“New Mexico Wilderness” is the name of a blog created by Jim Scarantino. Whereas I am something of an armchair wilderness advocate, creeping into the edges of wilderness a few times a year, Jim is out there in the wild or working for its preservation. His blog is well-written with good photos of wilderness. Jim is often a great writer; I look forward to his book. His blog is worth a visit. (But come back here and don’t expect me to keep up with Jim.)
http://nmwilderness.blogspot.com/
I will mention one specific but atypical entry of Jim’s: God’s Glory. I appreciate his moving account and his openness both to the Universe and to his readers. I’m am not quarreling when I say I feel much the same thing he does without a trace of god. I’m not saying one of us is right or wrong, just balancing his entry with one that notes that atheists can love life deeply, too. (I’m not suggesting Jim thinks otherwise.) We’ve both found a deep connection to the earth that may be hard to feel through concrete or steel. mjh
All posts by mjh
Federal Wolf Killer
ABQjournal: Federal Agent Kills Endangered Wolf
Journal Staff Report
LAS CRUCES— A federal predator control agent riding in a small plane Friday fatally shot a Mexican gray wolf from the Saddle Pack on the edge of the Gila Wilderness.
The shooting, carried out pursuant to a Feb. 24 permanent removal order, marked the second time this year federal agents have killed an endangered Mexican gray wolf, and the seventh authorized kill since January 2006.
About 58 Mexican wolves are left in the recovery area of southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico, where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began reintroducing the species in 1998.
The wolf killed Friday— a two-year-old male designated M1007— was targeted because of a management protocol that calls for removal of wolves that have preyed on livestock in three cases in one year.
Albuquerque-based John Morgart, the wolf recovery program coordinator, said wildlife officials hope killing the wolf will discourage other members of the pack from preying on livestock.
[mjh: are these officials really stupid enough to believe the wolves will see the connection?]
The Road to Riley, New Mexico
We started this day trip driving to the trailhead for the Chupadera Peak trail, a few miles north of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge visitors center. Though we’ve known of this trail for awhile, we’ve never stopped, preferring to go on to view the birds in the bosque. This day, the trail was our destination. (Click this map thumbnail for larger image –>)
Turning off the main road south of San Antonio, the dirt road goes under a railroad trestle and ends at a line of small, struggling cottonwoods. The beginning of the trail can be a loop, with one leg to the left of the trailhead sign and the other to the right (this shorter leg is .5 miles). Both of these legs cross innumerable sandy washes that look just like nicely maintained trails — watch for cairns. The two legs meet by climbing either side of a low hill. At their juncture is a bench facing the bosque and the start of the “real” trail to Chupadera, another 4.3 miles west.
Though it was early March, it was also noon on a day of record heat (70’s). An occasional breeze made it bearable to the people, but the dog was walking on his tongue from the start. He stuck his head under the slatted bench for some respite. We only went a little farther. This might be a better mid-winter hike. Regardless, one needs to hit the trail well before noon. Eventually, the trail passes under I-25 and up to Chupadera. At over 9 miles of desert trail, I imagine few of Bosque’s many visitors have made the hike.
Still, that little bench on the hill has a panoramic view of the Rio Grande valley and the northern ponds of the refuge.
[more text and photos…]
Anti-wolf Legislation in New Mexico
From the Wilderness Alliance:
Anti-wolf activists have convinced some New Mexico legislators to introduce and support a Memorial that calls on the Federal Government to address the so-called increasing threat by Mexican Grey Wolves on “children, pets and the livelihoods in Southwest New Mexico.” The memorial was introduced by Representative Don Tripp of Socorro (E-mail: trippsdon@netscape.net). HM28 ADDRESS THREAT BY GREY WOLVES (click that link to follow the legislation)
[mjh: Tripp also sponsored making the Bolo Tie the Official New Mexico Tie]
This attempt is just another example of many anti-wolf activists who want to permanently drive the Mexican Grey Wolf from existence. Now is your opportunity to make your voice heard and to send a powerful message to our local elected officials that this type of legislation is completely out-of-touch with the real values of New Mexicans.
There are two ways to make your voice heard:
1. Attend an upcoming hearing in Santa Fe at the Roundhouse and make your voice heard before the committee considering this legislation. The hearing will be held at 8:30 AM on Friday, March 9 in the House Natural Resources Room. If you need further information, please contact Nathan Newcomer (nathan@nmwild.org)
2. Call the following representatives and urge them to vote against this bill. Tell them why you think this type of legislation is completely out-of-touch with our Western values. Although these may not be your legislators, they are the ones with the power to strike this bill down.
