July 21st—With strong bipartisan support, the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act, S. 1689 passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today. The legislation will protect over 300,000 acres of public land as Wilderness and National Conservation Areas. Wilderness conservation in the Organ Mountains and other nearby natural treasures has been a top community priority for over five years. It awaits final Senate action. 

Senior NM Senator Jeff Bingaman’s outstanding leadership, combined with NM Senator Tom Udall’s strong support has built a bill supported by thousands of citizens, four local elected governments, two local Chambers of Commerce, half a dozen local sportsmen organizations, community groups and conservation organizations.

It is time to thank Sen. Bingaman and Sen. Udall for their incredible wilderness conservation work! 

CLICK HERE to thank our Senators for being wilderness champions.

Please take the time to follow the link above and send Senators Bingaman and Udall a letter, to thank them for today and ask that they continue working for successful passage of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act in this Congress!

And, listen to radio coverage of today’s hearing:

Public News Service-NM
July 21, 2010: (New Mexico’s) Organs Play on Capitol Hill Today

Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories.

By Martin Heinrich, U.S. Representative (NM-1)

For the Sandoval Signpost, July 2010: View the original post online

New Mexicans have a proud history of protecting the natural gifts that make up the “Land of Enchantment.” We know that our public lands offer stunning natural wonders like Carlsbad Caverns National Park, cultural and historic sites like Bandelier and Fort Union National Monuments, and year-round, outdoor recreational opportunities that rival any state in the union. In fact, the world’s first designated wilderness area was established here in New Mexico in 1924—the Gila Wilderness near Silver City, the inspiration of the great conservationist Aldo Leopold. 

One of our state’s greatest public servants, Clinton P. Anderson, made conservation a centerpiece of his public career as congressman, secretary of agriculture, and U.S. senator. Among Senator Anderson’s proudest achievements was the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964, a law he championed as the lead Senate sponsor. The photos of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing that bill into law show the beaming New Mexico senator looking over his shoulder.

One of the wilderness areas protected under the Wilderness Act has a particularly central part in the lives of many of us—the 38,000 acre Sandia Mountain Wilderness, which dominates the skyline east of Albuquerque. Here, on the doorstep of a major city, we have a wilderness gem with more than 100 miles of trails, including the Crest Trail that follows the ridge to heights well above 10,000 feet, readily accessible for all of us from the top of the Sandia Peak Tramway.

This month, we mark the 30th anniversary of the last major addition to the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. We New Mexicans, and all Americans, own this wilderness asset and have taken care to preserve it with the expectation that it will provide multiple future benefits. I don’t even want to imagine what life would be like in a world without wilderness areas, without the opportunities such places offer to young families like my own, where a trail beckons through the forest, offering each child the sense of what’s best about America. 

That is why I believe the Sandia Mountain Wilderness area is so important. Thanks to the conservation ethic of Aldo Leopold and the inspired leadership of Senator Anderson, places like this have been protected for our enjoyment forever. 

In that same spirit, we must do our part to assure the strongest possible protection of this landscape for the enjoyment of future generations. I recently introduced legislation that would add two new parcels to the Cibola National Forest. Near Placitas, the legislation would transfer the Crest of Montezuma from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the U.S. Forest Service. This transfer would ensure that this land would remain undeveloped and will continue to serve as a critical wildlife corridor and scenic backdrop to Placitas. It would also allow local East Mountain residents better access to the area for recreation. Second, my bill would transfer about 1,000 acres just south of Isleta Pueblo from the BLM to the Forest Service’s Manzano Mountain Wilderness. This wilderness addition would permanently protect this land from development and will help complete the Manzano Mountain Wilderness. 

As valuable as we know this wilderness is in our own lifetimes, just think how immensely more valuable it will be for our children and grandchildren.

I am honored to represent you in Congress and am here to help in any way possible. Call my office at (505) 346-6781, or visit http://Heinrich.house.gov

By Renee Frank / For the Sun-News

Posted: 07/26/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

The Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act. There are many worthwhile reasons why this legislation should be approved, not least among which is the undeniable fact that wilderness and National Conservation Area (NCA) designations are good for Doña Ana County businesses and the local economy.

The guiding principle of our diverse organization of local businesses is that business success is measured by the triple bottom line – people, planet, as well as profit. Obviously, protecting our ever diminishing wild lands benefits our local environment including its diverse wildlife, vegetation and natural resources, as well as the people who live here and enjoy the wonderful quality of life that draws us and keeps us here. We hope everyone can agree on that basic fact. Specifically, wilderness designation ensures that valuable public lands will continue to serve as reservoirs of clean water and fresh air; offer amazing opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, camping and fishing; and remain available for significant scientific and educational discovery.

There has been much discussion about the impact of the wilderness designation on border security. Clearly the benefits of preserving our wild lands would be offset if there were negative impacts on the security of our people or property. The Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce members commend Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall for their ongoing process to hear testimony from every area of concern and to make adjustments to the legislation to assure the security of our border and of our area. That said, we want to add another dimension to the discussions – that of the business benefits and economic stimulus to our area as the result of the wilderness designation.

