Category Archives: newmexico

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

map route to Riley, New MexicoWe 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 –>)

Chupadera Peak, New MexicoTurning 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…]

Continue reading The Road to Riley, New Mexico

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

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

sandhill crane

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.

mjh’s blog — Trip to Bosque

Bosque del Apache – a photoset on Flickr

national sacrifice areas

alibi . december 7 – 13, 2006
An Altered Land
The quest for coal bed methane consumes both a New Mexican landscape and a way of life that depends on it
By William deBuys

The federal government has tried to ameliorate the fragmentation of interests on public lands by pursuing an official policy of “multiple use.” At times the strategy has worked, but only when guided by an ethic of restraint and supervised by honest referees. The plain fact, clear to all but selectively denied according to self-interest, is that coarse uses, if unchecked, drive out the fine. Backcountry skiing dies where snowmobilers swarm like hornets. Hiking and fishing become joyless in a cow-burnt meadow, and nothing gets along with cut-and-run logging. …

In 2003, the BLM adopted a management plan for its Farmington resource area that predicted approval over the next 10 years of an additional 9,942 gas wells on federal lands across a major swath of the San Juan basin, encompassing Hart Canyon, the Rosa and much else, where 18,000 oil and gas wells were already active. …

But sacrifices notwithstanding, the nation’s dependence on foreign oil has doubled since 1982 (to 56 percent of total consumption), and in the same period U.S. dependence on foreign gas has tripled to almost 15 percent. And no one speaks publicly about sacrifice.

U.S. Kills Wolf, Hunts His Mate

ABQjournal: U.S. Kills Wolf, Hunts His Mate By Tania Soussan, Journal Staff Writer

The Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program took another stumble this week with the shooting of a male wolf by the government and efforts to capture or kill his mate.

The pair, known as the Nantac Pack, have killed four cows this month, most recently on Sunday. They also were involved in two possible and two probable depredation incidents involving cows since being released in New Mexico on April 25.

The male was killed Sunday in New Mexico by a sharpshooter on the program team. Efforts to trap or kill the female were continuing Monday, said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokeswoman Elizabeth Slown.

Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity said, “We’re very troubled that they’re wiping out yet another pack.”

The wild population of the endangered wolves has been declining since 2003. The loss of the Nantac wolves would put the current count at 31-45 adults plus an unknown number of pups in Arizona and New Mexico.

Several other wolves have been removed from the wild or shot for killing cattle in the last several weeks. …

Meanwhile, the Center for Biological Diversity and 20 other conservation and animal protection groups called on new Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to issue an emergency moratorium on killing depredating wolves until the wild population reaches 100 and stabilizes.

Albuquerque: Portrait of a Western City — lecture and booksigning 10-17-06

Talk and Book Signing

ALBUQUERQUE’S NATURAL HISTORY SETTING
Voices in Science, Fall, 2006 Talks at the Museum Series

Tuesday, October 17, 2006, 7 p.m.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
1801 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Admission $2.00 for the general public, $1.00 for members, seniors and students
For more information, contact 505-841-2872

DISCUSSION
On Tuesday, October 17 at 7 p.m., three experts on Albuquerque’s natural history will be presenting a lecture at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Museum staff members Jayne Aubele, Tim Aydelott and Larry Crumpler will be discussing how the location and geology of the Albuquerque area influenced the unique growth of the city as part of the museum’s Voices in Science Series. Following the discussion, they will be signing copies of the new book to which they are contributors, Albuquerque: Portrait of a Western City (Clear Light Publishing, 2006). Admission is $2.00 for the general public, $1.00 for members, seniors and students.
Albuquerque’s location has contributed to the flourishing of the city through the natural factors of the Rio Grande, the Sandias and Tijeras pass, among others. Aubele, Aydelott and Crumpler will talk about the Rio Grande Rift that caused the valley where the river now flows and the mountains that form our eastern skyline as well as the volcanoes that created our west mesa. Albuquerque has experienced 300 years as a city, thousands of years as a good place to live, and millions of years of geology.
Tim Aydelott is the Museum’s Public Information Officer. He has taught students all over the state about their local natural history in museum outreach programs. Jayne Aubele is Senior Education Specialist, a geologist who has extensive field experience in New Mexico. Larry Crumpler, Ph.D., is Research Curator, a geologist with particular interest in New Mexico’s volcanoes.

