Ambitious Rio Grande Trail Project Moves Ahead

Dona Ana Mountains near Las Cruces

The Rio Grande Trail Commission is scheduled to meet Dec. 20 in Santa Fe to vote on adoption of the Rio Grande Trail Master Plan.

The ambitious plan seeks to create a nearly500-mile long trail system along the Rio Grande corridor to enhance the state’s outdoor recreation industry.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 20 at the State Records Center and Archives’ Piñon Room, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey in Santa Fe. 

The master plan can be reviewed on the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) website at http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/. Send any comments about the plan to john.busmeyer@state.nm.us.

Commissioners are slated to vote during the upcoming meeting on adoption of a 1.9 mile stretch of existing pedestrian walkway in the city of Elephant Butte to add to the trail.

The additional mileage will join another 87 miles of trails already adopted that are primarily found within many state parks that exist along the route including Elephant Butte Lake, Caballo Lake, Leasburg Dam, Mesilla Valley Bosque, Percha Dam and the Rio Grande Nature Center.

Existing trails along the river in Las Cruces and within the Rio Grande Corridor National Monument in northern New Mexico also have been adopted, said John Busemeyer, a planner with the State Parks Division of EMNRD.

 

The Big River within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The project was launched with bi-partisan legislation and signed by Gov. Susana Martinez in 2015 to create a commission to oversee the project.

The project envisions a nearly contiguous trail system along the Rio Grande Corridor from the Colorado to Texas state lines. The system when finished would include established trails, interpretive signage and camp sites along the way.

The plan seeks to bring together on a voluntary basis many different groups including municipal, county, state, federal and tribal government agencies as well as private landowners.

The long-term project when complete will add another destination for outdoor enthusiasts to hike much like the state’s section of Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The national trail spans 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada and brings thousands of visitors to the state annually.

Hikers on the Continental Divide Trail at Hopewell Lake in northern New Mexico.  

The CDT provides a rugged, backcountry experience for users, with an emphasis on conservation and self-reliance but the Rio Grande Trail will offer a more accessible way for people to explore the state, with less challenging terrain, closer proximity to cities, and developed amenities, according to the Rio Grande Trail Master Plan.

New Mexico’s outdoor recreational industry includes hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, bird watching, golfing, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorized off-roading and other outside activities.

The industry brings in about $10 billion in consumer spending each year, supports close to 100,000 jobs across the state and generates almost $3 billion in payroll while providing more than $600 million in taxes to government coffers, according to reports from the national outdoor industry association. 

For more information about the Rio Grande Trail please visit www.riograndetrailnm.com.

See where N.M. candidates for governor stand on key outdoor issues.

With over 40 percent of New Mexico’s land in public hands, great weather and friendly people, the state has long been an outdoor recreation mecca.

The state’s outdoor recreational industry brings in about $10 billion in consumer spending each year accounting for an estimated 10 percent of the state’s gross domestic product, according to the most recent academic and business studies.

The industry supports close to 100,000 jobs across the state and generates almost $3 billion in payroll while providing more than $600 million in taxes to government coffers. 

The state Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) issued more than 250,000 licenses to resident anglers in 2017 and another 185,000 licenses went to non-residents, according to agency statistics.

 

The fly fishing industry on the San Juan River at Navajo Dam alone produces up to $30 million in business every year while anglers spent about a total of $268 million statewide, according to department reports.

New Mexico’s hunters bought about 115,000 licenses from the department in 2017 while another 87,000 went to out-of-state hunters.  Hunting accounts for an estimated $342 million in direct spending, according to department reports.

Hiking, camping, sightseeing, bird watching, golfing, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorized off-roading and other activities also contribute greatly to the state’s $10 billion outdoor recreational economy.

Outdoor enthusiasts represent a large constituency of New Mexico voters and with that in mind we ask the candidates for governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham and Steve Pearce, both state lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives, to share with our readers their views about some outdoor recreational issues. 

What outdoor recreational activities do you enjoy and when and where was the last time you did so?