The benefits of wilderness designation to local businesses and to the local economy are huge. It is well established that designating wilderness areas stimulates economic growth that benefits businesses, brings jobs to the community and promotes higher personal income for area residents. People are attracted to a high quality of life associated with beautiful views, undisturbed wild lands, recreation, cultural and historical landmarks, clean air and water and diverse wildlife. Wilderness designation is the gold standard of conservation and will serve to “brand” Las Cruces and Doña Ana County as one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and play.

Retirees are likely to identify a town bordering wilderness area as one to which they would like to relocate, in a phenomenon commonly known as “amenity migration.” In fact, in 2002, Money Magazine named Las Cruces as one of the top places to retire, writing that “for all its affordability and climate, it’s the beauty of its landscape that draws most new residents to Las Cruces.” Wilderness designation will attract more tourists to visit and spend time in our area, further benefiting the local economy. Businesses are more likely to relocate to a community that provides a high quality of life for its employees and their families. We believe the wilderness designation will result in a powerful economic stimulus to our area that will promote new local business opportunities, attract new people and businesses to relocate here, and promote tourism – all of which will bring new jobs and economic prosperity to our community.

Each Las Cruces business, and business association, has its own ideas as to what helps or hurts their bottom line, including the benefits of land and resource conservation. We cannot, and do not, speak for all of them. However, we believe protecting the natural assets that define our community – from the Organ and Potrillo mountains to Broad Canyon – is absolutely good for business as well as for healthy economic growth that will benefit all who live here.

The Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce, which consists of over 300 local member businesses, supports wilderness designation because it is just good business sense – supporting our people, our beautiful little part of the planet, and profit. We encourage our lawmakers to help see that this important legislation becomes law this year.

Renee Frank is the chairman of the board of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at Renee@ReneeFrank.com

George Duffy
February 16, 1937 – July 8, 2010

Dear Friends,

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, mentor and wilderness volunteer, retired Forest Service wilderness ranger, George Duffy. In addition to his duties as a ranger,  George helped write the Wilderness Ranger Field Guide in 1993. He was appointed by the Chief of the Forest Service to the National Wilderness Field Advisory Group. He was a member of the National Mountain Rescue Association.  George spent his life in the wilds of our country. He was an avid climber, backpacker and a man that enjoyed spending his nights sleeping under the stars. Several years ago he came to the Wilderness Alliance office and helped us in so many ways. It began with his passion for wilderness and his love of his life partner Linda. He spent many hours helping us commenting on proposals and meeting with agency personal and developing strategies to combat anything that would undermine wilderness in our state.

We will remember George always as a man of great personal strength, integrity and passion for the wild lands and wildlife we all care so much about.

In lieu of a memorial service, George requested that those wishing to express remembrance of him do so by donating to the George Duffy Wilderness Protection Endowment Fund, at:

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance – George Duffy Wilderness Protection Endowment Fund
P.O. Box 25464, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87125.

To make an online donation in George’s honor, please go to our donations page and include “George Duffy Wilderness Protection Endowment Fund” in the “Additional Information/Comments” box at the bottom of the page.

Last week, the alpha male of the San Mateo Pack in New Mexico was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Both killings are under investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Environmental groups are offering up to an additional $40,000 to the Fish and Wildlife Service’s $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved with the deplorable killing of these wolves.

CLICK HERE to download the reward poster– and repost in your neighborhood or place of work.

This latest blow to the Mexican wolf reintroduction effort brings home the importance of supporting wolf conservation and public education efforts. NMWA is contributing to the cause with the launch of our Mexican Wolf Stamp program, which will raise awareness and raise funds for groups working in Mexican gray wolf conservation. Please click here to learn more about the 2011 Wolf Stamp.

In addition, the organization Lobos of the Southwest has started a letter-writing campaign in response to these latest crimes against  wild wolves. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE and get involved.

The 2011 Wolf Stamp pictured here is not a postage stamp, but the first in an annual series of framing-quality art prints offered to collectors.

The Mexican Gray Wolf is the most endangered wolf in the world, with a total population of less than 50 in the wild in 2009.

The Mexican Gray Wolf Stamp is a conservation project created by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. The concept is similar to the Duck Stamp sold by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, except no hunting will be related to the sale of the Wolf Stamp. Instead, proceeds will be used for a Wolf Conservation Fund, administered by NMWA and distributed to organizations working for Mexican Grey Wolf recovery.

The cost is $20 (+$2 for S/H) for a 3×5 inch stamp, designed by New Mexico artist Virginia Maria Romero.

CLICK HERE to order online, or contact Trisha London for further information  at [505] 843-8696 or trisha@nmwild.org.