BOOK SIGNING
Aydelott, Aubele and Crumpler contributed a fascinating chapter covering the geology of the Albuquerque area to the new book, Albuquerque: Portrait of a Western City. Compiled as the city celebrates its Tricentennial, Albuquerque: Portrait of a Western City celebrates the city’s rich history and culture while providing travelers with a selection of the best places to go and things to do. A book signing will follow the event.

ALBUQUERQUE
Portrait of a Western City
Many Cultures & Opportunities

Edited by Mary Kay Cline
Contributions by Tomás Atencio, Jayne Aubele, Tim Aydelott, Cynthia L. Chavez, Larry Crumpler, Jerry Geist, Tazbah McCullah, Tom Miles, Jim Moore, Sherry Robinson, Tom Rutherford, Joe S. Sando, Carlos Vasquez and Jim Walther.

ISBN 1-57416-087-7 , 136 b&w photos, 4 maps, 6 x 9, 288 pp., $16.95 WEB BOOK FORMATâ„¢

www.clearlightbooks.com/albuquerque

Secrets of Casas Grandes Exhibit – Santa Fe, NM

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

Opening on November 5, 2006, Secrets of Casas Grandes explores questions that have baffled archaeologists for decades—examining what the ceramics of Casas Grandes can tell us about the people who made and used them. The exhibit runs through October 7, 2007.

Secrets of Casas Grandes is unique in its focus on both archaeology and ceramics. Concentrated around the prehistoric site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes was the most complex society of its time, blending elements of ancestral Puebloan and Mesoamerican culture. During the Medio period of A.D. 1200–1450, Casas Grandes was a major regional center of interaction and trade, with evidence of ball courts and exotic goods such as copper, shell, turquoise, and macaws.

http://www.miaclab.org/events/index.html

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is located on beautiful Museum HillTM at 710 Camino Lejo off Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

http://www.miaclab.org/visit/main.html

The Future of Wilderness – November 11, 2006 (updated)

Please join the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance for our 6th Annual Conference….
2006 New Mexico Wilderness Conference
The Future of Wilderness
November 11, 2006
Sunrise Springs Inn and Retreat
242 Los Pinos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Directions: http://www.sunrisesprings.com/map_and_directions

Registration will begin at 8:00am
Conference runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Wild Reception and Auction from 4 to 6:00pm
Please Pre-Register Space is limited

Advance Conference Registration Fee: $40 including a tasty lunch from the Blue Heron Cafe and entrance to the Wild Reception.

Featuring:
* Michael Soule, the Father of Conservation Biology, presenting his grand vision of the “Spine of the Continent”
* Roger Kaye, Wilderness Specialist, Author and Conservationist presenting “The Last Great Wilderness: The Campaign to Establish the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge”
* Ken Madsen, award-winning writer, photographer and conservationist from the Yukon, giving a Slide Show “The Arctic Connection”
* Arturo Sandoval, President of the Coalition for New Mexico Wilderness, presenting “Diversity in New Mexico”
* Dave Foreman, Director of The Rewilding Institute and Founding Father of NMWA, presenting “The Future of Wilderness”

Additional Workshop Sessions Include:

Saving the Gila: New Mexico’s Last Wild River by Dutch Salmon
Wilderness & the Human Spirit by Roger Kaye
The Mexican Wolf by Michael Robinson
Volunteer Workshop by Christianne Hinks and Nancy Morton
Arctic Workshop by Erik DuMont and Ken Madsen
Saving Otero Mesa by Nathan Newcomer and Stephen Capra
Join us for a Wild Reception and Auction following the Conference with Auctioneer Extraordinaire Dave Foreman.

Bid on Wilderness Trips including:

Stay at Bear Mountain Lodge in the Gila; Llama Trek and Lunch near Taos; Guided tour of Otero Mesa; Ladder Ranch Private Tour and Stay; Backpack with Wolf Expert Dave Parsons in the Gila Wilderness; and more.

