VOLUME VI NUMBER I SPRING 2004

Otero Mesa: Oil Development or www.nmwild.org National Conservation Area?

New Mexico’s Gutsy Gov In a classic David and Goliath struggle, Governor Bill Richardson is standing firm against the Fed’s plans to drill New Mexico’s Otero Mesa. Needless to say, Goliath Is ...angry. NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS A Fond Farwell ALLIANCE Main Office To All 505/843-8696 • fax 505/843-8697 [email protected] • www.nmwild.org is primarily about people. It’s not about ideology, P.O. Box 25464 cartography, geology, biology, zoology, or mystical Albuquerque, NM 87125 insights into the nature of the universe. It’s really 202 Central Avenue, SE • Suite 101 Albuquerque, NM 87102 people who matter the most in this work. Las Cruces Field Office 275 N. Downtown Mall Second, we moved beyond talking to ourselves Las Cruces, NM 88001 in our familiar circles. The Otero Mesa campaign 505/527-9962 has been successful because we listened to and Mission Statement respected ranchers, sportsmen, Hispanic lead- The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is dedicated ers and business owners. The key to success on to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wild lands and Ojito has been a close and sincere alliance with Zia Wilderness areas. Pueblo. We shunned the phrase “nontraditional NMWA Staff allies,” a term used by too many environmental- Las Cruces Office ists to describe people different from themselves. Trisha London, Grassroots Organizer We replaced it with something much, much better: Albuquerque Office “Friends.” Tisha Broska, Membership Coordinator Steve Capra, Associate Director Third, we fought hard but compromised when Nathan Newcomer, Grassroots Organizer Roxanne Pacheco, Finance Manager necessary. That is how we succeeded in winning Dave Parsons, Executive Director unanimous and bi-partisan support for Ojito, and Michael Scialdone, Director of Wilderness Protection worked so effectively with Governor Richardson Board of Directors on Otero Mesa. Compromise is an essential part of Wesely Leonard, Chair, Albuquerque, NM Bob Howard, Vice Chair, Santa Fe, NM the political process. Being reasonable—and keep- Tom Mouck, Treasurer, Albuquerque, NM ing your word—signals key decision makers that Tom Wootten, Secretary, Albuquerque, NM they can work with and trust you. Credibility mat- Pam Eaton, Denver, CO Dave Foreman, Albuquerque, NM ters, a lot. Kathy Love, Albuquerque, NM Carlos Provencio, Bayard, NM Fourth, we must never forget that we can win. Melissa Savage, Santa Fe, NM In the past fourteen months, we have made great Never despair of the political process or our fellow Todd Schulke, Silver City, NM strides in wilderness protection: human beings. Avoid losses, for we cannot afford Bob Tafanelli, Las Cruces, NM setbacks. And when opportunity comes knocking, Rick Wiedermann, Carlsbad, NM • The Ojito Wilderness Act, New Mexico’s first wil- don’t walk but run to open the door. Seize every Newsletter Staff derness legislation in sixteen years, was introduced Tisha Broska, Managing Editor chance to win something for wilderness. Joe Adair, Design Editor in Congress. James Broska, Copy Editor Life does not always cooperate. That is also a • Thanks to you, Governor Richardson and his truism. In my case, I have to return to the prac- Art & Photo Credits capable Administration, and thousands of other tice of law and attend to family obligations. I have P2 photo by T. Broska, P3 photo by M. Scialdone, New Mexicans, not one drilling rig operates on P5 photo by G. Miller, P6 photo by M. Heinrich, P7 been honored to serve the New Mexico Wilderness illustration by Joe Adair, P10-11 photos by R. Watt, Otero Mesa--despite the fondest wishes of the Alliance, and distinctly privileged to work with P12 wolf photo courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish, Bush/Cheney White House. P13 Then photo by Captain C.E. Dutton Now photo the most dedicated, smartest and hardest working by W. Stone, P16 Otter photo by Diane Hargreaves staff of any wilderness group in the United States. (hargreavesphoto.com), P17 photo by S. Capra, P18 • Our membership has grown, NMWA’s finances photo by C. Hass, Various Photo-composites by Joe are healthy and we now distribute 40,000 copies of Steve, Scial, Tisha, Rox, Nate, Greta...I will remem- Adair. this newsletter statewide. ber you forever. Adios. Wilderness The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the • More wilderness legislation is on the horizon. -Jim Scarantino National Wilderness Preservation System to pre- Stay Tuned! serve the last remaining wild lands in America. The Wilderness Act, as federal policy, secures “an endur- I believe some simple principles guided us. Per- ing resource of wilderness” for the people. Wilder- ness is defined as an area that has primarily been haps this is counter-intuitive, but the most impor- affected by the forces of nature with the imprint of tant principle I observed is that wilderness work humans substantially unnoticeable. It is an area that offers outstanding opportunity for solitude or a primitive or unconfined type of recreation, and an area that contains ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educa- tional, scenic, or historical value.

Put New Mexico First 3 William Stone Photography 13 Organ Mountains 4 Morgan X 13 El Malpais 5 Texas Energy Giant Wants Valle Vidal 14 Mt. Riley 5 Poems 15 Stop Reading and Get Out There 6 River Otters 16 Ojito Update 6 Off-Road Vehicles 17 Letters to NMWA 7 Young Voices 18 Visions of Greed and Destruction 8 Remembrances of Fallen Members 19 Thank you, WILD OATS, for your support! New Mexico WILD! is available at all Kimo Event for Otero Mesa 10 Upcoming Hikes 18-20 WILD OATS stores in Albuquerque. Wolf Hearing Needs Your Presence 12 New Mexico WILD! Page 3 Putting New Mexico First: NMWA Welcomes Governor Bill Richardson New Executive ernor Bill Richardson and his desire $6 million. Currently in New Mexico, to see Otero Mesa protected. Of the state spends about $129 per stu- Director: course it should be noted that dent to heat and cool our schools, the Governor’s resolve was bol- while spending only about $77 per David Parsons stered by the fervent sup- student on educational materials.1 port of thousands of New Mexican’s from However it has not been a com- all walks of life who pletely smooth ride for environmen- understand why it is tal legislation at the State level. Sev- important to pro- eral proposals the Governor pushed tect wild places. in the legislature died, including a bill that would have created a bonding But the Gov- mechanism to promote energy-effi- ernor has not cient upgrades, which pay for them- stopped with just selves in lower utility bills. his efforts on Otero Mesa. He Further, not every bill or action has made it clear the Governor has worked on has that Wilderness pleased the conservation commu- nity. Recently, he asked that oil and is welcomed by I am very excited to be the new gas drilling be doubled on the Jicar- his Administra- Executive Director of the New Mexico illa Indian Reservation portion of the tion. Unlike other Wilderness Alliance. Western Governors Carson National Forest; and efforts who seem intent on to work towards truly cleaner stan- A wildlife & conservation biolo- destroying the wildest dards and enforceable guidelines for gist by training, my passion lies in the parts of their states, our oil and gas development across our preservation of wildlands and the des- Governor wants to see ignation of wilderness for the myriad our wild lands protected. BLACK BART: reasons that these places are impor- He understands the value Thinks Otero Mesa Should Be tant for the well being of people, crit- of wilderness and its rela- Hole-y Ground ters, and ecosystems at local, regional, tionship to our qual- and continental scales. ity of life. He also sur- mises that companies I served on NMWA’s Board of that support good Directors from 1998-2003 and fully paying jobs are gen- support the formal mission of the Alliance, which is “to protect, con- by Steve Capra erally more attracted to communi- serve and restore wilderness in New hough he has only been ties that make quality of life a prior- ity. In this regard, the Governor wrote Mexico.” This mission is perfectly in Governor for a little more tune with my personal philosophy than a year, Bill Richard- President Bush reaffirming his com- mitment to the Roadless Area Con- and ethics regarding humans’ rela- son has sent a clear message tionship to Nature. Tto New Mexicans and our Congres- servation Rule, a rule that would per- sional delegation that New Mexico’s manently set aside 58.5 million acres As is evident from Jim’s farewell environment counts! Nowhere is this of U.S. Forest Service roadless lands. address, much progress toward our more apparent than his efforts to pro- And the Governor has urged the mil- mission has been made, and we are on tect one of America’s wildest grass- itary to keep trails open in the Otero the cusp of some very important wil- lands - Otero Mesa. The Governor has Canyon area south of Albuquerque. derness victories. I promise to bring state have been limited. But with these made a good, clean environment cen- these campaigns to a positive conclu- Another area that the Governor has few exceptions, the Governor has cre- tral to his efforts to diversify our econ- sion for wilderness and to seize new worked hard on is alternative energy ated a new standard for Western Gov- omy and energy base; and he contin- opportunities to protect and pre- sources. Following the recent NM leg- ernors. In states like Wyoming, Gov- ues working towards a goal of making serve the precious few areas of big islative session, the Governor signed ernor Dave Freudenthal (D) has been New Mexico a leader in alternative wild country that have miraculously bills that boost green energy through- more open to environmental thinking energy production. escaped development and degrada- out the state. First was a law requir- and bills, perhaps in part because of tion so far. Little more than a year ago, Yates ing utilities to produce 10% of their the leadership Governor Richardson Petroleum, Burlington and HEYCO energy through renewable sources by has shown. The threats are ever increasing, and oil companies were expecting to drill 2011. This law also allows individu- we need to respond with ever-increas- If we are to protect the West and the Otero Mesa. They had made generous als customers to buy and sell renew- ing vigilance and resolve in our pro- public lands we love, it begins with contributions to President Bush and able energy at a premium price. Other tection efforts. Of course, none of this putting the public’s interests before financed lobbying efforts by former recently passed laws include tax incen- is possible without the generous sup- those of special interests. Governor industry lobbyist and now second in tives for people who buy energy-effi- port of our members and the dedi- Richardson has made clear, that in command at the Department of the cient vehicles and support renewable cated efforts of our fine staff, Board of New Mexico public lands and wil- Interior, Steven Griles. They must energy development. One measure Directors, and active volunteers. have hoped that these actions would allocates about $200,000 for efforts to derness have a friend with this Gov- result in a decision by the Bureau of spur and organize hydrogen research ernor. He clearly deserves our thanks Thank you for all you have done for Land Management to open Otero and development; another allocates and respect. wilderness in New Mexico—let’s go $2.6 million for renewable energy- save some more! Mesa to full-scale development. What 1 -NM Education Department these companies did not count on saving upgrades to state buildings and -Dave Parsons was the power and promise of Gov- schools. The Governor had asked for