For more information on the artist, visit her website at http://www.artederomero.com/

Bill to Expand Cibola National Forest Gets House Hearing

NM Wilderness Leader Applauds Needed Legislation

New Mexico Wilderness Alliance executive director Stephen Capra was on Capitol Hill today to testify in support of the Cibola National Forest Expansion legislation.  The measure, introduced by Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), would add the Crest of Montezuma to the north end of the Cibola National Forest and adds nearly 1,000 acres to the Manzano Wilderness on the forest’s western end.

Capra praised Congressman Heinrich for his outreach to varied constituency groups – tribes, Land Grant and Acequia communities, sportsmen and conservationists – in working to expand the forest, including the addition of important acreage to the existing Manzano Mountain Wilderness.   “The final product reflects the willingness of all participants to reach a workable compromise that will benefit all concerned and ensure greater protection for these important federal lands,” Capra testified.

“The transfer of these areas from the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management to the U.S. Forest Service as additions to the Cibola National Forest simply makes good common sense.  This action will ensure these lands are better managed—improving their recreational and wildlife habitat values,” he said.

The Sandia Mountains are known by Native Americans as the Watermelon Mountains, because of the beautiful colors that reflect off these peaks at sunset.  They are the dramatic backdrop of Albuquerque and a source of recreational opportunity and solitude for urban dwellers.  In 1978, New Mexico Senator Pete V. Domenici, working with conservationists and a diverse group of stakeholders, championed legislation creating the 38,000-acre Sandia Wilderness. This measure has since then provided Albuquerque residents a stunning landscape – free of development, which has become a staple for those looking for quiet recreation or to enjoy the beauty and solitude the “Land of Enchantment” has to offer.

“The addition of the Crest of Montezuma is an important addition to the Cibola National Forest,” Capra said.  “Bringing this area under the management of the U.S. Forest Service is also widely supported by the neighboring community of Placitas, where people have long asked for an expansion of the wilderness boundaries.”   Capra noted that both the Crest of Montezuma and the Manzanos are important wildlife corridors, home to deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion.

“For more than a quarter century, a small piece of the Manzano mountain has been left out of the wilderness boundary, leaving management of this area confusing and disconnected,” Capa testified.   “Congressman Heinrich has engendered solid collaboration and outreach to the Land Grant community and local sportsmen here to ensure that all-important voices have been heard as he developed this legislation.”

“The addition of the new wilderness will only enhance this remarkable landscape —where one can drop into a narrow canyon in the fall and enjoy the beauty of the native maple forests, or stand on the mountaintop and gaze literally hundreds of miles and see distant mountain ranges, the green cut of the Rio Grande, and watch hawks and Golden Eagles flying across this great expanse of American wilderness,” he concluded.

# # #

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today, Congress heard testimony on a bill that would expand wilderness protection and consolidate public lands in a pair of small areas near Albuquerque. Rep. Martin Heinrich introduced the Cibola National Forest Expansion bill last month. It would add the Crest of Montezuma to the north end of the Cibola National Forest, and expand the Manzano Wilderness area by 900 acres at the south end of the forest.

Stephen Capra, director of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, testified in support of the bill in Washington, D.C.

CLICK HERE to hear the Public News Service radio broadcast.

Also, CLICK HERE to read NMWA’s press release on the hearing.

N.M. Delegation Celebrates Passage of Bill to Honor Interior Secretary Stewart Udall

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that the Senate gave final passage to legislation to honor the late Stewart Udall. The measure had already cleared the House of Representatives with the support of Representatives Martin Heinrich, Ben Ray Luján, and Harry Teague.

Stewart Udall, the father of U.S. Senator Tom Udall, was the Interior Secretary from 1961 to 1969, serving in the cabinets of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. Stewart Udall died earlier this year.

“Stewart Udall was among our nation’s the most effective interior secretaries.  He was an outstanding public servant and a lifelong advocate for our country’s public lands and waters.  His legacy will live on in the landmark environmental laws he helped develop.  So I am pleased that the building where he once proudly worked will bear his name,” said Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“Though quiet and humble, Secretary Udall’s impact was that of a giant, and his defense of our nation’s environment will remain immeasurable,” said Heinrich. “Thanks to Secretary Udall’s work, our national parks and public lands belong to every American and will remain a treasured part of our nation’s spirit for generations to come. Naming the Department of Interior building in Secretary Udall’s honor is a small, but significant way to acknowledge his legacy.”

“Naming the Department of Interior building after Secretary Stewart Udall’s is a fitting tribute to his work and his lasting contributions to our country,” said Luján. “It is an honor to join this effort to recognize Secretary Udall and his legacy.”

“Secretary Udall was one of the great champions of our environment and a great public servant. In New Mexico, his accomplishments live on as we continue to treasure and protect our public lands, wilderness and National Parks. I am pleased to be able to honor the legacy of one of the great champions of the environment in this way. The Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building will serve as a timeless reminder of his many achievements,” Teague said.

View the original posting at Senator Jeff Bingaman’s website: http://bingaman.senate.gov/news/20100526-01.cfm