Category Archives: wildlands

utah, wildlands

Pando, the Trembling Giant

Pando, the Trembling Giant located in Sigurd Cemetery, Utah, US | Atlas Obscura | Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

In the Fishlake National Forest in Utah, a giant has lived quietly for the past 80,000 years. The Trembling Giant, or Pando, is a enormous grove of quaking aspens that takes the “forest as a single organism” metaphor and literalizes it: the grove really is a single organism. Each of the approximately 47,000 or so trees in the grove is genetically identical and all the trees share a single root system. While many trees spread through flowering and sexual reproduction, quaking aspens usually reproduce asexually, by sprouting new trees from the expansive lateral root of the parent. The individual trees aren’t individuals, but stems of a massive single clone, and this clone is truly massive. Spanning 107 acres and weighing 6,615 tons, Pando was once thought to be the world’s largest organism (now usurped by thousand-acre fungal mats in Oregon), and is almost certainly the most massive. In terms of other superlatives, the more optimistic estimates of Pando’s age have it as over one million years old, which would easily make it the world’s oldest living organism.

Unfortunately, the future of the giant appears grim. … [read the rest at the link]

Pando, the Trembling Giant located in Sigurd Cemetery, Utah, US | Atlas Obscura | Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

Wow.

newmexico, wildlands

» Bingaman Preparing Omnibus Lands Bill for Lame Duck Session — New Mexico Wilderness Alliance »

» Bingaman Preparing Omnibus Lands Bill for Lame Duck Session — New Mexico Wilderness Alliance »

Patrick Reis, E&E reporter
http://www.eenews.net/

11/12/2010 – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) is hoping to pass a package of public lands and wilderness bills during the lame-duck session of Congress.

Bingaman’s panel has sent more than 60 bills to the floor this session that would create new national parks, monuments, wilderness areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Now he’s hoping to bundle them into an omnibus measure for Senate passage before the 111th Congress adjourns, spokesman Bill Wicker confirmed today.

» Bingaman Preparing Omnibus Lands Bill for Lame Duck Session — New Mexico Wilderness Alliance »

daytrips, newmexico, wildlands

Cibola National Forest Waives Recreation, Overnight Camping Fees Saturday 9/25/10

ABQNews: Cibola National Forest Waives Recreation, Overnight Camping Fees Saturday

The fees are being waived in celebration of National Public Lands Day

Recreation fees and overnight camping fees are being waived Saturday (Sept. 25) on the Cibola National Forest and the Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands for National Public Lands Day.

The Cibola National Forest made the announcement Tuesday in a news release.

The news release said, however, that any reservations made and paid for through the national reservation system will not be waived.

The Cibola National Forest offers mountain ranges scattered east and south of Albuquerque and west to New Mexico’s border with Arizona, according to the news release. The Cibola includes four wilderness areas — Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Apache Kid and Withington Wilderness.

For more information, contact Mark Chavez or Nancy Brunswick at the Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900.

ABQNews: Cibola National Forest Waives Recreation, Overnight Camping Fees Saturday

newmexico, wildlands

ATVs–ORVs PITAs

Although ATVs are as aggravating as lawnmowers, if they stick to the dirt roads, I’ll put up with them. But off-road, no. But, then, I hate bicycles on trails, too, though at least they disturb the peace for a shorter time.

ABQJOURNAL OPINION/GUEST_COLUMNS: Rogue Riders Spoil Forest for Rest of Us

By Kevin Stillman
Jemez Springs resident

Today, the weather is still great, but the elk are gone. Meadows and hillsides are rutted from off-road vehicle use. And, from every mountaintop, you hear the roar of motors.

        The old logging roads that had been filling in with grass now are taken over by dirt bikes and filled with tire ruts. When the old logging roads weren’t enough for the off-road riders, outlaws carved illegal trails through meadows, valleys and creeks.

        When that wasn’t enough, off-road enthusiasts tore down private property signs, cut people’s fences and extended their illegal trails from the national forest through adjoining private lands.

        The once-beautiful area that I’d known as a haven for wildlife, hunters, hikers and campers has become a zone of destructive, often-illegal off-road vehicle use.

        Today’s forest is filled with constant conflict. … These conflicts run much deeper than the familiar problems of too many people playing in the forest.

        While some off-roaders are respectful, many are not. Some have threatened landowners who try to keep off-roaders off their property. Gangs of dirt bikers have even harassed volunteer groups working on Forest Service trail projects.

