Cabezon Peak, Oof enthusiastic people out into the Wil- the trail flattens out, and there are many derness, especially if they are seeing great views in almost every direction. a place for the first time. Sensing their We took a minute to get our bearings anticipation of getting to the next van- and to take in the gorgeous scenery. We tage point and their excitement in see- had the students identify the geographic ing a new plant, animal track, or scenic features that we could see from up panorama is one of the many things that there. Not surprisingly, they knew many make this job so fulfilling. of the names of the main features of the Just recently, I was fortunate enough surrounding area including the Sandias, to be invited to Jemez Valley High the Jemez Mountains, Mount Taylor, School to give a presentation to the and Boca del Oso. We also talked Environmental Studies class on the work about the Rio Puerco Watershed and its we are doing in the Cabezon area. Two relationship to the other watersheds in days later, nine students from the high the area. Once again I was impressed school, the teacher, a faculty member, a by their knowledge of what a watershed UNM student, and myself headed out to Cabezon Peak to see the area first-hand. For many of these students, who have lived most of their lives less than 30 miles away from Cabezon Peak, this was their first time making the scenic Southern drive out to this unique area. On the way past the town of San Luis, we stopped to look at a hawk in an old New Mexico cottonwood tree, it was too far away to see what type, but I felt it boded well State of Mind for our trip. Many of them had seen the Firm breezes keep ancient volcanic plug of Cabezon from coming and going, rolling a distance, but their eyes bulged in amazement when they got up close to across the playas, creosote the dramatic landform. I explained that flats, mesas, and rough, brown this feature is the interior core of an an- hills of this southern end cient volcano that was active between of the Land of Enchantment— 3.0 and 1.5 million years ago. Cabezon its less enchanting end is a rare example of an exposed volca- to most. But this quiet, nic neck, unlike any other place in the dry land stirs alive world, a geological gem. The students in the firm breezes that keep had recently studied geological history, coming and going, rolling and this was a perfect field trip for this subject. Many of the students knew that over and in the sand dust Cabezon or “el Cabezon” means “big that covers everything, head” in Spanish, but they had not even the broad horizon heard the Navajo folktale that describes is and how a large watersheds like the I spoke briefly about what the desig- sometimes. To see what Cabezon Peak as the head of a large Rio Grande is divided up into smaller nation of this area could mean as an might be seen requires giant that was slain by the Twin War watersheds like the Rio Puerco and economic benefit to their communities, enchantment-on-demand, Gods. the Jemez. and explained that we are working with basic survival skill of all The young explorers had an assign- From here, we spent a while admiring many of the locals, including the ranch- navigators of these badlands, ment to do while on this adventure, the view, looking at the many varieties ers in this area, to come up with a com- where firm breezes keep given to them by their teacher. The task of volcanic rock, and identifying things prehensive plan for the management of coming and going, rolling would encourage them to study the that are a natural part of the environ- the Cabezon Country. landscape around them and really get ment and things that are human-made After lunch, the students took about through ever-wondering their hands dirty learning about the or foreign to this particular ecosystem— 20 minutes to spread out away from minds, shaking loose complexities of this desert ecosystem. such as the graffiti on some of the rocks. each other, to reflect on their experi- their old, weak, false, It was more like a scavenger hunt than After resting a bit and taking in the ence, and to draw or write about what and empty parts, a homework assignment and lent itself clean air (just like the bright, lime-green they learned and how they felt about leaving open cores to face to a real, hands-on learning experience lichen living on the rocks, that we this unique landscape. When we came the hard, direct light that cannot be obtained in the tradi- learned need plenty of clean and mostly back together as a group, I was very of high-desert sun. tional classroom setting. dry air to survive), we headed back impressed by the depth of connection —Sherry Mann Before we began our hike up to down the slope to the trailhead for to the land that they expressed, and by Cabezon Peak, we stopped at the BLM lunch. On the way down we saw a col- their comprehension of the complexi- kiosk placed at the trailhead marker to lared lizard, one of the many reptilian ties of this desert ecosystem. look at the map of the area and take inhabitants of this area. We collected everything we had As part of their assignment, they had notice of the plant and animal species During lunch, I spoke a bit about the come with—and some things that a few questions for me about the spe- that we might see on our hike. Then we work that the New Mexico Wilderness others had left before us—and piled cific responsibilities of my job. When headed up the steep slope of the trail Alliance is doing to protect this land- back into the vehicles to head back they asked me, “What is your favorite toward our destination. mark area as federally designated Wil- to school. part of your job?” I quickly replied, The hike is relatively short, but derness. I explained the ecological On our way out, several of the stu- “When I get to take intelligent young the initial ascent is fairly steep and importance of this area as a habitat for dents expressed their great enjoyment people like yourselves out into the wild exposed—not to be attempted at the many species of plants and animals, of our Cabezon field trip. I thanked to explore and learn from each other— height of a hot summer afternoon. The some of which depend on this area for them for allowing me to share this place it doesn’t get much better than that.” students with their young, healthy lungs their ultimate survival in this hostile, with them, and they in turn thanked me —by Sean Saville had no problem making it up the trail. arid land. for coming out. NMWA Grassroots Organizer