Rep. Thomas A. Garcia
District: 68
County(s): Colfax, Guad, Mora, S.M. & Taos
Representative Since: 2006
Capitol Office Phone: 986-4242
E-mail: ocate@hotmail.com
Rep. Joni Marie Gutierrez
District: 33
County(s): Dona Ana
Representative Since: 2005
Capitol Office Phone: 986-4234
E-mail: jonig@zianet.com
Rep. Jim R. Trujillo
District: 45
County(s): Santa Fe
Representative Since: 2003
Capitol Office Phone: 986-4255
E-mail: jimtrujillo@msn.com
SIXTH ANNUAL UTE MOUNTAIN TRIBAL PARK OPEN HOUSE MAY 27th, 2006
Ute Mountain Tribal Park is near Mesa Verde, Colorado. mjh
SIXTH ANNUAL UTE MOUNTAIN TRIBAL PARK OPEN HOUSE
MAY 27th, 2006
The following events are scheduled:
*Porcupine House and Pictographs Tour – 8:30am – 3:00pm Cost is $22.00 per person
*North Lion Canyon Tour – 8:30am – 3:30pm Cost is $22.00 per person
*Anasazi Sun Calendars in Mancos Canyon and Anasazi Petroglyph tour
Virginia Wolf Archaeologist/Anthropologist and Ed Wheeler Archaeologist/Anthropologist
will conduct these tours from 9:00am to 12:00 (noon)
and from 1:00pm to 4:30pm the cost of this tour is $22.00 per person
http://www.utemountainute.com/tribalpark.htm
Mesa Verde Country (Colorado) Internet travel planner
Travel mag goes online
Mesa Verde Country Internet travel planner joins 150,000 print copies
4th 2007
By John R. Crane | Cortez Journal Staff Writer
Mesa Verde Country’s travel planner, highlighting numerous Four Corners attractions for the adventuresome, has made its way online.
An online version of the publication appeared the last week in January, said Lynn Dyer, director of Mesa Verde Tourism Information Bureau. Vacationers may download a printable version of the Mesa Verde Country Travel Planner at www.mesaverdecountry.com, view the planner on line, with hotlinks to all Travel Planner information, or fill out an online request form and have a planner mailed for free. …
The planner includes itinerary ideas, area maps, information on Mesa Verde National Park and all the other sights and attractions in Mesa Verde Country, a list of festival and event dates; a directory of area restaurants and accommodations; beautiful pictures and photo tips; and everything else visitors need to plan a memorable vacation to one of the nation’s richest archaeological areas.
Mesa Verde Country is known as the archaeological center of America and boasts beautiful landscapes, rich history, cultural heritage and endless outdoor activities. Its centerpiece is the impressive Mesa Verde National Park. Other Mesa Verde Country attractions include Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Anasazi Heritage Center and the Crow Canyon Archeological Center.
For more information about destinations and activities in Colorado’s Mesa Verde Country, including lodging and special events, call 1-800-530-2998 or visit online at www.mesaverdecountry. com.
Pike-San Isabel National Forest in south-central Colorado – Land Management Plan
The Pike-San Isabel National Forest in south-central Colorado encompasses more than 2.2 million acres from the Continental Divide south almost to the New Mexico border. This extraordinary landscape provides life to thousands of native plants and animals, including bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and antelope, and helps bolster the economy of local communities along Colorado’s southern Front Range.
The Pike-San Isabel National Forest is revising the Land Management Plan for the forest. Won’t you take a moment to remind the Forest Service how important these lands are and why they should be managed to promote healthy ecosystems, maintain opportunities for quiet backcountry recreation, and provide habitat for native species?
USDA Forest Service, Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands – Projects&Plans
Pike and San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
Supervisor’s Office
2840 Kachina Dr.
Pueblo, CO 81008
Ph: 719-553-1400, Fax: 719-553-1440
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/projects/forest_revision/
UNM’s Maxwell Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Maxwell Museum of Anthropology Home
One of the nation’s finest anthropology museums, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology offers exhibits and programs relating to cultures around the world, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Southwest.
UNM Today: UNM’s Maxwell Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico celebrates 75 years in 2007. … The Maxwell Museum was established in 1932 by Edgar Lee Hewett as a teaching museum. It is recognized as an important regional museum and a nationally known research center.
Top 10 things to do in Colorado before you die
DenverPost.com – Top 10 things to do before you die
Imagine, for the sake of argument, that you only had time to experience 10 adventures in [Colorado]. What would those journeys – so special to this purple-mountained mecca – be? Following are our suggestions.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Tour Loop Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in the beautiful Land of Enchantment, New Mexico near the small town of San Antonio, NM. The Refuge is just east of Interstate 25 midway between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, just south of Socorro.
To reach the refuge from Socorro, drive nine miles south on I-25 to exit 139, go east one-fourth mile on US 380 to the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn right onto Old Highway 1, and drive south nine miles to the Visitor Center.