        Something needs to be done to protect our public and private land, watersheds and wildlife from the destructive behavior of off-roaders. New Mexicans have a new opportunity to take decisive action to protect the forest they love.

        Right now, Forest Service officials are drafting a travel management plan for the Santa Fe National Forest. That plan will identify certain trails that off-road vehicles can use for years to come while protecting forest trails and areas where off-road vehicles don’t belong.

        The stakes are high — for New Mexicans and the Santa Fe National Forest. …

ABQJOURNAL OPINION/GUEST_COLUMNS: Rogue Riders Spoil Forest for Rest of Us

I’ve had a few encounters with ATV and dirt bikes that were no worse than any other vehicle. They slowed down and were friendly. But I’ve also almost been run off the road by a wild loony. And even the nicest ATV driver is still riding a noise generator that RUINS my outdoor experience long before and after passing.

We need good electric ATVs with solar chargers – then ban *all* gas-powered transport off-road on public lands.

newmexico, wildlands, wildlife

Ortiz Mountain Ranch – Cerrillos Hills State Park: Wild Horse Sanctuary

Richardson uses stimulus money to buy Ortiz Mountain Ranch « New Mexico Independent

By Gwyneth Doland 9/16/10 4:22 PM

Governor Richardson today announced that he is using $2.8 million in federal stimulus money to purchase 12,142 acres of land known as the Ortiz Mountain Ranch to expand Cerrillos Hills State Park and create a wild horse sanctuary.

The property had recently been listed for $3.4 million. According to the broker’s website, the property was owned by the Ball family, of canning jar fame, until 2004, when it was donated to the Nature Conservancy.

“The Galisteo Basin is one of New Mexico’s crown jewels,” Governor Bill Richardson said Thursday in a press release. “I am pleased that the Recovery Act has provided the means for a long-term investment in the land that will provide the public with opportunities for recreation, and support our local economy by supporting jobs, and promoting tourism.”

The state has entered into a purchase agreement with the Nature Conservancy and a private owner, the release said.

Richardson uses stimulus money to buy Ortiz Mountain Ranch « New Mexico Independent

newmexico, wildlands

New Series of Maps of New Mexico’s Public Lands

ABQJOURNAL GO: Find your way to out-of-the-way places

From Journal Reports
          If you like to explore the very most back roads of New Mexico, a new series of outdoor recreation maps for the state has been published by the Albuquerque-based Public Lands Interpretive Association.
        The series of six maps provides detailed road information on a shaded relief base. The maps show recreation sites in national forests, BLM and state lands, national parks and monuments. Also, wildlife refuges, land ownership (public and private), hunting units and other jurisdictional boundaries, special management units such as wilderness areas, GPS grids, campgrounds, museums and other attractions.
        The scale of the maps is 1:375,000. The reverse side of each map provides general information about public lands, helpful hints, rules and regulations, land use ethics, emergency and contact numbers and outdoor destination opportunities available in New Mexico.
        The maps were created out of a partnership between the Public Lands Interpretive Association, the New Mexico State BLM Office and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
        "We felt there was a need for affordable maps to outdoor destinations in New Mexico; maps that had the latest and most reliable information about where to go and how to get there," said Public Lands Interpretive Association spokesman Bill Tefft.
        The maps are priced at $6.95 each (or $34.75 for the set of six) and are available in outdoors stores and at other locations throughout the state, from the Public Lands Interpretive Association in Albuquerque at 505-345-9498 or online at www.publiclands.org. [NM Maps, etc: New Mexico | Public Lands Information Center | Books and Maps]

ABQJOURNAL GO: Find your way to out-of-the-way places

daytrips, wildlands

Happy National Wilderness Month!

We started National Wilderness Month (September 2010) with a nice hike on the Tree Spring Trail in the Sandias, although we didn’t reach the wilderness boundary.

SummitPost – Tree Springs Trail — Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering

» President Obama Proclaims September “National Wilderness Month” — New Mexico Wilderness Alliance »

A copy of the White House press release follows.

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

August 31, 2010
Presidential Proclamation–National Wilderness Month

A PROCLAMATION
For centuries, the American spirit of exploration and discovery has led us to experience the majesty of our Nation’s wilderness.  From raging rivers to serene prairies, from mountain peaks slicing the skyline to forests teeming with life, our Nation’s landscapes have provided wonder, inspiration, and strength to all Americans.  Many sites continue to hold historical, cultural, and religious significance for Indian tribes, the original stewards of this continent.  We must continue to preserve and protect these scenic places and the life that inhabits them so they may be rediscovered and appreciated by generations to come.