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Winter 2002 13 Coalition Update Cabezon Working Group To Help New Businesses embers of the Coalition for New munities, including increased tourist Mexico Wilderness (CNMW) are revenues. participating in the “Cabezon The Working Group plans to provide Working Group” which seeks to work small grants for local start-up or the Mwith local elected officials, business renovation of small businesses such as owners, ranchers, and other members of bed and breakfasts, guiding services, the communities surrounding the horse packing, camps and outdoor out- Cabezon Country. The group is working fitters, and other businesses that can to build partnerships and bring people benefit from having nearby Wilderness with a diversity of interests to the table areas that draw visitors to the region. to have discussions about what Wilder- We are optimistic that the Working ness protection would mean for the Group will provide a model for com- Cabezon Country. The group discusses munity-based economic development the potential economic benefits that projects tied directly to Wilderness land protection can bring to local com- designation.

Brochure Promotes Coalition eep an eye on your mailbox As always, Coalition membership is free for the new Coalition for New of charge. Mexico Wilderness brochure! Copies of the new brochure are being The Coalition (CNMW) has a brand mailed to all CNMW members. Please Knew membership brochure that: pass on the brochure to business own- •gives an overview of Wilderness ers or other groups that you think would issues in New Mexico, be interested in joining CNMW. For •talks about the goals and purpose additional copies of the brochure to of the Coalition, and hand out or to display at your place of •provides an easy way for businesses business, please contact the Coalition. and organizations to join the Coalition.

Thank You for All Your Support ith your membership in the Coalition, we can ensure the protection of our most valuable public lands, and the sustainability of our economy across WNew Mexico. We look forward to seeing you at all of our upcoming CNMW events. For more information, contact Sean Saville (505/242-1522; sean@ Bussinesses, nmwild.org; CNMW, P.O. Box 27528, Albuquerque, NM 87125). Please Support More Wilderness alling all CNMW Business Members—Weneed your help! Please use the sample letter below and write to Congressman Tom Udall, telling him: C•that you support more Wilderness in New Mexico, and Coalition for NM Wilderness •that Wilderness and open space protection is good for New Mexico’s economy. Breaks the 250-Member Mark! U The Honorable Tom Udall Many thanks to all of our new members! U.S. House of Representatives rad D. Hall Law Offices–Albuquerque • Cedar & Stone–Taos • Chispas Washington, DC 20515 Farm–Albuquerque • Clearwater Unlimited–Albuquerque • Coyote Wis- Bdom–Albuquerque • Firewater Lodge–T or C • Furry Friends Thrift Store–Taos Dear Congressman Udall, • Gil’s Runnershoe World–Albuquerque • Hawley Geo Matters–Albuquerque As a business owner in New Mexico, I am writing to encourage you to sup- • Heinrich Political Consulting–Albuquerque • Hot Springs Bakery & Café– port additional Wilderness protection for public lands in our beautiful state. T or C • Jubilation Wine & Spirits–Albuquerque • Kennedy & Oliver, P.A.– Albuquerque • Law Offices of Kara L. Kellogg–Albuquerque • Mountain Wilderness and open space are two things that contribute to our excellent Stream Acupuncture & Massage–Rio Rancho • New Mexico Sportsmen–Albu- quality of life here in New Mexico. That quality of life attracts new businesses querque • Noeding & Moody, P.C.–Albuquerque • Planet X–Taos • Plotsky & to our State, bringing good paying jobs. Recreational opportunities such as Dougherty, P.C.–Albuquerque • Prairie Dog Pals–Albuquerque • Ross Johnson hunting, bird watching, and hiking also attract visitors, helping to expand one Outfitters–Magdalena • Sage Ways, LLC–Albuquerque • Santa Ana Garden of our largest industries—tourism. Wilderness is a sustainable resourc that Center–Bernalillo • Soltari, LLC–Albuquerque • The Bean–Taos • The provides many benefits to our State and our communities. Bernalillo Birding Co.–Bernalillo • The Black Range Lodge–Kingston • Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing about Vibrations–Taos • Zia Plumbing–Albuquerque your efforts to protect New Mexico’s last wild places. Your efforts will help our economy and leave a legacy for future generations of New Mexicans. Please patronize the member businesses and organizations of the Coalition Sincerely, for New Mexico Wilderness. They are helping to further the cause of Wilder- ness protection and economic sustainability in New Mexico. For a complete Your name list of members, contact Sean Saville (505/242-1522; [email protected]. Your address