From Las Cruces, drive north on I-25 to exit 124 (San Marcial), then north on Old Highway 1 to the Visitor Center. The entrance to the scenic tour loop for vehicles is just south of the Visitor Center.
Visitor Center – Open Space – City of Albuquerque
Visitor Center – Open Space – City of Albuquerque
The Visitor Center’s hours are currently:
Tuesday – Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
Tel. 505-897-8831
Wolves not decimating elk herds
Summit Daily News for Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper and Frisco Colorado – News By JESSE HARLAN ALDERMAN, The Associated Press
BOISE, Idaho — Gov. C.L. “Butch†Otter says he’ll support public hunts to kill all but 100 gray wolves in the state once the federal government removes the animal from Endangered Species Act protections.
The governor said he hopes to shoot a wolf himself.
The Idaho Office of Species Conservation estimates the state’s current wolf population at about 650, in roughly 60 packs. Otter told The Associated Press after a rally of hunters on the Capitol steps that he wants hunters to gradually kill about 550 of the animals, leaving about 100 wolves or 10 packs, the minimum the federal government would allow before wolves again would be considered endangered.
“That management includes you,†Otter told the approximately 300 hunters, many wearing camouflage clothing and blaze-orange caps. “I’m prepared to bid for that first ticket to shoot a wolf myself.â€
Idaho Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife bused in wolf opponents from as far as Twin Falls, 130 miles away, for Thursday’s rally with Otter and several state lawmakers. They urged the government to immediately remove wolves from endangered species protection.
Otter also signed a proclamation making Thursday “Idaho Sportsmen Day.â€
The crowd — including one hunter with a stuffed baby fox around his neck and a sign declaring “Wolves are illegal immigrants too†— stood for more than an hour in the midmorning snow. They applauded wildly as Otter amplified their position that wolves are rapidly killing elk and other animals essential to Idaho’s multimillion-dollar hunting industry.
Idaho Mountain Express: Scientists: Wolves not decimating elk herds – January 12, 2007 By STEVE BENSON, Express Staff Writer
There is no evidence that wolves have decimated elk populations throughout Idaho, according to two scientists who have been studying the predator for several years.
“At this point there is very little evidence that the presence of wolves has caused a decline in elk numbers anywhere, especially in Central Idaho,” said Jim Peek, a retired professor of wildlife biology and a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation board of directors.
Idaho Doesn’t Deserve Delisting | Travel & Outdoors | New West Network By Bill Schneider
Given Idaho’s irrational attitude about Canis lupis, it’s hard to imagine the FWS, even though under the thumb of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, could trust the state to properly manage wolves.
Chaco Campground Problems
ABQjournal: Around New Mexico
Repairs at Chaco Limit Campsites
Camping spaces are in short supply at Chaco Culture Historical Park as park employees make repairs to a septic system.
Chaco has suspended group camping at Gallo Campground and reduced regular campsites from 49 to 30 while it makes emergency repairs to the campground’s septic system and then makes plans to build a lift station to move sewage to the park’s main wastewater treatment center.
The restrictions are in effect at least until August and mean that no more than 100 people may camp at Chaco at a time.
[mjh: take note this cuts camping sites by 40 percent through the summer. If the CG is full, there is an overflow space that can be opened, but it has no facilities (though a great view of Fajada Butte).]
After Long Struggle, Whooping Crane Population Hits Milestone
After Long Struggle, Whooping Crane Population Hits Milestone By Sylvia Moreno, Washington Post Staff Writer
The whooping crane, the tallest bird in North America, whose numbers dwindled to fewer than 20 in 1941, is not only back from the brink of extinction but also thriving — a comeback story, federal wildlife officials say, that illustrates how a coordinated conservation effort can save a species.
“The whooping crane continues to mirror the success of endangered species recovery when man sets his mind to it,” said Tom Stehn, the national whooping crane coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “We have come a long way, but we do have a long, long way to go.”
This year, the nation’s only natural wild population of whooping cranes reached a milestone. Stehn’s mid-December census of the migratory crane flock at the wildlife refuge, where he is based, numbered 237. Combined with the number of birds in captivity in three special flocks raised for reintroduction to the wild and those in zoos, the crane population now numbers 518. This is the first time in more than a century that whooping cranes have numbered more than 500. …
The cranes numbered just over 20 in the first census, in 1938. By 1941, the migratory flock was down to 15, largely because of shooting, the conversion of grasslands to agriculture and the draining of wetlands.
“This species was virtually four nesting females away from extinction, and that’s why this is so significant,” Stehn said. “It was just such a close call, such an incredibly close call.” …
The whooping crane is likely to remain on the endangered species list until the migratory flock numbers more than 5,000 ….