As we celebrate America’s abundance of diverse lands, remarkable wildlife, and untamed beauty during National Wilderness Month, we also look back on our rich history of conservation.  It was over 100 years ago that President Theodore Roosevelt marveled at the stark grandeur of the Grand Canyon and declared, “the ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”  Since that time, administrations have worked across party lines to defend America’s breathtaking natural sites.  President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act in 1964, and many Presidents have since added new places to this great network of protected lands so that millions of acres of forests, monuments, and parks will be preserved for our children and grandchildren.

Following in the footsteps of my predecessors, I signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act last year to restore and protect more of our cherished wild spaces.  In April of this year, I established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a community-based 21st century conservation agenda that can also spur job creation in the tourism and recreation industries.  My Administration will continue to work closely with our State, local, and tribal partners to connect Americans with the great outdoors.

This month, we renew our pledge to build upon the legacy of our forebears.  Together, we must ensure that future generations can experience the tranquility and grandeur of America’s natural places.  As we resolve to meet this responsibility, let us also reflect on the ways in which our lives have been enriched by the gift of the American wilderness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2010 as National Wilderness Month.  I invite all Americans to visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, to learn about their vast history, and to aid in the protection of our precious national treasures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

» President Obama Proclaims September “National Wilderness Month” — New Mexico Wilderness Alliance »

wildlands

The healing effects of forests

The healing effects of forests

ScienceDaily (July 23, 2010) — "Many people," says Dr. Eeva Karjalainen, of the Finnish Forest Research Institute, Metla, "feel relaxed and good when they are out in nature. But not many of us know that there is also scientific evidence about the healing effects of nature."

Forests — and other natural, green settings — can reduce stress, improve moods, reduce anger and aggressiveness and increase overall happiness. Forest visits may also strengthen our immune system by increasing the activity and number of natural killer cells that destroy cancer cells.

Many studies show that after stressful or concentration-demanding situations, people recover faster and better in natural environments than in urban settings. Blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the level of "stress hormones" all decrease faster in natural settings. Depression, anger and aggressiveness are reduced in green environments and ADHD symptoms in children reduce when they play in green settings.

The healing effects of forests

wildlands

First detailed national map of land-cover vegetation in U.S. released

 First detailed national map of land-cover vegetation in U.S. released

ScienceDaily (June 15, 2010) — The most detailed national vegetation U.S. land-cover map to date has been released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The map will enable conservation professionals to identify places in the country with sufficient habitat to support wildlife.

click for map page

The map, produced by the USGS Gap Analysis Program (GAP), can be viewed online and downloaded for free (http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/landcoverviewer.html).

First detailed national map of land-cover vegetation in U.S. released

wildlands

New online map shows network of protection for North America’s marine ecosystems

New online map shows network of protection for North America’s marine ecosystems

To celebrate this week’s World Oceans Day, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has brought together tools and resources to help decision makers, industry, universities and other learning institutions, as well as concerned citizens, better understand North America’s shared ocean resources. These maps and publications include:

  • A new map viewer using Google Earth to explore all of the Atlas’ marine ecosystems maps and data.
  • Marine Ecoregions of North America: a set of maps and detailed descriptions that provide a platform for sound management and conservation of marine biodiversity.
  • Baja California to the Bering Sea: an assessment of 28 priority conservation areas requiring concerted conservation action along North America’s West Coast.
  • Conservation action plans for four marine species of common concern for North America: vaquita porpoise, humpback whale, leatherback turtle and pink-footed shearwater.

To explore the CEC’s marine information and view an introductory video, please visit: http://www.cec.org/marine.

The marine protected areas information is provided by the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (http://www.ccea.org/), Quebec’s Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks (http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/), Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (http://www.conanp.gob.mx), and the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov).

The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is an international organization created under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) by Canada, Mexico and the United States to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environmental conflicts and promote the effective enforcement of environmental law. NAAEC complements the environmental provisions established in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to which it is a side accord.

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New online map shows network of protection for North America’s marine ecosystems

newmexico, wildlands

The Wilderness Legacy of Stewart Udall – markjusticehinton@gmail.com – Gmail

From www.nmwild.org:

You have often heard that the idea of wilderness needs no defense, but that it only needs more defenders.