14 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Staff/Volunteer Profiles NMWA Board Salutes Edward Sullivan’s Contributions wo years after NMWA’s founding, protection and -education efforts. He expand our office, hire additional staff, muse to South America. We thought it the all-volunteer Board of Directors often—actually usually—worked late and increase our productivity in inven- appropriate to also describe how much hired Edward Sullivan as our first and many weekends. Edward was a torying potential Wilderness areas, NMWA has grown and how much its full-time staff person, with the title of “quick teach” and sponged up knowl- getting our message out to the public, capabilities have improved under his Tprogram coordinator. Edward arrived edge from directors and other Wilder- and acting to better protect Wilderness leadership. NMWA’s Board of Directors, from the Sierra Club’s Washington, DC ness activists. and improve Wilderness management. on behalf of the whole Wilderness- office, and had worked before that for Edward is very articulate and an Along the way, Edward’s position was protection community, want to express the national League of Conservation excellent writer. Those capabilities soon upgraded to executive director—the our appreciation for Edward’s achieve- Voters. He brought boundless enthusi- translated into a flow of foundation first for NMWA. He was also instrumen- ments, and our best wishes for his asm and energy to our Wilderness- grant funds to NMWA. We were able to tal in organizing and activating the future. Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness. —Bob Howard Randy Gray’s recent chair’s reports Former Chairperson have already described Edward’s deci- NMWA Board of Directors Resolution sion to leave NMWA and follow his e it resolved by the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance that Edward Sullivan be recognized for his outstanding leader- Bship and deep commitment to the cause of Wilderness protection. It was through his dedication and tireless efforts that the New Mexico Enroll as Community Liaison Wilderness Alliance has reached the position of prominence that it occu- pies today. As New Mexico Wilderness Alliance’s first Executive Director, Edward developed a fledgling group into a strong and effective advocate for fulfilling the Wilderness vision for New Mexico that Aldo Leopold began for New Mexico Wilderness 75 years ago. he New Mexico Wilderness Alli- meet with a community leader or the Accordingly, it is with our heartfelt thanks that this resolution is passed ance is looking for people who can local press. unanimously on the 28th day of September 2002, the Ladder Ranch, be “anchors” or community liaisons We are looking for volunteers who New Mexico. in their community. Such liaisons are live in a community, and will share with Tpeople who work with us to further the us their knowledge and help us with the cause of Wilderness in their community. goal of creating more Wilderness in With the Cabezon and Otero Mesa New Mexico. campaigns, and hopes for a larger state- For more information, contact wide proposal, we often find ourselves Stephen Capra ([email protected]) or looking, especially in smaller communi- Nathan Newcomer (nathan@nmwild. ties, for people who can help set up org). events, help us with a slideshow, or

Join Please Join Us the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance for Our Annual or Give a Gift Membership! Membership Meeting Name ______Address ______and Holiday Party City ______State ______Zip ______December 7, 2002 at 7:00 pm Phone ______At the home of E-mail ______Dave Foreman and Nancy Morton This is a gift from ______Please RSVP to the NMWA Office: Enclosed is my check payable to: $20 Individual 843-8696; [email protected] New Mexico Wilderness Alliance $25 Family Please charge my VISA or $50 Supporting Mastercard (circle one): $100 Contributing $250 Lifetime (one-time fee) Card # ______$10 Junior/Student/Senior Donate Stock❇ Legacy Gifts❇ Exp. Date ______Other $ ______Signature: ______void hefty capital gains taxes ou can also extend your com- by donation part of your mitment to Wilderness protec- Astocks in the name of Wilderness tionY far beyond your own lifetime protection. You can deduct the by including New Mexico Wilder- Contributions to NMWA are tax-deductible. value of the stock at the time of ness Alliance in your will or estate NMWA occasionally exchanges its mailing list with other organizations involved your donation as a charitable plans. in issues we feel you may also find of interest. If you would like to guarantee that contribution. your name will not be exchanged, please check here.

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

Calendar 22 November—Close of NMWA 7 December—Hike Otero Mesa to see 25 January 2003—Valles Canyon, 22 February 2003—Aden Lava Flow Board of Directors election. Ballots wintering birds and petroglyphs. For Sierra de las Uvas Hike. Come enjoy Wilderness Study Area Hike. We’ll must be received by 5:00pm. more information, contact NMWA the Chihuahuan desert and petro- hike ~2 miles (not difficult but in Las Cruces (527-9962; greta@ some scrambling on sharp volca- 7 December—NMWA Annual glyphs in one of our Citizen’s Wilder- nmwild.org). nic rocks) and explore Aden Cra- Membership Meeting and Holiday ness Proposal areas. This is a 5-mile ter, a shield volcano associated Party. 7:00pm at the home of Dave hike of moderate difficulty. The Sierra with relatively recent volcanic Foreman and Nancy Morgan. For de las Uvas are composed of tilted, activity. It is located approxi- more information, call the NMWA bedded volcanic rock. Thery are mately 20 miles southwest of Las office (843-8696). ~30 miles northwest of Las Cruces. For more information, contact Greta Cruces. For more information, ([email protected]). contact Greta ([email protected]).

In the Caballo Mountains ills carved open, spilled and dried, hum against the wind, then lie Hsilent—slopes of solitude where I walk among statues— earth swells, yuccas, fields of rock, creosote, cacti bloom-topped— still life . . . till springs of mule deer shake the view with furry smear, and wide eyes and wing-like ears on pencil necks, scope, aim long, pin me to the horizon . . . Freeze, stare, shuffle, then leap on— wild of the wild, come and gone.

I’m left feeling what I’ve missed— motion—pulse of wilderness. —Sherry Mann

16 Winter 2002 New Mexico Wilderness Alliance