Silent Auction:

Bid on artwork, gear, books, gift certificates and more.
Please pre-register to hold your place, space is limited.

You can register in three ways.
1. On-line at: https://secure.ga1.org/05/nmwild_2006conference
2. Call us at: 505/843-8696
3. Send a check to:
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
PO Box 25464
Albuquerque, NM 87125

www.nmwild.org

Otero Mesa’s Value Lies in Beauty

ABQjournal: Letters to the Editor
Otero Mesa’s Value Lies in Beauty

I MADE MY first trip to Otero Mesa in September. Otero Mesa is a huge New Mexico resource, but not as an oil and gas field.

Otero Mesa’s value lies in its water, its wildlife and its beauty— all of which are as immense as its 1.2 million pristine acres. I am horrified that this huge area of quintessential New Mexico now faces ruin.

I saw pronghorn antelope, mule deer, a golden eagle, burrowing owls, a great horned owl, harriers, red tailed hawks, kestrel, a gray fox, kangaroo rats, jack rabbits galore, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, nine species of native grasses, myriad yuccas, cacti and more. Otero Mesa is easily one of the most alive places in America.

That Otero Mesa is vast, beautiful and supernaturally alive is without doubt. That there are measurable oil or gas reserves is highly suspect. Can we afford to permanently ruin Otero Mesa? I say no— emphatically no.

All New Mexicans need to rally around this unique, imperiled asset. Otero Mesa has huge income potential for southern New Mexico as a future national park. Shortsighted, meaningless destruction of this land by greedy oil companies could very well be the biggest environmental mistake we’ve ever made as a state and as a country.

JOE ADAIR
Albuquerque

Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast in New Mexico

Her concierge desk is in a cave
Buried 70 ft underground, Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast in New Mexico is advertised as a ‘luxury cavedwelling.’
By Teresa Méndez

[Near Farmington,] Kokopelli’s Cave (bbonline.com/nm/kokopelli) appears regularly beneath headlines like “Top 10 Best Extreme Hotels” and “The 10 Most Adventurous Overnight Lodgings.” Yet for all the dramatics of a bed-and-breakfast blasted into the face of a sandstone cliff, with a sheer 280-foot drop to the riverbed below … Kokopelli’s Cave … was initially a quirky geological research office – not the brainchild of an exotic hotelier.
– – –

Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast – Farmington, New Mexico – BBOnline.com / Introduction
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast is a privately owned luxury cliff dwelling located north of Farmington, New Mexico near the Mesa Verde National Monument.

From the cave and the cliff tops you have an unparalleled view of beautiful southwest sunsets over the four states of the Four Corners area.

To the west you can see Shiprock and the Chuska mountains on the Navajo Indian reservation in northwest New Mexico. To the west and northwest you see the Carrizo Mountains in northeastern Arizona. To the northwest you can see the Ute Mountains and to the North loom the snow capped La Plata and San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

The cave itself is 70′ below the surface. The entrance is located in the cliff face and is reached by walking down a sloping path and intermittent steps cut into the sandstone along the pathway. There is a short ladder at the bottom of the path with three wooden steps that land you on the flagstone porch and the front entrance to Kokopelli’s “digs.” You really have to want to come to Kokopelli’s cave!

This 1,650 square foot, one-bedroom cave home carved from a 65-million year old sandstone formation 280 feet above the La Plata River is furnished with plush carpeting, Southwestern style furniture and accents, hot and cold running water, a well-appointed kitchen including microwave and washer/dryer, cascading waterfall-style shower, and a flagstone hot tub!

Bandelier listed among 10 threatened parks

lamonitor.com: The Online News Source for Los Alamos
Bandelier listed among 10 threatened parks
ROGER SNODGRASS, roger@lamonitor.com, Monitor Assistant Editor

The authors put Bandelier National Monument on a list of 12 national parks showing early warning symptoms of worsening climate change.

For Bandelier, the symptoms include drought, heat, loss of vegetation and wildfire, stressful conditions shared with many other areas of the West, including nearby Mesa Verde National Park.