Michelle Lujan Grisham

Lujan-Grisham:

As a 12th generation New Mexican and lifelong resident of this state, I’ve been privileged to benefit from our beautiful lands and natural resources. I hike, bike, fish, and ride horseback across New Mexico. I went fly fishing and hiked in the Valles Calderas this past weekend, recently horseback riding in Canjillon at the Carson National Forest, and cycled at White Sands National Monument and El Malpais National monument as part of our campaign’s 33 county Jobs and Leadership Tour last month.

Steve Pearce

Pearce:

Hunting, fishing, and hiking. I take every opportunity I can to enjoy our beautiful state. In line with keeping up with both a Congressional schedule and a campaign schedule, I especially try to find any opportunity afforded me to get outside and hike. Most recently I spent a few hours in the Organ Mountains. As for hunting, I took my granddaughter on her first turkey hunt in Lincoln County last season. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to hunt yet this year but I'm looking forward to getting back out there after the election. 

Where do you stand regarding commercial wildlife trapping on public lands?

 Lujan-Grisham:

Our land and wildlife management should work to maintain existing ecosystems and promote animal welfare. While there are specific instances where individual animals are causing serious and possibly life or property-threatening damage or depredation, New Mexico should commit itself to implementing a science-driven, 21st century wildlife stewardship model that reduces the potential to indiscriminately catch, maim or kill wildlife and domestic pets.

Pearce:

I support limited and regulated trapping on public lands, including commercial trapping when it serves State Game and Fish management interest. New Mexico is home to a diverse and unique culture and heritage. We must find the correct balance of protecting the outdoors and our species, as well as our citizens ability to hunt and trap.

Do you support or oppose changing the law requiring euthanization for rabies testing of wildlife involved in attacks upon humans such as the case involving the Valles Caldera trail runner?

 Lujan-Grisham:

I would support a study within the Department of Game and Fish to examine the impact of and alternatives to the current law, which requires euthanasia in all circumstances when a human is attacked. We ought to look at possible alternative methods for testing for and assessment of rabies risk, while ensuring that the Department of Game and Fish and its staff continue to prioritize keeping people safe from harm.

Pearce:

Oppose, at this point. I would work with the Department of Health, Game and Fish, and the State legislature to update the law, should it be necessary in the future.

What is your position on recent proposals to merge the state Department of Game and Fish and the State Parks Division to maximize resources and improve services?

 Lujan-Grisham:

In recent years we’ve seen legislation and proposals that would expand and/or alter the scope of operations for NMDGF, or merge it with other agencies.

 I support the study of proposals like merging the department with the State Parks Division that could potentially help to ensure adequate resources for the management of non-game species currently under the purview of NMDGF, create efficiencies,  Any such change must be conducted with careful preparation and analysis to ensure that there are no discontinuities in important services and that that funding is available for all aspects of service. I will work to evaluate this change, solicit public and stakeholder input, and ensure any such change is coupled with adequate funding for the department to meet its goals.

Pearce:

I oppose this proposal. These entities have two unique and vital missions to the success and health of New Mexico’s natural beauty. As they currently stand, they have the resources necessary to complete their missions successfully. As Governor, I will ensure they also have the proper management to continue on the progress and positive impact they are making on our State.

What do you think of the idea of creating a state office or agency to support and promote outdoor recreation in New Mexico?

 Lujan-Grisham:

I believe that a creating state office of outdoor recreation, done the right way, is a clear step in the right direction to promoting and expanding this growing industry. This $10 billion dollar economy is one of New Mexico’s strongest growth opportunities. In forming this office we should bring together stakeholders from industry, local businesses, outfitters, conservation groups, federal agencies, and those engaged in outdoor recreation to chart the best path forward as we look to coordinate and leverage the incredible resources our state has to offer. I will support key performance measures for the office in terms of economic growth, conservation, and enhancements to our outdoor recreation infrastructure.

 Steve Pearce:

I believe it is a premature decision. Game and Fish, State Parks, Forestry, and Tourism all have a role and responsibility to play in providing the best experience possible for New Mexicans and visitors alike. I will work as Governor to ensure they have the management and coordination to continue expanding opportunity and protecting access to our public lands. The State has the proper resources in place to promote our beauty - it needs to focus on coordination and action over the creation of more bureaucracy.  