New Mexico WILD! Page 3 d i s c o v e r THE N ewMexico ORGAN MOUNTAINS A SKY ISLAND IN THE HEART OF THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT

by Greg Magee and smooth figwort, the last three being the 1,500-foot high cliffs of Baldy Peak. joining the Coalition for New Mexico Wil- owering above the Mesilla endemic to the area. Yellow columbines can be found at the derness. Support wilderness by support- Valley, the rugged Organ Dripping Springs, which becomes a spec- ing them when you head out for the Organ Although access on the southeastern Mountains are located about tacular waterfall after summer thunder- Mountains: part of the mountains is limited due twelve miles east of Las Cruces. storms. Here one also finds the ruins of to the presence of the Fort Bliss Mili- Enjoy a great breakfast before your hike TThe Organs are named for the prominent the Dripping Springs Resort, a sixteen- tary Reservation, many hiking and other at Old Mesilla Pastry Café, 2790 Ave de needle-like spires of granite that resem- room resort built in the 1870’s. In the recreational opportunities exist on the Mesilla, 525-2636 ble the pipes of an organ. From a base early 1900’s, several buildings were added public lands on the western and north- elevation of 4,500 feet, the mountains and the resort was turned into a sanato- ern portions of the mountain range Get a great cup of coffee and a sandwich rise dramatically in a short distance to rium to care for tuberculosis patients. administered by the Bureau of Land while enjoying the NMWA newsletter at 9,012 feet at Organ Needle, making this Management (BLM). One of the best Accessing the wilder parts of the The Bean of Mesilla, 2011 Ave de Mesilla, one of the steepest mountain ranges in access points is Aguirre Springs National Organs can be more difficult due to 523-0560; or Spirit Winds Coffee Bar, 2260 S. the western United States. Because of the Recreation Area (NRA) (NOTE: this is the rugged terrain. Since there are only Locust, 521-1222 complex topography and extreme eleva- a fee area). Aguirre Springs is reached about 21 miles of developed trails, addi- tion variations, vegetation and habitats Stock up on some organic foods to fuel from Highway 70, about 14 miles east tional exploration requires off-trail here are diverse. Desert grasslands and your hike at Mountains View Market, 1300 of Interstate 25. There is a campground hiking through dense and thorny vege- scrubland with mesquite, sotol, yucca, El Paseo Rd, 523-0436 here that has 2 group sites and 55 camp- tation on steep slopes and in rocky can- and ocotillo exist in the lower eleva- ing and picnic units with tables and fire- yons. Adventurous individuals who are For detailed descriptions of 9 hikes in tions. Higher up, woodlands of pinyon, willing to make this extra effort are the Organ Mountains, check out “A Hiking juniper, and oak trees mix with shrubs Because of the varied habitats in rewarded with ample solitude in Guide to Doña Ana County” by Greg such as mountain mahogany, silktassel, a truly incredible landscape. Off- Magee, available at Bowlin’s Mesilla Book and sumac. On north facing slopes in the Organs, there is also a high trail hikers should heed this warn- Center, on the old Mesilla Plaza, 526-6220; the highest elevations and within moist diversity of wildlife. ing, however: many people have or COAS My Bookstore, on the downtown canyons, one can find true coniferous died while climbing in the Organ mall, 317 N. Main, 524-8471 forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, places. Toilet facilities are available, but no water is provided. Two trailheads are Mountains. There are many danger- and Gambel oak. The Organ Moun- After your hike, get some comfortable found at Aguirre Springs: the Pine Tree ous cliffs that should be climbed only by tains also contain permanent springs and footwear to soothe your aching feet at Trail and the Baylor Pass Trail. As indi- experienced and knowledgeable persons. small streams with riparian plants such Jude’s Birkenstock Footprints, 1024 S. cated by its name, the Pine Tree Trail Don’t allow yourself to get into a poten- as willow, ash, and maple. Main, 526-2487 passes through one of the several small tially dangerous situation. Remember, it Because of the varied habitats in the pockets of ponderosa pine forest that is often easier to climb up a steep slope or Organs, there is also a high diversity exist in the Organs. This trail can also outcropping than it is to get down. of wildlife. There are approximately Fast provide one with spectacular wildflower To protect the unique biological, 80 species of mammals, 185 species of FACTS displays in the late summer and early fall. scenic, riparian, and cultural values birds, and 60 species of reptiles found If the summer monsoon season provides of the area, the BLM has designated a * here. Some common animals include enough rain, the trailside is covered with series of special management areas in golden eagles, hawks, owls, mule deer, Location four-o’clocks, spiderworts, asters, paint- the Organ Mountains. These include 12 miles east of Las Cruces quail, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and moun- brushes, and penstemons. Seasonal the Organ Mountains Wilderness Study Elevation Range tain lions. The Organ Mountains are springs along the trail also provide hab- Area (WSA), the Organ Needles WSA, 4,500 to 9,012 feet at Organ Needle also home to many rare and distinctive itat for scarlet sage, beebalm, nodding the Peña Blanca WSA, and the Organ Administration species of plants and animals. Some of Las Cruces Field Office of BLM onion, and monkeyflower. Mountains Scenic Area of Critical Envi- these include the peregrine falcon, an 505-525-4300 ronmental Concern (ACEC). These des- Organ Mountain race of the Colorado Another excellent access point to the Miles of Developed Trails ignations limit or restrict certain activi- chipmunk, and four species of endemic Organs is the Dripping Springs NRA, Approximately 21 ties that could have a negative impact on Ecosystems mollusks. (Note: endemic species are which is located on the west side of the range (NOTE: this is a fee area). The the values of the area. Chihuahuan Desert grassland and plants or animals that occur nowhere scrubland; pinyon, juniper, and oak else). Unique plant species found here Dripping Springs Visitor Center is about LOCAL SUPPORTERS woodland; mountain scrubland; include various pincushion cacti, night- 91⁄2 miles from Interstate 25 at the end of coniferous forest Dripping Springs Road. This is a day- blooming cereus, white-flowered visna- The following businesses/organizations Getting There use area with picnic sites and a series of Highway 70 on the north side, Drip- guita, Wright’s fishhook cactus, nodding in the Las Cruces area have supported the developed trails. The Dripping Springs ping Springs Road on the West side cliff daisy, long-stemmed flame flower, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance in various Trail takes one to a lush canyon of oak, Star Rose, Organ Mountain evening ways, including carrying our newsletter or primrose, Organ Mountains paintbrush, juniper, and cherry trees at the base of

Page 4 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 Canyon and separates its two wil- derness units. Lobo Canyon feeds Cebolla Canyon, coming from the EL MALPAIS north. Bitter cold wind at our backs, we headed for Lobo Canyon, our plan to check every cliff and outcrop that by Michael Scialdone looked like it may hold petroglyphs. gettingout ur monthly outings con- One of the participants had hiked tinue to be a great source Lobo Canyon just the week before and of fun and education for knew of an old homestead tucked well there those that want to get out back in to the canyon. After a fruit- Oand explore the diverse landscapes less petroglyph search, the homestead Study Areas including the West Potri- that New Mexico offers. Recently a made for a nice destination. We pon- llos, Aden Lava Flow, Florida Moun- group of ten met at the New Mexico dered the mystery of the structure left FUN AT tains, Cooke’s Peak, Robledo-Las Wilderness Alliance parking lot on at the homestead site that had four Uvas as well as the Black Range to the Central and Broadway to head out solid walls, yet no entryway, then North and Mexico to the south. This to the El Malpais National Conserva- explored the surroundings. The cold MT. RILEY is a beautiful, remote part of the state tion Area (NCA) south of Grants. The winds gave way to a whiteout blizzard by Greta Miller that should definitely be preserved that blanketed the area in minutes. It NCA was created, along with the adja- and enjoyed. cent El Malpais National Monument, was obviously time to head back to It was a beautiful in 1987. In particular, we were head- our cars. winter morning in southwestern One of the hikers that walked along ing to the Cebolla Wilderness, one of New Mexico when 33 NMWA mem- the drainage between the two peaks bers and supporters made the 1-hour was 8-year old Jenevah who came drive from Las Cruces and El Paso, along on the outing with her grand- TX to the Mt. Riley Wilderness Study mother. She started out a bit skeptical Area. The group split into two with and was not too enamored with the one group opting for the steep, rocky desert flora around her. She said that 1600-ft climb to the top of Mt. Riley it was boring. After a while though and the other taking a leisurely hike she started noticing and appreciat- up the drainage between Mt. Riley and ing the beautiful large barrel cactus Mt. Cox. Both mountains, which are around her as well as many color- of similar shape and size, are andesitic ful and interestingly shaped igneous plutons associated with the Potrillo rocks. But, what really made her trip, Basalt Field. was seeing her first rattlesnake. She very calmly informed her hiking com- Of the 23 who began the ascent to panion that she almost stepped on it the top, all 23 made it! This was an and by the end of the hike had enthu- exceptional group, the youngest par- siastically informed the entire group ticipant was 8 years old and the oldest, about her sighting. NMWA sponsors Dan Petersen, was 80. By the way, Dan regular hikes to wild places in New was by no means the last one to the only 3 designated BLM Wilderness If ever there was a ‘no whiners’ Mexico. Most are suitable for kids- so areas in New Mexico, to look for the bunch, this was it. Heads down, we top. Once at the top everyone enjoyed load them up and get them outside. Lobo Canyon Petroglyphs. A photo of trudged our way back, folks still talk- a great view of numerous Wilderness these was in a 2003 calendar that BLM ing and laughing about had put out to show off cultural and different life experiences. scientific resources that it manages The weather simply added here in New Mexico. to the beauty of the area. As Lobo Canyon rejoined A bright and sunny morning decep- Cebolla Canyon, a new tively hid what waited for us later in search for petroglyphs the day. We figured out the car pool, took place and minutes loaded up, and made the hour-and-a- later folks were amazed at half drive to the trailhead. At exit 85, the display before them. we headed south on Hwy 117. Where A bit of a misnomer, the the highway passes La Ventana arch, Lobo Canyon Petroglyphs it is following a double boundary, as BLM had named them of sorts. There’s a political bound- were actually just west of ary, where National Park lands to the Lobo Canyon’s mouth, in west are adjacent to BLM lands of the Cebolla Canyon. Happy NCA and the north end of the Cebolla with our ‘discovery’, we Wilderness. It also follows a rather faced in to the wind to grand geologic boundary, where the finish off the hike. Many 140 million year old Jurassic Morri- of these troopers returned son Formation sediments laid down for our subsequent hikes by rivers in swampy low lands rise to Ojito and the Quebra- up 500 feet to look over the McCar- das. ty’s Basalt Flow, one of the youngest lava flows in North America at 2,000 See page 18 &20 for a – 3,000 years old. listing of upcoming hikes and outings. Continuing south, we turned on to a dirt road that leads in to Cebolla

Page 4 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 5 from US 550 you’ll pass a parking area of Zia, Albuquerque City Councilor on your left. This is another great hike Martin Heinrich, and BLM National in Ojito, but save it for another day. As Director Kathleen Clarke testified you pass the parking area you head down- before the Senate panel, which included hill and through a wash. A prominent red Senator Murkowski of Alaska and Sena- mesa will be just north of you. Watch for tor Bingaman of New Mexico. Gover- a two track on the north side of the road at nor Pino, who has been critical to bro- about mile eleven. If you reach an inter- kering a proposal that is strongly backed campaign updates section with a natural gas pumping station by tribal leaders and conservationists, you’ve missed your trailhead and reached opened the public testimony with a the pipeline road which forms the western prayer in his native language, followed Stop Reading About It boundary of the WSA. When you find the by a history of the decades-long process two track pull off the main road and park that resulted in this legislation. Coun- immediately. Don’t try to follow the old cilor Heinrich stressed the enormous and Get Out There! track into the WSA. A sign prohibiting level of support for the Act-- expressed motor vehicles and several wooden posts by the public, New Mexico businesses, Exploring Ojito by City Councilor Martin here. This is New Mexico desert at its best. should block further motorized progress conservation groups and numerous Heinrich Parched, yet sublime landscapes made up on the old road. Get out here and follow local, state, and federal elected offi- of broken mesas and undulating badlands the fading two track north to an old fence. cials. While Director Clarke expressed Imagine a place where goblin shaped capped with twisted and ancient junipers After the fence, the track disappears, but some concerns about specific provisions hoodoos sit side by side with three hun- that may predate the arrival of the Span- just follow the base of the mesa and keep in the bill, she also expressed her sup- dred year old Ponderosa pine trees. A ish. I have hiked in Ojito for many years your eyes out for pine trees and hoodoos. port for designating Ojito as a Wilder- place where ancient Pueblo ruins hide in and I’m always discovering something The most interesting hoodoos are just over ness Area. the rough geography and dinosaur fos- new. I have traveled to well over a dozen a mile from where you parked. countries and This hearing made Ojito’s permanent I led an educa- While this could be a roundtrip hike of protection closer to reality. With the bi- tional wilder- just over two miles, I would be shocked partisan support of Senator Domenici, ness program if you didn’t cover much more territory Senator Bingaman, Congressman Udall for years. Yet I wandering around and exploring all sorts and Congresswoman Wilson, wilder- can honestly say of nooks, crooks, crannies, and cliffs. I ness supporters are confident that Ojito Ojito is unlike recently spent a whole day here with my will be protected. Wilderness Alliance any other place I wife, our nine month old son Carter, and members who have written letters on know and keeps our two friends who have a three year old this issue deserve a great deal of credit me coming and a one year old. The three year old for providing critical grassroots sup- back. Combin- climbed sandstone formations, examined port. However now is not the time ing elements of tracks from porcupines and coyotes, and to celebrate; much work still stands the Bisti bad- generally had a great time. I’d recommend between today’s progress and tomor- lands with Santa this hike for anyone used to warm, dry row’s victory. Fe skies, Abique country with lots of sun and uneven ter- fossils, and rain. Summer is best avoided unless you While in Washington D.C. for the southern Utah are an avowed desert rat or sun worship- Senate hearing, Councilor Heinrich and redrock, this is a per. Taking lots of water is a must year Governor Pino also met with Congress place that should round. You won’t find babbling mountain woman Wilson and Congressman Udall. be on any seri- brooks here. Just lots of scenery, sky and The Governor and Councilor were ous New Mexico silence. Ahhhh… encouraged by their expressed commit- hikers “to do” ment and advocacy for the approval of a list. companion bill. Wilderness supporters are hopeful that a House hearing can be One of the Ojito scheduled for the Ojito Wilderness Act easiest, yet most Wilderness in the near future. unique hikes in Ojito is acces- Act Moves Please write to our House and Senate sible to a wide sponsors to thank them for co-sponsor- sils and petrified wood sometimes reveal range of skill levels. For convenience I’ll Forward in ing the Ojito Wilderness Act. themselves to the watchful eye. Now call this the Hoodoo Pine hike because it imagine that this place also boasts rare Congresswoman Wilson leads to an area of mushroom shaped hoo- US Senate 318 Cannon House Office Bldg. plants that haven’t even been described doos and relic Ponderosa pines growing far Washington, DC 20515 by science, unique horizontal petroglyph below where they are generally found in The proposal to protect the Ojito Fax: 202-225-4975 panels, stunning redrock mesas, multi- New Mexico. In order to find the Hoodoo area as a federally designated Wilder- or 505-346-6723 colored badlands, and wildlife as diverse ness passed a major milestone on Feb- Pine hike from Albuquerque, head north Congressman Udall as golden eagles, porcupines, and moun- on I-25 to Bernalillo and turn West on ruary 12 when the bill was heard by tain lions. If you are willing to go hiking in 1414 Longworth House Office Bldg. US 550. Past Zia Pueblo and about 2 the Senate Sub-committee on Public Washington, DC 20515 the proposed Ojito Wilderness, you won’t miles before San Ysidro you will see a well Lands and Forests. The last wilderness Fax: 202-226-1331 need to imagine such a place. It will be marked gravel road on the west side of US bill heard in this committee was Wash- or 505-986-5047 burned into your memory forever. 550. There is a street sign at the intersec- ington state’s Wild Sky Wilderness Bill, which passed successfully in the Senate Senator Bingaman The proposed Ojito Wilderness is a tion marking this as Cabezon Road. Turn 703 Hart Senate Office Bldg. last year. NMWA is hopeful that the fantastic place for would be explorers of left onto Cabezon Road (if you get to San Washington, DC 20510 Ojito bill will follow a similarly timely nearly every age and experience level. It Ysidro you missed it) and immediately Fax: 202-224-2852 approval by the Senate. If the Ojito Wil- is big and wild enough to get lost in, but take the left fork. Hit your odometer when or 505-346-6780 derness Act is passed, it will be the first accessible enough to take small children. you leave US 550 and use it to keep track Senator Domenici new wilderness area designated in New If you live in Albuquerque, you can be of your mileage. It is eleven miles to your 328 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Mexico in 17 years. there almost as fast as you can drive to destination assuming you don’t take any Washington, DC 20510 the crest of the Sandias. However, you of the side tracks. Don’t get sidetracked, Governor Peter Pino from the Pueblo Fax: 202-228-0900 certainly won’t find cool mountain air stay on the main road. About 10 miles or 505-346-6720