Such is the case today, when we find ourselves humbled by the passing of Stewart Udall.

Stewart Udall, former Secretary of the Department of Interior during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on March 20, 2010.

Mr. Udall was a driving force in helping to define and cultivate a conservation ethic amongst the modern day American consciousness. He was a consistent advocate for the preservation of wilderness and a leader that stood up for the land; recognizing that future generations can only inherit what we pass on to them.

Stewart Udall lived a life dedicated to public service. From 1955-1961 he was a Congressman from Arizona. During his tenure at the Department of Interior, the Wilderness Act was passed and signed into law. New Mexico’s Gila was the first wilderness placed into the new National Wilderness Preservation System. Mr. Udall played a central role in establishing the National Trails System, the Endangered Species Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Wild and Scenic River System.

During his time as Interior Secretary he also developed the National Seashores and Lakeshores as part of the National Park System.  He and his son, New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, took an epic raft trip through Glen Canyon just before a dam was constructed, decimating an iconic American river.

In 1963, Stewart Udall wrote a landmark book, “The Quiet Crisis,” which studied the history of our nation’s tortuous relationship between man and the land.

Mr. Udall retired to Santa Fe and remained active in many conservation efforts, including writing editorials of support for Otero Mesa, the opening introduction to our 2009 Wild Guide, and helping numerous conservation groups with fundraising efforts.

Please join us in sending our condolences to Senator Tom Udall, and to saying thank you for his father’s remarkable and selfless career in fighting for the land.

Senator Tom Udall
(202) 224-6621

We may have lost a defender of wilderness, but the idea lives on, and the spirit for wild lands protection will be forever indebted to the perseverance demonstrated by Secretary Stewart Udall.

For Wilderness,


Stephen Capra
Executive Director
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance

wildlands

The confessions of an off-road-vehicle outlaw – Salt Lake Tribune

ATVers, snowmobilers, motocross riders, and, to some extent, mountain bikers, don’t seem to care that their wild ride through the woods *DESTROYS* the peace and quiet. It is a selfish, self-centered theft. It’s not about equal rights – their rights supersede the right of quiet enjoyment.

The confessions of an off-road-vehicle outlaw – Salt Lake Tribune By Garrett Veneklasen

I love ATV riding, but the truth is that my ATV and the millions like it have made severe and cumulative impacts on our public lands and wildlife. The impacts of off-road vehicles are probably even more profound and far-reaching than we think they are. It’s sad but true that future generations — including my 3-year-old daughter’s — will find our public lands roaded and devalued beyond repair if this problem is not addressed.

When I told my fellow ORV riders of my change of heart, most replied that I was "nuts." They said that even if I decided to alter my behavior, most other ATV riders would not.

Luckily, that has not been the case. My transformation into an advocate for responsible off-road vehicle riding has led other riders I know to rethink how they behave in the national forest. And as more of us set examples of prudent off-road use, we can become a powerful force to protect our key national forest lands.

It couldn’t happen at a better time. Forest managers across the country are drafting long-term plans that will change how off-road vehicles are dealt with for decades to come.

Now is the time to urge our land managers and lawmakers to set aside large segments of America’s national forests, preserving them for clean water, wildlife habitat and the vast majority of us who visit the backcountry seeking peace and quiet. This means accepting fair and reasonable restrictions on ORV use. After all, everyone has a right to enjoy our forests, but no one has the right to abuse them.

The confessions of an off-road-vehicle outlaw – Salt Lake Tribune

[hattip to Southern Rockies Nature Blog]

colorado, newmexico, wildlands, wildlife

Initiative to study wildlife corridors along Colorado, New Mexico border

 Durango Herald News, Initiative to study wildlife corridors along Colorado, New Mexico border

Wildlife migration corridors between New Mexico and Colorado will be identified and protected as part of an initiative announced Friday by the governors of both states.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Gov. Bill Ritter of Colorado finalized a memorandum of understanding pledging to protect corridors used by elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and other species.

“A rich wildlife heritage is one of the great treasures our states share, and it must be protected," Richardson said. Ritter said the effort “should be part of our legacy."

The agreement stems from an initiative by the Western Governors Association to identify and protect wildlife corridors across the West.

The WGA has said the issue is complicated because decision-makers must deal with unprecedented population growth, energy development and associated land-use impacts while working across federal, state, tribal and private lands.

Durango Herald News, Initiative to study wildlife corridors along Colorado, New Mexico border