For more news and information please see the Albuquerque Journal's election guide at https://www.abqjournal.com/election2018.

Take a drive to see New Mexico's fantastic fall foilage

N.M. 4 to Jemez Springs.

There may be no better time to take a drive than when New Mexico’s aspen and cottonwoods trees are ablaze with fall colors.

One of the best Albuquerque area road trips to see the fall foliage is to Jemez Springs after the leaves of streamside cottonwood trees turn a deep orange.

It’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Albuquerque to Jemez Springs on U.S. 550 to N.M. 4 and the trip offers visitors great fall scenery amid towering red cliffs topped by stunning blue skies.

The village also boasts several good places to eat and drink, a hot spring bathhouse and the Jemez Historic Site featuring the stone ruins of an ancient Indian pueblo and San José de los Jemez church. 

Jemez Springs Bathhouse.

Travelers can enjoy even more spectacular scenery in the surrounding national forest by continuing up N.M. 4 to N.M. 126. The road spans 40 miles between La Cueva and Cuba and is a typical graded gravel forest road for much of way.

Check with the Santa Fe National Forest’s Jemez Ranger District Office at (575) 829-3535 for current fall foliage and road conditions. 

Another easy fall drive for Albuquerque residents is up into the mountains above Santa Fe to see the fall colors from the ski area chairlift. Rides are available 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends in September and every day during Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 6 through the Oct. 14. Visit www.skisantafe.com for details.

Travelers returning from the ski area also can enjoy an extended tour of the woods by taking Forest Road 102 down to Pacheco Canyon Road to emerge near Tesuque.

Aspen trees in the forest off Hyde Park Road.

Another great fall drive near Santa Fe includes taking the High Road to Taos and returning along the Rio Grande.

Take U.S. 84/285 north to the Nambe turn off at N.M. 503 and follow to the Chimayo turnoff at Santa Fe County Road 98.  Drive through the village of Chimayo to N.M. 76 and then head up the mountain past Truchas over to Peñasco and on to Ranchos de Taos for the return trip along the Rio Grande on N.M. 68.

Cottonwood trees along N.M. 68 between Espanola and Taos.

But probably the best drive in northern New Mexico to view the fall colors is a 50-mile jaunt on U.S. 64 from Tierra Amarilla  over the mountains and through the Carson National Forest to Tres Piedras.

The highway climbs into the high country past the impressive Brazos Cliffs and offers plenty of unmarred scenic beauty including bright yellow aspen groves and stands of brilliant red oak trees.

Brazos Cliffs of U.S. 64 between Tierra Amarilla and Tres Piedras.

Travelers heading up to Tres Piedras on U.S. 84 will see over 90 miles of spectacular scenery including the stunning red rock cliffs near Abiquiu Lake. Upon returning on U.S. 285 from Tres Piedras travelers will pass by a lengthy cottonwood bosque between Los Ojos and Espanola and could see even more brilliant fall colors.

Aldo Leopold Cabin Rental Stalled by Zinke Administration

A  U.S. Forest Service proposal to allow public rental of the historic Aldo Leopold cabin in Tres Piedras has stalled due to political gridlock at the U.S. Department of Interior.

“What a shame, it’s a great attraction that could really help bring more visitors to northern New Mexico,” says Deb Graves, owner of the Chile Line Depot restaurant off U.S. 285 in rural Tres Piedras.

The cabin was built by Leopold, a founding father of the nation’s wilderness conservation movement, when he was the forest service’s district ranger back in 1911.

The forest service first announced the proposal in September 2016 noting that it wanted to offer the public a unique recreational experience while also providing funds for maintenance of the historic building. Money earned from cabin and other rental properties stays within the district where it is raised and is a valuable tool in helping the cash strapped forest service pay for maintenance and other costs. 

Forest service cabin rentals are popular and plentiful in Colorado and other states but New Mexico doesn’t have any available.