Page 6 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 Letters To N M WA edited by Joe Adair Capra,

Here are some quotes from this article based on research of your movement:

“’Sustainability’, one of the catch words, is communism OOPS! with a face lift.” I just finished reading your “Top 10 reasons why George “Communism, as defined by Carl W. Bush will never be confused Marx, is the abolition of private with Theodore Roosevelt” spoof. property.” It was very witty in a bumper sticker sort of way. There was “To environmentalists, their is best for America as opposed just one little problem... desire to ‘save the planet’ from to the absolutely moronic human activity supersedes any bloviating of politicos? TEDDY ROOSEVELT NEVER concern for the facts and they WON TWO PRESIDENTIAL have no compunction about We need to elect ordinary ELECTIONS! inventing the imaginary threats Americans to office and not the from which it supposedly needs posturing inept self-serving Since you guys were obviously to be saved.” buffoons currently abusing the smoking pot during civics class, citizenry. perhaps a little instruction is in “Hitler used children to build order... his Nazi ideology and change a Capra, nation,” she said. “He started Theodore Roosevelt was with children at the age of 8 to The environmentalists are liars. McKinley’s vice president, Note: turn them into environmental becoming President in We get alot of fun mail, as you activists.” Capra, 1901 when McKinley was can tell, but Rick Frost has been assassinated. He was then So its not just me that’s aware a source of some... interesting .... Well it looks like Stephen elected (for the first time) in of your organization’s agenda, is either naive as to his 1904, and did not run in 1908; correspondence with NMWA’s Steve. organization’s movements or he retired in 1909. He then Associate Director, Stephen that he knows the truth and started his own party, the Bull Capra. Although Steve tried to be is making attempts to point Moose, and ran again in 1912, Capra, reasonable, Rick wasn’t buying it. the finger of guilt away from but was soundly defeated. Steve eventually stopped replying, his movement as this article I can meet and visit with you, squarely puts the onerous on his Perhaps in the future you should but Rick still keeps sending. Here but not for a meal as I consider movement and its supporters. do a “Top 10 reasons why no one are a few of his better barbs. eating with someone as a sacred See bolded segments...... looks should believe a word we say” act and I don’t share meals with Something in his tone leads us to like the terrorists here are the spoof. I’m quite sure it would be those I don’t trust or represent supporters of the movement...... loaded with lefty tomfoolery. believe he’s not our biggest fan... organizations to be suspect as ...... like Stephen...... But could you come up with only Enjoy! to agendas and proven intent ten reasons? against rural people.

Capra, Capra, Chris Joehnk ...connections, agenda, impacts Albuquerque to the land owner and the The best way to beat the eco- since when was the mesa trust’s efforts to talk the land nuts is to KNOW more than they a religious meaning or owner into a CE and ALL of the do, but that’s easy. value??????????? none of the I had you in Civics? ramifications? Do you believe native Americans I know in that trusts (such as the TNC) That is because they don’t know the area have ever expressed Seriously though, Chris, don’t should be treated as real estate anything -- they just rant, rave that...... only arrogant discount NMWA’s hard work for brokers and subject to licensed and emote narcissistic white folks are one dumb mistake I made. registration as normal real much GUANO. spouting this garbage...... estate brokers are?

The solid data you see within And, of course, they lie. and I’m sure your eventual these pages, is written by r intent is to drive those that dedicated scientists, researchers Capra, live out there off the land and citizens that care deeply (Rick Frost, Las Cruces) as well...... since your about what happens to our More are onto your agenda than organization is also part of environment. To dismiss their you think. So should we start (and signed onto) the effort hard work for my faux paux referring to your organization to unranch the west at all would be a sin. as the “Third Sector agenda”, or costs...... and you’re obviously is that too all inclusive a term attempting to claim some Unlike me, they were awake in for you? kind of moral high ground by civics class. Had I not submitted bringing “religious” aspects into Love NMWA? Hate us? Love nature, but that section so late in the game, Capra, this to get their blessings under can’t stand conservationists? We want to they would’ve caught it, to be hear from you! Drop us a note today: false pretenses...... sure. Sorry, dude. email - [email protected] or Is is not amazing how ordinary NMWA, PO Box 25464 American citizens know what -Joe Adair Albuquerque, NM 87125-0464

Page 6 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 7 Visions of Greed and Destruction How a President who lost the popular vote decided he had a mandate on the Environment and put the team in place to achieve it.

By Stephen Capra Vice President Dick Cheney Ironically, when not working on his energy task force and trying to open West- Imagine that cold day in January of In reality, President Bush sent his first ern public lands to intensive oil and gas 2001 when George Bush took the oath of message months earlier with the selec- development, Cheney goes back to his office. In the audience, was a select list of tion of Dick Cheney as his Vice-Presiden- home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming--an area invited guests; and millions of Americans tial running mate. Cheney’s selection made filled with million-dollar vacation homes were glued to their televisions. That eve- clear that the energy industry had a friend off-limits to oil and gas development. Early ning, as the new President went from party in the inner circle. Cheney, as a Congress- in the Bush Administration, it was Cheney to party, he surely encountered represen- man from Wyoming, was not a champion who set up the Energy Task Force that bears tatives and lobbyists from the oil, nuclear, of the environment. He often came to the his name. He got input from major oil, gas, coal, and timber industries—all anxious to defense of Interior Secretary Jim Watt, as he coal and nuclear industries, and developed get their hands on the public’s resources or did in 1982 when Yates Petroleum illegally a policy designed to expedite the opening gain softer environmental regulations. I can bulldozed a road into the Salt Creek Wilder- of millions of acres of federal lands in the picture him hobnobbing with Ken Lay and ness. During the campaign and in 2002, the West to industrial development. Conserva- his friends from Enron, as they were still a Yates family put on fund-raisers in Roswell tion groups filed suit to find out the specif- few years from indictment. On that night and Las Cruces for their friend, the Vice- ics of the meetings with these special inter- it must have seemed as if the sky was the President. Prior to becoming Vice-Presi- ests; Cheney remained silent. With the case limit as they toasted champagne and sensed dent, Cheney was the CEO of Halliburton, scheduled to go before the Supreme Court, that now was their time. Environment be a company involved in energy exploration reporters discovered that the Vice-President dammed! There was money to be made and with a knack for getting lucrative Govern- had enjoyed a weekend of duck hunting an American public to betray. ment contracts both here and overseas. with Supreme Court Justice Scalia, one of Norton the jurists who would hear the case. Repub- Immediately, the new team in the White Cheney co-spon- licans claim this was not a conflict; however, House got to work. They were anxious to Once in power, Norton moved quickly sored a bill many others see it as inappropriate. resurrect the environmental policies and to allow to implement a radical anti-environment the attitudes of the Reagan years; only drill- agenda. It began in June of 2001, when this time it would be done using ing Secretary of Interior Norton abandoned plans to reintroduce stealth tactics and the limits in Gail Norton grizzly bears in the Selway-Bitteroot Eco- would be greatly expanded. system of the Northern Rocky Mountains. No more over-the-top Next came the appointment of Gail This position was taken despite years of and erratic Jim Watts to Norton to become Secretary of Interior, a work with local communities, the support attract media attention, position many consider the most impor- of a diverse coalition of interest groups, and no open public debates. tant involving our public lands. The person broad public support for the reintroduc- The people chosen to in this position is the public face of our tion. It continued with her push to open the fill key positions had National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and proven their com- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. gas development. In one famous testimony mitment to smart, For most Americans, Gail Norton was an she mistakenly asserts that the “ local cari- quiet means of unknown. She was unassuming and care- bou breed primarily outside the refuge.” She working to destroy fully “on message” in her Senate confir- became notorious for suppressing and dis- environmental mation hearing, promising to always keep torting scientific information. protections for an open mind on matters effecting our many years. They National Parks, Wilderness areas and Wild- But from a wilderness standpoint, Secre- were also an elite life Refuges. She quickly coined the term tary Norton’s most crushing blow came with group of insid- “the 4 C’s” as a mantra for the Bush Admin- her decision to settle an obscure lawsuit in ers, who under- istration’s carefully crafted public persona Utah. At first glance the lawsuit seemed to stood how to frame on the environment: “Consultation, coop- involve only BLM lands in the state of Utah, debates and make eration, communication-all in the service however the suit actually had immediate industries’ wish lists of conservation.” Norton then became the implications for tens of millions of acres of stealth appointee the Bush White House similar wilderness-quality lands across the a political reality. the had wanted in the Department of the Inte- Western States and Alaska. On that inaugura- rior (DOI). Arctic tion day, President Bush As part of the Federal Land Policy and National sent conservationists a clear Norton’s past had been one of taking Management Act (FLPMA) in 1976, the Wild- message that his administra- extreme views in defense of industry and BLM was given 15 years to identify areas life Refuge; tion’s assault on public lands private property rights. that would be suitable for designation by supported an had begun. Within hours of being Congress as wilderness. These lands would amendment to She started her political life as a moder- sworn in he put a freeze on former be known as Section 603-areas for the sec- permit the use of explo- ate Republican. By 1979, she was working President Clinton’s “roadless policy”, which tion of the Act that required this review of sives for seismic exploration in wil- at the conservative Mountain States Legal would have protected 58.5 million acres of wilderness-quality public lands. Sections derness areas and wilderness study areas; Foundation--a group created by Joseph national forests from future development. 201 and 202 of FLPMA gave BLM author- advocated for the use of snowmobiles in Coors and funded by industry insiders, such But it was the President’s appointments ity to do continuing wilderness inventories National Parks; and in the early 1980s he as Yates Petroleum, to fight environmental to four key positions that defined the new beyond this 15-year process. voted against bills that would have estab- regulation and public lands protection. She administration’s environmental agenda. lished new wilderness areas in Idaho, was a delegate to the 1980 Libertarian Party Under the settlement, the BLM renounces Understanding the backgrounds and expe- Oregon, Missouri, and California. He Convention. Among the proposals at that any authority beyond section 603 to con- rience of the people appointed sheds light seemed to have a pattern of voting against convention were: the abolishing of the BLM, duct wilderness inventories or establish on the current state of our environment wilderness, wherever it lay. From 1980-83 he selling off some National Wildlife Refuges, new Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) via in 2004. The combined power of these never received more than a 12% rating on and the transfer of public lands into private the BLM land use planning process. In New appointments has had a tremendous impact the National Environmental Scorecard from ownership. With this resume, she became Mexico, this means that four areas-Organ on the current and future state of our public the League of Conservation voters. the Secretary of the Interior in 2001. Needle, Pena Blanca, Gray Peak and Apache lands—power times four.

Page 8 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 derness in the future. ing and natural gas production. (Note this occurred during a period when the debate Deputy Secretary of over the fate of Otero Mesa was becoming a national issue) Today, NES is still paying Interior Griles, who allowed the company to “buy Steve Griles him out,” when he went to work for the Interior Department. Under this arrange- J. Steven Griles, Deputy Sec- ment, Griles is paid $284,000 per year by retary of the Interior (second in NES as payment against the overall buyout command under Norton), has a price. NES still represents Yates Petroleum, long and well-connected career according to their most recent filing in the with the energy and extrac- U.S. Senate. tive industries. He once said when asked about the Interi- or’s Office of Surface Mining, USDA Under Secretary (the part of Interior that reg- for Natural Resources and ulates the mining industry), the Environment Mark Rey that he would “like to turn the lights out at the agency.” While Mark Rey, like the other power brokers Box, all in southern New Mexico could be Griles has disputed the quote, before him, graduated from the school of industry insiders. Mr. Rey’s specialty is removed from Wilderness Study Area status. his actions speak volumes. Since coming to Rey These areas were made WSA’s as part of the Interior, he has slashed staffing at Office of the timber industry; his goal appears to be Las Cruces BLM District’s 1993 Resource Surface Mining by one-third and dramati- maximum corporate profits and maximum uses an ordinary, almost folksy charm to Management Plan (RMP), which utilized cally reduced the number of inspectors at cut. Roadless areas and wildlife habitat are present his case for the timber industry; but section 202 authority. The Norton settle- mining sites. Griles is a former lobbyist for simply obstacles to be overcome. Mr. Rey behind the scenes he has been the architect ment means that section 202-derived WSA Shell, Texaco, Chevron, Arch Coal, Pittston of some of the most damaging legislation to protections could be undone with the next Coal, the National Mining Association and forests in modern times. As one former RMP, which the Las Cruces District recently Edison Electric Institute. representative put it, “You have to initiated. read one of Mark’s bill drafts Steven Griles’ rise to power has a famil- about five times before you In 2001, the BLM issued a Wilderness iar ring to it. He was the deputy director of can figure out you’re get- Handbook, which describes in detail how the Office of Surface Mining from 1981- ting screwed.” the BLM will manage public lands desig- 1983. Griles then moved up the chain nated as WSAs. It also directs that no action of command in Ronald Reagan’s Inte- Mr. Rey began his should be approved if it would disqualify rior Department, headed by James career in 1976 serving WSAs for future designation as wilderness. Watt, first as deputy assistant secre- as the Environmental The Norton lawsuit settlement agreement tary and then as Assistant Secretary Forester and direc- also revoked the Handbook, leaving BLM of the Interior. During his stint, Griles tor of air and water managers with little choice but to ignore worked aggressively to bring indus- quality programs for earlier management directives. The settle- try-friendly personal into the agency. the National Forest ment prevents any BLM lands not inven- He was also referred to as the “hatchet Products Association toried as part of the 603 process (which man,” for firing or transferring regula- (NFPA). By 1984 he NMWA has found to be flawed) and made tors he deemed to be pro-environment, was the Vice-Presi- into WSAs from ever receiving the protec- according to former Department of the dent of Public For- tive WSA status. An independent inventory Interior officials. estry Programs for conducted by NMWA found an additional the NFPA, an indus- 2.9 million acres of wilderness-quality Before returning to Interior, Griles was a try group that pro- roadless areas overlooked by the BLM’s sec- busy lobbyist working on behalf of the firms motes the cutting of our tion 603 wilderness review. Avenues for that the DOI regulates. In 2001, Yates Petro- National Forests. In 1989, protecting these important wilderness-qual- leum paid him more than $40,000 to lobby Rey became the Executive ity lands have been severely curtailed by the the Bureau of Land Management on Yates Director of the American settlement agreement Petroleum’s behalf Forest Resources Alli- negotiated by Secre- to “secure funding tary Norton. for BLM staffing”- See Mark Rey, p15 which typically In the State of Utah, means making sure Et. Al v. Norton, the that someone at Bush Administra- BLM will create or tion won a major vic- update a manage- tory in their cam- ment plan to allow paign to exploit more oil and gas federal public lands. drilling. The court ruling basi- cally stopped further Griles was also reviews of BLM lands for their wilderness a senior partner potential. For example, this made our rein- at a lobbying firm called National Envi- ventory of Otero Mesa for wilderness, null ronmental Strategies (NES), which and void. However, lands may continue to was founded by former Republican be inventoried by BLM for mining, graz- National Committee Chairman Haley ing, oil and gas development, dam construc- Barbour (who is currently the Gover- tion etc. Under the “multiple use concept” nor of Mississippi) and which has that is supposed to guide BLM land man- represented Yates for several years. agement decisions, all uses are supposed to NES filings with the U.S. Senate be given equal weight. Something is seri- show that Yates Petroleum paid ously wrong with this new picture. The zeal- the firm over $240,000 from ous nature with which the Administration, 2001 through 2003 to represent working through Gail Norton, pursued the them at the BLM, Department Utah settlement agreement, is clear evidence of Interior, Department of of the Bush White House’s continuing effort Energy, and U.S. Congress, on to end the creation of large amounts of wil- issues including BLM staff-

Page 8 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 9 GOVERNOR RICHARDSON STANDS UP AGAINST U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR TO PROTECT OTERO MESA The first speaker to come on stage and at all the diversity that was in the room. Concerned show his support for protecting Otero Mesa Blancett’s words rang true. We are an alli- was poet Jimmy Santiago Baca. From his ance of people who don’t always think alike, New Mexicans Wowed By opening comments about the Bush admin- but all agree on one thing: Otero Mesa istration to his famous poetry, his words needs to be protected from oil & gas devel- Surprise Announcement resonated throughout the theater. opment. At Kimo Event In that moment, “…On my walks in the Bosque the air seemed Governor Richardson signing I’ve collected woodpecker feathers to shift as Blan- an Executive Order to protect And have enough to make a feather fan for a friend cett wrapped up Otero Mesa, with President Since she has told me she cannot settle down her speech and Jim of the New Mexico Senate, Scarantino of the Sen. Richard Romero (right) And has told me that she’s an orphan too New Mexico Wil- and State Water Engineer, This fan will be a power talisman John D’Antonio (left) To help her find a place to settle in…” derness Alliance came onto the stage. ettle in…” A surprise guest had arrived and Jim had His words reminded us all of our deep the honor of introducing him. The KIMO connection to New Mexico, nature and how Theater suddenly erupted in a roar of over a healthy and protected environment is crit- 600 clapping and cheering New Mexicans as ical to our quality of life. Governor Bill Richardson walked out onto the stage. Republican rancher Tweeti Blancett of Aztec, NM then got on stage and gave her Behind the Governor stood the president story of how her family’s ranch has been of the New Mexico Senate, Sen. Richard destroyed by oil & gas drilling. She told the Romero, the Secretary of Mining, Minerals crowd that over 35,000 wells exist in San and Energy, Joanna Prukop, the State Water Juan County alone. Engineer, John D’Antonio, and former New Mexico Governor David Cargo. “Every well has a road and every well has a pipeline. The surface disturbance in San “As you can see in back of me we’ve got Juan County is tremendous.” some real fire power,” said Richardson.

by Nathan Newcomer The street began bustling with conver- She showed photographs of road damage, “The test of a governor when he or she sation and excitement as more and more open waste pits, leaking pipelines, spills on declares themselves as conservationists is The Otero Mesa Public Forum was truly people gathered outside the historic KIMO the ground, dead livestock, and poor recla- what are you going to do with the land and a moment in history where the people of Theater. mation, all associated with oil & gas drilling the legacy of the people. Is it going to be just New Mexico, alongside their State govern- in northwestern New Mexico. speeches, or is it going to be concrete action. ment sent a message to Washington D.C. Inside the KIMO, countless volunteers So I wanted to be with you here today and that policies dictating short-sighted agen- and staff of the New Mexico Wilderness “So, where are we now?” Blancett asked I wanted to pledge to you an all out effort das of our wildest public lands will not be Alliance were tending to details. The air was of the crowd. from your state against drilling in Otero accepted or tolerated. filled with enthusiasm and anticipation as “We form alliances,” she said with a smile Mesa.” the doors of the KIMO finally opened, and on her face. “And we form alliances with The men and women of New Mexico who the first of over 700 New Mexicans began to Again, the crowd exploded into cheering. people that don’t always think like we do, support protection of Otero Mesa are to be enter. applauded for their continued commitment because we can make a difference when we “Today I am taking significant action to to making a difference in this issue. With- The entire KIMO Theater filled to capac- are working together.” protect Otero Mesa in language that the out the strong support and resilience of our ity, and New Mexicans were ready to have Department of the Interior and the Bush Heads in the audience turned and looked members, volunteers and countless sup- their voices heard. Administration cannot confuse or misun- porters from across the state and beyond, derstand.” the efforts and goals of the New Mexico Volunteers sign a seven- Wilderness Alliance would simply collapse. foot long petition to Senator The energy in the KIMO seemed to be Thank you very much to all of you. You are Domenici. The petition endless as the crowd kept clapping and lis- the backbone of who we are. to Save Otero Mesa was tening to what the Governor was saying. signed by over 500 people And when he told the audience that he The buses started showing up at 1:00 and who attended the Otero was just about to sign an Executive Order Mesa Public Forum. people from Las Cruces, El Paso, Truth or making it State policy to protect Otero Consequences, Hillsboro, Silver City and Mesa, the crowd’s energy level ratcheted up Deming began filing out onto the side- another notch. walks of Central and Fifth St in down- town Albuquerque. A local photographer People couldn’t believe what they were began taking photos of the diverse group of witnessing and how their support along people, some holding signs such as “Repub- with that of thousands of other New Mex- lican for Saving Otero Mesa,” as they piled icans was actually making a difference with out of the buses. the leadership of Governor Richardson.