The Leopold cabin features 4 furnished bedrooms and can accommodate up to 11 guests. It has a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, a library and fireplace and would rent for $175 a night. The cabin’s wide, covered front porch offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and is perfect for whiling away an afternoon.  Outdoor recreational opportunities abound within nearby forest and wilderness areas including the Rio Grande gorge.   

The proposal hit a snag due to the forest service’s need to have it vetted and approved by the public before it can be implemented, says Amy Simms, a public service staff officer with the Carson National Forest in Taos.

The forest service needs to use an existing U.S. Interior Department Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee to vet such a proposal in New Mexico.

The committees are comprised of members of the public that represent various industries, recreation and government. Members apply for appointment by the Secretary of the Interior and routinely meet to provide public input on federal agency operations.

But Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke soon after his appointment by President Donald Trump suspended use of the RAC committees, then reinstated some but failed to appoint members to others.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Farmington District Office committee which heard from U.S. Forest Service staff about the Leopold House rental proposal during a recent meeting in Taos is one of those RAC committees operating without a full roster. It can’t conduct any official business such as approving the forest service proposal due to its lack of a quorum.

“I’ve got the feeling they’re just going to let them die on the vine,” says committee member Mick O’Neil, a retired New Mexico State University agronomy professor and one time Peace Corps volunteer who served in Africa. “It seems this administration just doesn’t like public input.”

The interior department isn’t saying if or when those who’ve applied to fill the vacancies will be appointed, O’Neill said.

The department’s press office declined to answer several inquiries seeking an explanation of what was going on.

Meanwhile the Leopold house often stands empty despite the forest service’s best effort to put it to better use.

Share With Wildlife program relies on public support.

New Mexico’s wild critters and natural environment benefit greatly from those who give generously to the state’s Share with Wildlife Program.

“We’re very thankful to the public for their generous support of the program,” says Ginny Seamster, Share with Wildlife program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “Without them it wouldn’t exist.”

The public contributed over $90,000 to the program last year through tax refund contributions, specialty license plate purchases and donations to the department.

Donations qualify the department to receive matching funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which brought in another $82,000 last year.

The program funded a total of $165,000 worth of projects this year including much needed financial support for wildlife rehabilitation centers, including the non-profit New Mexico Wildlife Center in Española, where sick and injured animals receive veterinary care, treatment and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.

The program also funds research, including a study of the success of the North American river otter reintroduction effort that was conducted 2008-2010, and evaluation of the current size and health of the river otter population in New Mexico.

Another 2018 project involves assessing the reproductive success and survival rates of a turtle species currently under review for potential listing as a threatened or endangered species. Also funded this year is a project to study habitat associations and distribution of a species of chipmunk found only in mountain ranges in southeastern New Mexico.

Another research project involves the study of white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease wiping out many bat colonies in the eastern United States.

The fungus that causes white-nose syndrome has been detected in Texas and this project will help determine whether the fungus is now present in some of the most heavily visited caves and mines in New Mexico that also are roost and or hibernation sites for bats. This is an important precursor to being able to take more proactive steps to protect our state’s bat populations from white-nose syndrome, Seamster says.

“People who contribute to the Share with Wildlife program make all these wildlife projects possible,” she says.

Biologists from other agencies and organizations volunteer to review and select applications for each years’ projects and all donations to the program are earmarked for projects, not administrative costs, she says.

To see a complete list of funded projects, updates and program highlights please visit the department’s website at 

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/share-with-wildlife/.

The program received the majority of its donations last year from its share from the sales of popular wildlife license plates by the state Motor Vehicle Division. The license plates feature either a graceful Gambel’s quail, an impressive buck mule deer or a colorful Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The plates can be ordered by mail or purchased directly at an MVD office.

The Share with Wildlife program was started in1981 to help those wildlife species that do not receive funding from any other source.

In the past decade more than $1.5 million has gone to research, habitat enhancement, education and rehabilitation projects that benefit nongame species in need of conservation.

To contribute to this important program please visit the department website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/share for more information or contact Seamster at (505) 476-8111 or virginia.seamster@state.nm.us.