Page 10 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 GOVERNOR RICHARDSON STANDS UP AGAINST U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR TO PROTECT OTERO MESA Before the Governor walked over to a Otero Mesa. One former member was Steve small wooden table in the center of the stage West, a high school teacher from Carlsbad, and sat down to sign the Executive Order he NM who criticized the BLM’s proposed Stephen Capra, had one last thing to say: plan for drilling in Otero Mesa. Associate Director of “The federal government just got a notice “Everything that’s been said up here is NMWA, hosted that if they want to drill in Otero Mesa, this true…5% doesn’t mean 5%, it means 100%. the event. Governor and this State is gonna fight ‘em.” And it’s a sham and it’s shameful that the Bush administration and the BLM try to lie The crowd of over 600 rose to their feet to people and expect us to accept those lies,” and expressed a solid minute and a half said West. of gratitude, filled with celebration, as the Governor of the State of New Mexico signed Then Tricia London of Silver City, NM an Executive Order to protect Otero Mesa got up to show her support. from oil and gas development. “I am an average citizen who cares about Once the Governor left and the crowd’s saving our natural heritage. I would like applause subsided, a local band comprised to share that it is really important to get of professors from the University of New involved and get informed on our public Mexico took center stage and played tra- land issues.” ditional bluegrass music. “Holy Water & Whiskey” played as though they were “Giving carte blanche to the oil compa- around a campfire in the wilderness. Their nies on our last unique places like Otero bluegrass tunes echoed off the walls of the Mesa is like economic and environmental KIMO and into the hearts of people attend- suicide. These lands are the heart and soul ing the Otero Mesa Public Forum. of New Mexico. How much will you love New Mexico if it starts to look like Texas?” After the music, the floor was opened up “You all,” he said, as he outstretched It remains critical that we continue to pres- to a public comment period. Among the The audience exploded in laughter as his hands to the audience, “should be sure Senator Domenici and Senator Bin- first round of speakers was Oscar Simp- London finished and the forum headed for applauded for your efforts.” gaman with phone calls, faxes and letters to son, president of the New Mexico chap- a break. his local offices and national office. We need ter of the National Wildlife Federation, a The lobby of the KIMO immediately “Thank you for being here, thank you for to write letters to the editor of our news- sportsmen centered group. David Farrell of filled up again as New Mexicans crowded your caring, thank you for your passions, papers and educate more people about the the Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands Alliance around the information tables, grabbing thank you for your ideals. Don’t let up, don’t importance of Otero Mesa. also stood up and voiced his support for membership forms, bumper-stickers, and give an inch, we can win this one.” Otero Mesa and the Nutt Grasslands. Three signing the seven-foot long petition to Sen- Don’t give up, don’t give an inch. We Can DeBuys words struck a chord in the former members of the Bureau of Land ator Domenici (R-NM), which by the time Win This One! heart of every New Mexican. It seemed as Management’s (BLM’s) Resource Advisory the forum ended was signed by over 500 though ages had passed since anyone had Council also spoke their support for saving people from across the state. been a part of such an event. An event that SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE Everyone was ecstatic to be part of such a brought New Mexicans together from all VOLUNTEERS THAT HELPED Tweety Blancette relates moment in history, for it truly was a unique walks of life and demonstrated that unlikely MAKE THE KIMO EVENT A the sad loss of her San Juan time when communities from all corners alliances can be formed and can achieve a GREAT SUCCESS! County ranch of the state came together to express one common goal when working together; a single message to our government and to public forum that replaced pessimistic atti- Ann Ahlander tudes with hope and passion, and showed Benny Pacheco our senior Senator. Bob Willis that New Mexicans are not intimidated by Brandy Hinkle Amidst the bustling crowds, the Public the Bush administration and their wealthy Christianne Hinks Forum continued with former New Mexico industry friends. Chuck Houston Governor David Cargo. Dr. Greg Keller The Otero Mesa Public Forum was a ter- Drew and Trena Redman Drew Redman “We’ve got to protect the public lands for rific success and all of those involved should Greg Wier and Kelly Dix the public,” he said. “Because the environ- be applauded for their hard work and pas- Hildegard and Rod Adams ment is a very conservative thing, and the sion. Yet, the oil and gas industry and their Holy Water and Whiskey essence of conservatism is to conserve. Am I Jackie Higginson quest to drill this special piece of New Mex- Jamie and Toby Kitterman right?!” The crowd applauded as Cargo took ico’s natural heritage are unyielding. They Janice Simmons a bow and New Mexico writer Bill DeBuys will never stop trying to paint conservation Josh Taitebaum took center stage. as a “radical” perspective of a “few.” We must Marci Garton Mary Wiper hold our ground. We can win this one if we Melanie Maldonado DeBuys spoke of our responsibility to all work together. Nancy Murray conserve the land, and of the strong lead- Patrick Mullen ership that it takes in order to save our Governor Richardson has issued his final Raymond Watt last wildest public lands. But DeBuys also Rob Wallace protest against the BLM’s proposed Final Shelley Landis pointed out that without true grassroots Environmental Impact Statement. The Tricia London support, none of our efforts would succeed. BLM will review the Governor’s alternative Willa and Katya Hafich proposal and then issue a record of decision. Yvonne Boudreaux and Eddie Urbanski

Page 10 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 11 below). Another way is to contact NMWA directly and let us know that you are Take interested in volunteering. We can then set up a personal meeting with involved. Action! you and talk about your interests and IT’S PEOPLE THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. talents, and how we can best apply those to help further the cause of wil- Volunteer! derness in New Mexico. Do you like to MEXICAN GRAY WOLVES NEED YOUR meet people and talk to them about OTERO MESA: wilderness? Do you want to work PRESENCE AT APRIL 6th HEARING! behind the scenes with an event that Coming off the success of the NMWA is putting on? Are you good released, 27 radio collared wolves Otero Mesa Public Forum, it is at accounting or data entry? We have MEXICAN roamed the wild. The Fish and important that Governor Rich- a whole slue of volunteer opportuni- Wildlife Service never amended its ardson continue to hear from New ties. GRAY WOLVES rules as recommended, and as of the Mexicans that we want Otero Mesa If interested, please give us end of this February, there were only protected from full-scale oil & gas NEED YOUR a call at 843-8696 or drop 21 collared wolves. development. It is also impor- an email off with Nathan at PRESENCE tant to let the Governor know [email protected] Please plan to attend the April 6th that his continued leadership and AT APRIL 6th meeting to speak up out for reforms strong support for saving the area in the Mexican wolf program. If is instrumental in ensuring that VOLUNTEER NIGHT: HEARING! the Commission (each member of Otero Mesa is protected from oil & Every second (2nd) and fourth The New Mexico Game Com- which was appointed by Governor gas development. Richardson) urges the federal gov- (4th) Thursday night of every mission, policy-setting body for the month, the Albuquerque office of Please take a few minutes to call Department of Game and Fish, has the New Mexico Wilderness Alli- or write Governor Richardson and placed wolf recovery on the agenda ance holds its Volunteer Night. thank him for his continued com- for its Wednesday, April 6th meet- We start at 6:00 pm and usually go mitment to saving Otero Mesa. ing in Silver City. The meeting will until 9:00 pm, depending on how include public input. Office of the Governor much work needs to be done, and In the past, the Commission has State Capitol how many volunteers show up. Room 400 opposed wolf reintroduction into Projects range from a variety of Santa Fe, NM 87501 the state, even though a depart- different things, like stuffing enve- Phone: (505) 476-2200 ment biologist is part of the inter- lopes to be mailed to our delega- agency Mexican wolf field team Additionally, Senator Pete Domenici tion, putting together media pack- that releases, recaptures and other- ets, and everyone’s favorite activity, wise manages wolves that inhabit a and State BLM Director Linda Rundell need to continue to hear that we want phone banking. We provide pizza bi-state recovery area consisting of and beverages every Volunteer the Gila and Apache National For- support in protecting Otero Mesa. We encourage you to call or fax Senator Night and encourage new people ests in respectively New Mexico and to come and meet some friendly Arizona. Domenici and Director Rundell at the numbers listed below. folks. The wolf population is not thriv- For more information contact ing, thanks to a combination of If you wish to fax a letter but do not have access to a fax machine, email us Nathan at [email protected], or poaching and federal wolf “con- 843-8696. trol” activities. The U.S. Fish and the letter ([email protected]) and we will gladly fax it for you. Wildlife Service rules governing this UPCOMING EVENTS: population,require the animals to Keep up the pressure; we’re stay within their politically deter- making a huge difference in this Be on the look out for field trips mined recovery area. Other endan- ernment to undertake these reforms, campaign! to Otero Mesa during the month gered species throughout the nation then it is more likely the Fish and of April. Last April, the area can wander at will, unless they are Wildlife Service will follow through; Senator Pete Domenici was in full bloom and it seemed causing specific problems. and the wolves will have an excellent Washington D.C. impossible to not run into wild- Tel (202) 224-6621 life. Please join us this year in cel- In June, 2001, four independent chance at recovery. Otherwise, we Fax (202) 228-0900 ebrating America’s largest and scientists led by renowned carni- may someday lament that though we Albuquerque wildest Chihuahuan Desert grass- vore expert Paul C. Paquet, Ph.D., of wanted to save the lobo after years (505) 346-6791 land—Otero Mesa. the University of Calgary in Canada, of extermination, we didn’t try hard released an 86-page report con- enough. State BLM Director Linda Rundell tracted by the Fish and Wildlife Ser- Bureau of Land Management What you can do: Call NMWA vice as the agency’s three year review 1474 Rodeo Road See Page 18 & 20 for more! (505/843-8696) to carpool to Silver of the reintroduction program. The Santa Fe, NM 87505 City. Please also write the Gover- Paquet Report warned that unless 505-438-7400 nor prior to the hearing to ask him wolves are allowed to roam out- (505) 346-6720 fax to request his Commissioners take side these arbitrary boundaries, and action for the wolves: Bill Richard- unless other reforms were under- son, Office of the Governor, State VOLUNTEER taken (such as removing the car- Capitol, Room 400, Santa Fe, NM OPPORTUNITIES casses of livestock that attract wolves 87501 – or by going to this Web page: There are many opportunities to their vicinity,)the population http://www.governor.state.nm.us/ to volunteer for the New Mexico stood a 39% chance of declining. constituentcontact.html . Wilderness Alliance. One way is to When the Paquet Report was come to our Volunteer Night (see

Page 12 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Book Review: New Mexico: Then and Now by Michael Scialdone had been eagerly antici- there is no place that we (humans) pating the release of New go that we don’t have an impact, Mexico: Then and Now usually a significant one. Some WILLIAM STONE since William Stone told of the changes are simply aston- me he was working on the ishing, particularly those taken in Iproject last summer. I knew from cities that remain centers of com- PHOTOGRAPHY his generous donations of his pho- merce. It is hard to imagine the by Michael Scialdone New Mexico in 1989, he started Wil- tography to NMWA that it would Sandia Mountains with no devel- When NMWA is in need of liam Stone Photography. be filled with great photographs. opment on their foothills all the a photo for a display to promote an way to Louisiana Blvd, but the His images appear in magazines, Through my field work, I have area in need of protection, we often calendars, and other printed media old photos don’t lie. For William, call on William Stone. William has developed an interest in learning this creates a sense of urgency that produced by New Mexico Magazine, been a professional photographer Arizona Highways, the Archaeologi- focusing on New Mexico and the Col- cal Conservancy, and others. Books orado Plateau since the early nine- touching on New Mexico that feature ties and, fortunately for us, his work his work include Along New Mexi- ethic includes donating some of his co’s Continental Divide Trail and New works to groups like NMWA that are Mexico’s Continental Divide Trail: working on land preservation. Using The Official Guide (both co-pho- a large format camera and his artist’s tographed by Tom Till), Albuquer- touch, he captures the extraordinary que: Spirit of the New West, and the light of New Mexico in ways that few recently released New Mexico: Then can. and Now (reviewed this page).

William got his start in photography As always, NMWA encourages its during his college days, first in Maine, members and supporters to sup- and then to the other corner of the port wilderness by patronizing busi- country going to grad school in San nesses that support wilderness. If Diego. He spent much of his free time you have an interest in books of the exploring wilderness with a backpack. southwest or need a gift for some- As he puts it, the camera allowed him how to read a landscape and deter- we work to save places that have one who appreciates southwest land- to share his experiences with others, mine changes that have occurred retained their wild character. scapes, visit William’s website at experiences that he found difficult to through time. New Mexico: Then williamstonephoto.com. The site is explain verbally. Over time, he honed and Now uses a interesting process His other major impres- worth visiting just to see his amaz- his skills and shortly after he moved to to examine the dramatic changes sion is that, given time to rest, ing photos! that have taken place here in New the land can heal some of its Mexico. The concept is known wounds. Where the old photos as repeat photography, a com- show denuded hillsides, clear-cut parative technique that matches for railroad ties, the new photos historic photographs with con- show hillsides thick with trees. temporary images. Westcliffe pub- One of my favorites is a shot of lishers had done a similar book of the Animas Valley in southwest- Colorado (Colorado: 1870 – 2000) ern NM shot in 1913. This would and when they offered William have been shortly after the Age of Stone the project in New Mexico, the Cattle Barons, when livestock he gladly accepted. was pushed in to New Mexico at numbers insanely beyond the car- The book captures the mind in rying capacity of the land. The old many ways. First, it is a history photo shows arroyo down cutting, lesson, transporting the viewer typical of overgrazed land and soil “Todilto Park and Venus Needle” William Stone, Present Day back in time using the most pow- loss. In the new photo, the down erful sense for most of us, our eyes. cut arroyo is gone and the slopes William adds excellent captions are covered in grass, a testament that summarize the moment cap- to the responsible range man- Morgan X Delivery and Courier Service tured in the photo. In the adjacent agement practices of the Animas modern photo, he often puts in a Foundation. NMWA would like to thank the south to Las Cruces as well as Deming, short note of the challenges faced Morgan X Delivery and Courier Ser- Silver City, and west El Paso, TX. The while trying to find the exact spot I highly recommend New vice for their assistance in distribut- Medinas are very concerned about the of the original photo. This adds a Mexico: Then and Now for anyone ing New Mexico Wild! throughout loss of wildlife, native vegetation and layer of insight to the changes that interested in the landscapes, cul- the state. This family owned business habitat that they witness on a regular have taken place beyond what you ture, and history of this great based in Las Cruces is run by Lorenzo basis. They are happy to do their part can readily see in the photos. state. Check your local bookstore. and Marcia Medina with the help of to help the NMWA fulfill its mission their son Joseph. They make deliv- of preserving New Mexico’s wild lands Working on the book gave Wil- eries to towns and cities along Inter- by donating their delivery services. liam two major impressions. First, state-25 from Truth or Consequences

Page 12 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 13 Texas Energy Giant Takes Aim At Sportsman’s Paradise

By Jeremy Vesbach ered for leasing by the Carson National Forest is critical winter habitat for the n an effort to help bail itself Valle’s wildlife. out of a $22 billion scandal- induced debt, a Texas energy Coalbed methane development company has set its sights on erodes topsoil, pollutes clean rivers developing northeastern New and streams, and has a negative IMexico’s “sportsman’s paradise” – the impact on surrounding agricultural elk- and trout-filled public lands of and ranching communities. Drilling the Valle Vidal. operations seriously deplete the aqui- fer and, in some areas, residential wells The Houston-based El Paso Cor- have gone dry. poration is pushing gas development plans for the Valle Vidal that would No Drilling in the Valle Vidal! decimate wintering range and spring calving grounds for 2,500 elk, as well The Carson National Forest is as endanger a rare public fishery for assessing the feasibility and impact of CBM development in the Valle Vidal. the native Rio Grande Cutthroat the company could climb out of debt. What You Need To Know To date, there has not been a com- Trout. Wall Street analysts remain doubtful About Vale Vidal prehensive Forest Management Plan of the plan’s promises to expand gas “The Valle Vidal is a treasure for Donated to the American people in written for the Valle Vidal. In order developments into new areas – and the people of this state,” said Oscar 1982, the Valle Vidal is a lush moun- to determine the full effects of CBM after viewing the plan, lowered El Paso Simpson, president of NMWF, “and tain basin, located in the heart of New development, thorough environmen- Company’s already poor corporate it’s a crime to suggest that we should Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. tal and economic impact studies must credit rating by another notch. destroy that treasure for the short- This 100,000 acre gem of the Carson be completed. term profit of a desperate energy Skeptical investors were proven National Forest is abundant with Oil and gas development is having a company.” right in February when the compa- Rocky Mountain wildlife including serious impact on the rest of the Raton ny’s share price dropped by 10% after mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, The El Paso Corporation is infa- Basin. Let’s keep the Valle Vidal free an announcement that the compa- bald eagles, and native Rio Grande mous for a case of substandard main- from oil and gas development so it will ny’s estimated proven reserves of nat- cutthroat trout. The alpine meadows tenance that led to a gas pipeline continue to be a sanctuary for New ural gas were 35% less than expected. and conifer forests of the Valle Vidal explosion killing an extended family Mexico wildlife, a haven for sport- However, with investor confidence are home to New Mexico’s largest elk of 12 people who were camping on ing and outdoor recreation enthusi- at stake, the company is desperate to herd. the banks of the Pecos River near asts, and an important resource for the increase its gas production. Carlsbad in August of 2000. With its spectacular vistas, hiking surrounding agricultural and ranch- “As a result, we’ve got a multi-bil- trails, healthy trout streams and wild- ing communities. The Valle Vidal was And following the California energy lion dollar company with its sights life populations, the Valle Vidal is a recently named one of “New Mexico’s crisis, the company was charged with set squarely on the Valle Vidal,” said special place to New Mexico sports- Most Endangered Places” by the New withholding gas supplies to arti- Simpson, “and it is a company with men, anglers, hikers, wildlife view- Mexico Heritage Preservation Alli- ficially boost gas prices. After the real power and connections.” ers, and Boy Scouts from the adjacent ance. charges were made public, the com- Philmont Scout Ranch. The Valle Vidal pany plunged $22 billion into debt as El Paso Corporation petitioned the comprises the headwaters of both the its stock prices crashed. Federal Government to allow devel- Canadian and Cimarron Rivers. As Help Protect opment of the Valle Vidal. During a source of fresh water, wildlife, fire- The Valle Vidal In November El Paso Corporation the 2000 presidential election, El Paso wood, and grazing lands, the Valle settled out of court, agreeing to pay Corporation contributed $787,000 to Vidal is a vital resource base for the A broad Coalition of concerned $1.6 billion to California rather than Bush-Cheney’s election campaign. agricultural and ranching commu- groups and individuals has come fight the charges. And continuing nities of northern New Mexico and together to protect the Valle Vidal’s the company’s track record, in mid- And just this summer, a former southern Colorado. magnificent resources, and to urge the December a former trader for El Paso Halliburton Company executive was Forest Service not to lease the Valle Corporation pled guilty to report- named the new chief executive of The Threat of Coalbed Vidal for CBM development. These ing fake energy trades to manipulate El Paso Corporation. Halliburton Methane Development groups include the Oil & Gas Account- prices, and he now faces up to five Company is also Vice President Dick ability Project, Amigos Bravos, New years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Cheney’s former employer. Coalbed methane (CBM) develop- Mexico Wildlife Federation, West- ment is having devastating effects in El Paso Corporation Puts ern Environmental Law Center, New “This is going to be the biggest fight the San Juan and Raton Basins of New Mexico Wilderness Alliance and New Pressure on New Mexico that New Mexico sportsmen and out- Mexico and Colorado, and communi- Mexico Environmental Law Center. doors-loving families will ever have,” ties throughout the West. To learn more about the Coalition Wounded by debt and wrongdoing, said Simpson. “This is no time to be El Paso Corporation is all the more CBM wells are connected by an for the Valle Vidal, visit our website passive – write to Senator Domenici, at www.ValleVidal.org, or contact The dangerous to New Mexico, according to Governor Richardson, to your local extensive “spider-web” of roads and to Simpson. infrastructure that will devastate the Coalition For The Valle Vidal- (505) newspaper – and tell your friends and 776-3276 or (505) 758-3874. family. You’ve got to stand up and scenic landscape of the Valle Vidal, On December 15, the company destroy rangeland, fragment habi- released a long-range plan aimed at make your voice heard or we will lose Valle Vidal.” tat and displace local wildlife popu- convincing skeptical investors that lations. The area that is being consid-

Page 14 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 cial review. The legislation fails to give pri- FREE Native Plant Mark Rey ority to threatened communities and water- Chihuahuan Conservation Workshops: -continued from page 9 sheds and allows timber companies to log large fire resistant trees. Desert Throughout April 2004 the ance, a coalition of corporations formed to The persistent pattern we see in the Native Plant Carlsbad Caverns/Guadalupe Moun- oppose “Option 9”, a bill to designate habi- actions of the “Bush Four” is the pursuit of tains Association will sponsor free tat in the Pacific Northwest for the endan- profits before people. They repeatedly push Conservation programs for the public focusing on gered northern spotted owl. Rey promoted for and allow special interest access to some native plant conservation. Activities the idea that the Endangered Species Act of our nations most biologically rich and Initiative For range from plant identification to les- unfairly restricted business. By 1992, Rey important wildlands. Decisions consistently sons in sketching and wildflower pho- was the Vice-President of Forest Resources appear politically based, rather than being April 2004 tography. Afterward, take your new for the American Forest and Paper Associ- developed from sound science. Balance and skills to nearby Otero Mesa (contact ation (AF&PA). In this capacity, he and his environmentally sound development, buzz- NMWA for directions if you have group AF&PA were the leading voice for log- words repeatedly used by this team, do not never been). ging in our National Forests. Rey tried to get translate into on-the-ground reality. rid of the US Forest Service appeals process, Workshop activities will be held Apr claiming it was being abused by “high-paid These four people hold the most impor- 10, 17 –18, 22, 24, and 25 at Carlsbad litigators or by college pranksters.” tant jobs in America affecting our public lands, wildlife, national parks, national for- Caverns National Park, one of the In 1994, Rey became the chief lobbyist for ests, wildlife refuges, wilderness and their few protected portions of the north- pro-logging Senator Larry Craig of Idaho. future. Together they pursue a mission that ern Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. In that role, he became a master of pushing actively seeks to destroy the very things For more information, visit http:// legislation designed to benefit his former they masquerade to protect through mis- www.ccgma.org/wildfl.htm. All events employers in the timber industry. Finally in statements and confusing messages like the are free, except the college credit field October of 2001, Rey was given the job that “Healthy Forests Initiative.” President Bush course on Apr 17 – 18, which is partly gave him the power to truly affect the fate of quietly supports and encourages their dirty facilitated by Rick Wiedenmann who our National Forests. On that date, Rey was work. sits on NMWA’s Board of Directors. sworn in as the US Department of Agricul- ture’s Under Secretary for Natural Resources Space is limited, so advance registra- and Environment. In this position, Rey is in tion is advised. For the latest updates charge of overseeing the U.S. Forest Service. and to register, please contact Paula Bauer at 505-785-3131 or via e-mail In the beginning, his tenure at the Forest Legislative at [email protected]. Service had one goal: overturn the “roadless policy.” The roadless policy, promulgated Double-Talkers under the Clinton Administration, was designed to protect 58.5 million roadless With lemon-scented guns acres that remain in our National Forests. President Clinton’s proposed roadless rule They kill unsuspecting prey received over 2.5 million public comments Endangered species vanish and over 600 public hearings were held Extinction is permanent across the country. Public support for the roadless rule was overwhelming. In 1998, when the rule was being developed by the We can’t recall forest service “to create a scientifically based Vanished kiwis policy for managing roadless areas in our national forests,” Rey wrote then Agricul- Or dodo birds ture Secretary Glickman a letter signed by Or populations of gassed Hebrews six Republican Senators that stated “in no uncertain terms the roadless issue should be left alone.” Time’s passage Does not assuage In order to make that a reality, the Bush Administration froze implementation of Future tragedy the roadless rule hours after the President Begins today was sworn into office. They would file briefs arguing, amongst other things, that citi- Earth Day zens have no right to defend the roadless Brutality won’t wash away rule, despite the Administration’s failure to Mismanagement destroys Let the earth heal. do so. Selfish actions recoil Let her have a mud pack and sauna, Two days before Christmas 2003, Rey Bystanders at fault as well A soothing bath in warm water. crafted a Bush Administration decision to Let her have a pine scented exempt Alaska’s Tongass National Forest Extinction is permanent farewell Air freshened house in the forest, from the roadless rule. The Tongass is the A vacation with pay nation’s largest national forest at 17.4 mil- To Tasmanian devils, gorillas, rare plants From strip-mining and highways, lion acres. Currently, over 4,650 miles of Hottentots, colliding galaxies, and hawks. roads criss-cross the area. Taxpayers are Let Earth have her Sabbath. forking up some 33 million dollars a year to Murder is illegal. Let her get dressed-up subsidize logging of 400-year old trees that And go to her favorite place of worship are sold on the open market for about 5 dol- Double-talking legislators Or maybe just sit down for a bit lars a piece. With lemon-scented tongues To catch her pasture and her breath. Rey crafted the “Healthy Forests Initia- Still kill their prey. Let Earth have her day. tive” which is the Bush Administration’s A Chance to sleep late, meditate Are you a bystander? misnamed plan designed to allow more cut- Take a walk along the beach, ting of the national forests. The plan opens Pray. 20 million acres of National Forests to log- Lilly Rendt ging and waives environmental laws, public comment, administrative appeals and judi- Albuquerque, NM Matt Meyers

Page 14 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 15 RIVER OTTER RESTORATION IN NEW MEXICO MOVES ALONG

by Melissa Savage Mexico. The decline of river otter pop- management restrictions imposed by tat. Grazing pressure in this watershed ulations in New Mexico was largely due the Forest Service and Bureau of Land has declined in recent years, and ripar- The river otter is a swift and strong to the effects of human activities in the Management or tribal governments. ian areas and water quality are recover- semi-aquatic predator that thrives past, mostly in the distant past. Uncon- Long continuous stretches of river otter ing. The upper stem of the river is pro- wherever there is enough clean water trolled trapping no longer occurs here. habitat with an adequate water and tected by wilderness status, while most and an abundant supply of fish or The boon compatriot of the otter, the food supply, exist in New Mexico. of the middle and lower Gila River crayfish for them to eat. Otters use beaver, is again busy in the waterways boxes are managed by the Forest Ser- water for hunting for food, cavort- of the state damming pools and build- In those places where restoration is vice or Bureau of Land Management. ing, traveling, and as a refuge from ing dens. Rivers are cleaner as pol- being considered, surveys need to be Since nonnative fish and crayfish dom- danger. Riparian ecosystems, where lution management improves, and undertaken to identify the best possi- inate these systems, otter presence may willows and other wetland and stream- overgrazing of grasslands and forests ble otter habitat. A survey of the upper potentially contribute to the integrity side plants grow, make good homes for has declined. Along the Rio Grande, Rio Grande has already been completed of the aquatic ecosystem. otters, whether along desert streams or and other streams and rivers of the (Polechla 2000), which found that otter mountain freshets. Their lithe, stream- state, riparian communities are being populations could indeed live in a long The decision to restore river otters to lined shape, powerful tails, and webbed restored to healthier conditions and stretch of river from the state border to New Mexico rests with the State Game feet make them expert swimmers and provide protection for other wildlife Espanola. In Idaho, river otter densi- Commission, except on tribal lands. divers. They are primarily active in the species. ties were observed to be one otter per The New Mexico Department of Game day, and can sometimes be seen playing 1.7 to 3.7 river miles (Melquist and and Fish is conducting the feasibil- and hunting in the morn- ity study and is the agency that would ing and late afternoon. plan, implement, and manage a resto- River otters were once ration program in the state. abundant in New Mexico. Over-trapping of otters A successful restoration of river for their pelts had the ear- otters to the state will depend not only liest and biggest impacts on the biological factors, but also on on river otter populations, a consensus among the people of the but other changes in the state that the return of river otters will environment continued benefit all. A program such as this will to take a toll. Water qual- need a broad consensus from many ity in the state declined stakeholders, Native Americans, envi- throughout the 20th cen- ronmentalists and conservationists, tury, with soil erosion and fishermen, trappers, river runners, gov- pollution resulting from ernment agencies, river front landown- overgrazing, timber cut- ers, scientists, tourists, and local com- ting and mining in some munity folks. Stay tuned for ways you areas. Water quantity in can become involved. rivers also dropped in River otters are making a remarkable many areas because of comeback in many parts of their origi- agriculture and water nal range in the U.S. They have proven development. The last to be highly adaptable and resilient sur- documented evidence of a vivors. The establishment of this lively river otter in New Mexico native animal into the wilder parts of came in 1953 in the Gila the state can be a measure of our abili- River where a dead otter ties and will to sustain the health and was found in a govern- integrity of our aquatic and wetland A river otter restoration program Hornocker 1983). Using these den- ment trapper’s beaver trap. communities. need not be a complicated task. Ani- sity values, the approximately 265 river In mid-January of this year, the State mals for a restoration program are miles of suitable habitat within the pro- The feasibility study should be com- Game Commission authorized a study expected to be readily available from posed restoration sites in New Mexico plete within six months to a year, and of the feasibility of river otter restora- abundant populations in other states. might support up to 160 or more river let’s hope its findings will recommend tion in some New Mexico rivers. A Otters do not need intensive manage- otters. restoration of river otters in New number of non-profit organizations, ment efforts where potential for human Mexico. agencies, and individuals have expressed conflict is low. Releases in other nearby Much of the upper Rio Grande is a support for the feasibility study, includ- states have usually consisted of one- good river otter restoration location References ing Amigos Bravos, the Alliance for time releases of a number of otters at because it is protected from human dis- Melquist, W.E. and M.G. Hornocker. Rio Grande Heritage, Audubon New one or more suitable sites, with relative turbance by its remoteness and its deep 1983. Ecology of river otters in west Mexico, the Taos office of the Bureau of low program costs. canyon. A 48-mile stretch of the Rio Land Management, Center for Biologi- Grande was designated as a Wild and central Idaho. Wildlife Monographs cal Diversity, Defender of Wildlife, Four Potential otter habitat in the state Scenic River in 1968, lending an addi- 83: 1-60. Corners Institute, Sierra Club, and the includes rivers where there is enough tional level of protection to the area. Polechla, P. 2000. Final Report: Ecol- Upper Gila Watershed Alliance. The water to provide adequate otter habi- Thirty miles of the Chama River, whose ogy of the river otter and other wetland New Mexico Wilderness Alliance also tat, such as the upper Rio Grande, the confluence with the Rio Grande occurs furbearers in the Upper Rio Grande. supports this “rewilding” effort. San Juan River, and the Gila and San at Espanola, also provide excellent otter Bureau of Land Management, Taos, Francisco River drainages. In addition, habitat. The Gila and the San Francisco NM. This is an excellent time to initiate a extensive stretches of those waters are Rivers, in Southwestern New Mexico river otter restoration program in New protected by wilderness status, or land also appear to have good otter habi-

Page 16 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 NOW OR NEVER: GETTING A GRIP ON OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

By Jason Kiely and Scott Kovarovics life, and wildlife in forests from ORV abuse. One unchecked, many hunters are being displaced key player in the development of new or revised hundred and twelve organizations signed on by from their most pristine and productive hunt- travel management plans for New Mexico for- “At one time, we didn’t manage the use of the time the petition was filed that December. ing areas on their National Forests and critical ests. off-highway vehicles . . . . But the number of wildlife habitat is being sliced into smaller and people who own OHVs has just exploded in As documented in the petition, the failure smaller pieces.” Jason Kiely is the Transportation Policy Orga- recent years. In 2000, it reached almost 36 mil- to effectively manage ORV use is causing seri- nizer at Wildlands CPR in Missoula, Montana lion. Even a tiny percentage of impact from all ous damage throughout National Forests. In The Natural Trails and Waters Coalition has his 2003 Earth Day speech, Chief Bosworth been working with traditional and non-tradi- Scott Kovarovics is the Director of the Natural those millions of users is still a lot of impact. confirmed the environmental destruction and tional conservationists to articulate and pro- Trails and Waters Coalition. Each year, we get hundreds of miles of what antagonism caused by ORV use: “We’re seeing mote policies for effective reform. Essential we euphemistically refer to as ‘unplanned roads more and more erosion, water degradation, reform would require forest-level land managers and trails.’” That’s how Forest Service Chief Dale and habitat destruction. We’re seeing more and to designate a system of motorized routes based The Natural Trails and Waters Bosworth described unmanaged motorized rec- more conflicts between users. We’re seeing more on science and balanced public input within a Coalition works to protect and reation when he deemed the issue one of the damage to cultural sites and more violation of defined time period. restore all public lands and waters from the severe damage caused by four great threats facing national forests during a sites sacred to American Indians. And those are dirt bikes, jet skis and all other ORVs. speech on Earth Day in 2003. just some of the impacts.” While the pending rule-change may fulfill the obligations compelled by the 1999 petition, The Coalition has developed the follow- In an effort to protect forests from destruction “Renegade routes,” illegal and unauthorized the Forest Service insists that another impetus ing policy recommendations that would by off-road vehicles (ORVs), late in 2003 Chief enable Forest Service supervisors and dis- Bosworth chartered an inter-disciplinary team trict rangers to protect land, water, wildlife, of forest service managers to strengthen regula- and air, while restoring a reasonable bal- ance between motorized recreation and tions that govern motorized recreation by over- other uses of National Forests: land vehicles. The team is led by Jack Troyer, Regional Forester for the Intermountain Region 1. Protect traditional foot/horse trails (Region 4), based in Ogden, Utah. from motorized use: ORVs may only travel on roads and ORV routes designated in a The Forest Service hopes to revise regulations public planning process and engineered for motorized travel. governing the use of dirt bikes, ATVs, SUVs, and other over-land, ORVs on National Forests and 2. Prohibit cross country travel by Grasslands by late 2004. In meetings organized requiring ORVs to travel only on desig- by the Natural Trails and Waters Coalition and nated routes that are signed as “open.” Wildlands CPR, Forest Service officials have said 3. Designate roads and routes for ORV they will propose new rules that prohibit cross- travel through a full and public envi- country motorized travel except under lim- ronmental analysis process under the ited circumstances and limit ORVs to desig- National Environmental Policy Act. Ren- nated roads and routes. Chief Bosworth recently egade routes that were created by users without authorization will be closed until said, “I don’t have that sense of urgency, myself, full analysis is completed to determine regarding snowmobiles.” The Forest Service says whether they can be opened without they will deal with over-snow motorized recre- endangering forest health, environmen- ation separately. roads cut by irresponsible motorized riders— for their work is the increasing challenges that tal values, public safety, and/or the expe- infect most forests like cancer. Travel on ren- their land managers are facing as they try to deal rience of other users. “Dirt bikes, ATVs and other ORVs have been a egade routes is more destructive than legal with ORV recreation. This does not appear to be serious problem for a long time in virtually every motorized recreation because these routes usu- just another agency rule change promoted and 4. Permit ORV use only in a manner that protects natural resources, environ- National Forest,” said former Forest Service ally cut through areas where roads just don’t imposed from the top down. Instead, the pro- belong, such as riparian areas, steep slopes, criti- cess is more organic, coming from the agency mental values (e.g. quiet, landscape char- Deputy Chief Jim Furnish. “Rarely have agency cal wildlife habitats, and fragile ecosystems. As a ranks that recognize the need to control ORV acter), public safety and the experience of leaders had the guts to tackle the problems head result, public lands fractured by renegade routes abuse of the land. other forest users. on, even though they have the tools. While the are marked by denuded landscapes and eroded 5. Prohibit the use of ORVs in Wilder- regulations can and should be strengthened, soils, polluted rivers, lakes and streams, and dec- For this reason alone, many conservation- ness Areas and other wilderness quality strong leadership is even more important.” imated wildlife habitat. ists feel there is an opportunity for real, positive, lands such as roadless/unroaded areas lasting change to come from this process. This and wilderness study areas. However, leadership within the Forest Service As destructive, unmanaged motorized rec- isn’t an era of positive change on environmental has been lacking on this issue for decades with reation has escalated to the point of assault- issues, however, and anyone working to protect 6. Permit ORV use only to the extent serious consequences for the environment and ing the rights of others in the forests, non-tra- public lands must maneuver the potential politi- that monitoring and enforcement are the majority of forest users. ditional conservation allies have emerged. The cal pitfalls. Opportunities for real change, public annually funded, implemented and used roar of motors and seizure of traditional foot and policymaker education, and citizen involve- to determine appropriate levels of contin- Unchecked by reasonable rules and regula- and horse trails displace hikers, cross-country ment are too promising not to take the inher- ued ORV use. tions, ORV use on national forests skyrocketed skiers and hunters; ranchers with forest grazing ent risks. It’s now or never getting a handle on 7. Determine a finite timeline for imple- throughout the 1990s. Nonetheless, ORV use allotments and homeowners adjacent to forests motorized recreation. menting this plan, after which any forest still makes up only about 10% of overall recre- suffer trespass and vandalism by brazen motor- that has not completed designations and New Mexico has 22,000 miles of roads in its ational use on the National Forests. ists. As more riders take the elitist approach of closed renegade roads/routes will allow slicing renegade routes, opportunities for others National Forests according to Forest Service motorized recreational use only on roads/ In 1999, Wildlands CPR and The Wilder- to enjoy unspoiled habitat and solitude in nature data from 3 years ago, which doesn’t reflect the ORV routes that have been analyzed and then designated for such use. ness Society spearheaded the development of disappear. new user-created trails that seem to appear with a rulemaking petition asking the Forest Service every outing to public lands. NMWA Executive “Traditional hunters want a quality experi- to overhaul their ORV regulations. The petition Director, Dave Parsons, recently met with south- ence, but they are faced with ever-increasing If you’d like to join the national Campaign documents the ecological impacts of ORVs and negative impacts brought about by unman- western Forest Service officials to discuss how to Reform ORVs, please contact Jason congressionally-granted authority or mandate aged ATV use on our public lands,” said Stan National Forests in New Mexico will respond to Kiely, Transportation Policy Organizer for for the Forest Service to strengthen regulations Rauch, a lifelong hunter. “As ATV use grows the new national ORV policy. NMWA will be a Wildlands CPR at 406-543-9551 or e-mail: in order to protect the land, water, air, plant- [email protected]

Page 16 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 17 stop the BLM’s wilderness re-inven- views are abundant at the top of tory, but to file way-wrong right-of- Red Canyon Trail at Ocha Peak. The way claims applying to Federal lands trail then travels northeast along in the State of Utah. Net result: Utah the crest of the Manzanos and then will try to build roads in roadless descends down Spruce Canyon. Long areas, making wilderness designa- tion or defacto wilderness impos- vistas are visible when going down sible. Goodbye tranquil desert sun- the gentle slope of Spruce Canyon, sets, hello noxious haze from ATV which eventually brings you back to Red Canyon Campground. Contact By Patrick Mullen the Administration and its oil thirsty exhaust. buddies. Otero Mesa strikes much Nathan Newcomer at 843-8696 for Since the Bush Administration But wait, there’s more. The Bush more info. closer to home for those of us who Administration also has relaxed stan- took office, the environment and were fortunate enough to be pres- Distance: 7.5 miles round-trip wilderness specifically have been dards on our air and water quality. It ent there in the Kimo Theatre at the is now easier for companies to pol- Time: 4 to 6 hours round-trip attacked at an unprecedented rate. Public Forum for Otero Mesa when Elevation Range: 7,960 to 10,003 Everything from clean air and water lute , and harder to punish them we saw Governor Richardson sign feet to our nation’s forests have been for violations, or enforce clean-up. an executive order helping to protect This sort of treatment on environ- Difficulty: Moderate to Easy attackedhit. While Americans have Otero Mesa. been focused on the events and after- mental issues applies not only to the math of September Eleventh 11, and The Bush Administration’s desire Administration’s corporate allies, but May 8 – Pecos Mountain the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, to drill Otero Mesa is far from the also to the federal government itself. Wilderness, Borrego, Rio In the interests of national security, Nambe, & Rio Capulin Trails the President’s policies allowed mili- This loop hike begins at Borrego trail tary installations to ignore their envi- through coniferous forest and goes ronmental impacts on military lands, rather steeply downhill about a 1.5 including where it threatens engen- miles to Rio Nambe Trail. This trail dered species. travels along a streambed full of President Bush’s quick-fix solutions willows and oak brush. The rest of the and short-sighted priorities have to hike consists of open ponderosa fields change if there is to be any hope for and up over a ridge and then back my generation. My generation wants down. Contact Nathan Newcomer or to inherit a pristine Otero Mesa, Michael Scialdone at 843-8696 for clean air, clean water, and a sustain- more info. able future, not the consequences of Distance: 8.71 miles round-trip foolishness and greed today. Time: 4 to 6 hours round-trip Elevation Range: 9,200 to 7,680 feet Difficulty: Moderate Upcoming Hikes July 17 – Mt Taylor for Northern A strenuous day hike due to 1,800 New Mexico Region ft elevation gain and loss in a 6 – 7 mile hike. The 11,301-ft remnant With the longer days and warming weather, we will now meet at 7:00am volcano is the dominant feature of at our office parking lot on the SW the western 1-40 corridor. Stunning corner of Central and Broadway. Dress views await as the trail leaves appropriately for the weather and bring the trees and ascends the grassy, extra wear needed for weather and southern-exposed slopes to the elevation changes. Bring water, lunch, peak. and enough munchies for the day. We will figure out the car pool situation in the parking lot (if you are willing to JUNE 5TH WEEKEND, SPECIAL drive, it is greatly appreciated). Our aim VOLUNTEER PROJECT IN THE will be to have you back by 7:00pm, LATIR PEAK WILDERNESS usually earlier. All hikes subject to change due to weather or snow pack. Celebrate National Trails Day by environmentalists have been por- end of its disappointing environ- For more information, contact Nathan helping to close off an old road in trayed in new and devious ways while mental record. There are many more Newcomer or Michael Scialdone at to the Latir Peak Wilderness north their patriotism is being challenged. reasons that the League of Conser- 505-843-8696. of Taos and make it in to a trail. vation Voters gave President Bush Contact Michael Scialdone at 505- Under the shelter of patriotism, an “F” on his environmental report April 17 – Manzano 843-8696 for more info. the current Administration has card. Sadly, this Administration’s Mountain Wilderness, Red attempted unrelentingly to open the attacks on wilderness go far beyond Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to Otero Mesa. Our adjacent neighbor, Canyon Trail drilling. They have used our national Utah, is suffering what may be the This loop trail begins at Red Canyon weakness of dependence on foreign region’s worst attacks on wilderness. Campground and ascends through oil as a pretext to make preservation Contrivances and loopholes in fed- a drainage full of trees and cliff of a pristine place seem unpatriotic. eral legislation including the clearly faces. It travels along a streambed I say: “I love America, let’s save some outdated Mining Act of 1866, along for about 1.5 miles. After leaving of it.” This issue also strikes closer with President Bush’s “no-envi- to home too. Otero Mesa is another the canyon the trail pops onto a ronment-no-problem” philosophy slopping plateau through large pine, pristine and biologically important allowed the State of Utah to not only place that has been threatened by fir, and eventually aspens. Great

Page 18 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 40 of her recent paintings be sold Remembering at silent auction and the proceeds Alice Peden donated to her favorite causes. Thank you, Alice ...we will miss you. HELP WANTED! Alice Peden, a champion for wild places in New Mexico, passed away Looking for Grey Wolves & Young Bucks: on October 14, 2003 after a battle with Willing to Help Fight for Wilderness pancreatic cancer. She will be greatly Don Dearholt missed by those of us at the NMWA who knew her. 1936- 2003 Alice made wonderful contribu- On November 27, 2004 the New tions to NMWA with her artwork. She Mexico Conservation Community donated several prints of her water- lost a good friend with the passing of color paintings for the newsletter and Don Dearholt, a Roswell native. matted original watercolors of Otero Don enjoyed a long record of service Mesa that she personally presented to with the Sierra Club. He was a chair of elected officials along with an impas- the southern group in the 1980’s and sioned plea to protect the area from then moved to Mississippi to teach at oil and gas development. Her efforts Mississippi State University. There he were recognized in the Spring 2003 was the Chair of the Golden Trian- Volunteer Tabling Coordinator issue of New Mexico Wild! gle Group of the Sierra Club in the The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance needs Volunteers Alice moved to Santa Fe in 1988 late 1990’s. Don returned to southern willing to take charge of an important component of our where she became active in the art New Mexico upon retirement in 2000 grassroots outreach: Volunteer Tabling Coordinator. This and again became Chapter Chair and scene and donated her time and effort position will require time, energy, and strong organizational to improve parks and public spaces. quickly worked to revitalize the south- ern chapter of the Sierra Club. skills to coordinate Volunteers for our tabling events across She moved to Las Cruces in 1998 the state. Help spread the message of the Wilderness Alliance where she worked on downtown revi- Don was always a warm and good by becoming a Tabling Coordinator. If you have the time talization, native landscape beautifica- friend of the environment, who cared tion projects as well as other progres- and commitment to Wilderness, please contact Nathan deeply about southern New Mexico Newcomer at 505-843-8696 or [email protected] sive causes. and its wild places. In his final years, Alice was a signature member of the Don worked hard to see that Otero Volunteer Hike Coordinator Mesa was protected and was an New Mexico Watercolor Society and The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance also needs Volunteers was active in the Mesilla Valley Fine important link between the Sierra Club and the New Mexico Wilderness willing to take charge of another important component of Arts Gallery. Her love of wild places our grassroots outreach: Volunteer Hike Coordinator. This has been captured by the her many Alliance in our outreach and southern position will require time, energy, and strong organizational watercolors she left behind of land- political strategy. scapes and mountain ranges of New skills for leading hikes across New Mexico. Help organize Many thanks Don- you will be outings to New Mexico Wilderness by contacting Nathan Mexico. missed. Newcomer at 505-843-8696 or [email protected] Alice requested that upon her death

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

YES! I want to be a member of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance!!! My contribution will go Mail your towards the continued protection and wilderness designation of New Mexico’s natural heritage. Tax Deductible q$20 – Individual q$100 – Contributing qOther $______Donations to: q$25 – Family q$250 – Lifetime New Mexico q$50 – Supporting q$10 – Student/Senior Wilderness Alliance Name ______Phone______PO Box 25464 Street ______E-mail______Albuquerque, NM City, State, Zip ______87125-0464 Questions? £ Enclosed is my check payable to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance 505/843-8696 Please charge my £ Visa or £ Mastercard Card# ______Expiration Date: ______

Signature: ______

Page 18 SPRING 2004 New Mexico WILD! Page 19 Upcoming Hikes for Northern New Mexico Region Otero Mesa Outing April 30 – May 2

Come join us in Otero Mesa and watch the desert come to life! The New Mexico EXHIBIT Wilderness Alliance and the Sierra Club are teaming up for a weekend camp out on the expansive grasslands of the SP A CE Chihuahuan Desert. We will be exploring the thousands of petroglyphs on Alamo NEEDED! Mountain and the diverse cactus species that cover its flanks. We will also explore Exhibit Space Needed for the Cornudas Mountain and work our Fall 2004 way to middle of this volcanic intrusion Wildlands Painted! where we can expect great panoramic S o L o ng , G r e t a! Art exhibit and sale to views. The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance involved in the Otero Mesa issue, which benefit the New Mexico lost one of its hardest working and deeply has been a campaign of national impor- Wilderness Alliance. Be prepared for windy whether and lots passionate workers in February 2004. Greta tance. of sun as Otero Mesa is now entering Miller, or Greta Balderrama as many knew Many southern members of NMWA will Please contact Tisha at 843- its spring. But also be prepared for calm her, gave up her position as Grassroots brisk days with the possibility of a few Organizer for the Las Cruces office of the remember Greta for the monthly hikes 8696 or [email protected] that she lead them on, through the Organ if you are interested in rain showers. Bring plenty of water, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance to pursue sunscreen and a camera to capture the a teaching position in El Paso, TX. Mt.’s, the Robledos, Cooke’s Peak, the San volunteering or have any moments of pronghorn herds, prairie dog Mateo’s and countless other weekend treks information on exhibit space towns, petroglyphs, desert blooms, and Greta was the one who led the fight to across New Mexico’s wildlands. beautiful sunrises and sunsets. save Otero Mesa from oil & gas develop- ment, back in October of 2000. She read But for those of us who know her well, the Bureau of Land Management’s Draft and worked alongside her for over two During the evenings there will Environmental Impact Statement and years, we will remember her as our “South- be a social campfire. Bring told the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, ern Bell.” Her infectious laughter, sooth- instruments if you’ve got “Hey, you guys need to get on this one.” ing company and love for wilderness will them. Let’s get together If it wasn’t for her dedication to wilder- surely be missed. We love you very much and have some fun in the ness, NMWA might not have ever gotten Greta and wish you all the best. desert.

For more information, contact Nathan New Mexico WILD! Newcomer at design & 505-843-8696 or art direction by: � [email protected]. ����������� Joe Adair - 505.319-3754 • [email protected]�� ������������ Continued on Page 18 so, what’s

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C X I Governor Richardson 3, 10 Albuquerque, NM 87125 PERMIT NO. 426 The Feds 8-9 Otero Mesa Rally 10-11 Valle Vidal Threatened 14 Otter Reintroduction 16