People For Preserving Our Western Heritage

In conjunction with the celebration for the National Day of the American Cowboy., Frank DuBois will be recognized by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce on July 26, 2008 at 10:00 am at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Come enjoy Country Music, Cowboy Coffee and tour the Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

Click to View flyer

July 26, 2008, 10:00 am
RSVP by 7/24/08 524-1960

CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW

BENEFICIAL AND BALANCED STEWARDSHIP OF THE LAND
REQUIRES AN ACCURATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTS.

Our public lands can only be managed appropriately when all of the complex issues are
addressed and understood. Opinions formed from incomplete or inaccurate information
and emotions are not beneficial to anyone.

"WILDERNESS" AND "OPEN SPACE" ARE NOT THE SAME THING!

We encourage you to learn more, and we hope the resources and
material provided on this website will be helpful and informative.

WE SUPPORT A MEANINGFUL BALANCE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, CONSERVATION, RECREATION, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RESPECT FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.

WE SUPPORT PERMANENTLY PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE ORGAN MOUNTAINS, AND THE OTHER SPECIAL AREAS IN OUR COUNTY.

THERE ARE VIABLE ALTERNATIVES TO FEDERAL "WILDERNESS" DESIGNATION THAT CAN BE USED TO PROTECT OUR LAND, OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND OUR OPEN SPACE.

CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW

DONA ANA COUNTY PLANNED GROWTH,
OPEN SPACE AND RANGELAND PRESERVATION ACT
----- THE PEOPLE'S PROPOSAL -----

Help us PERMANENTLY PRESERVE these special areas
for the public's ACCESS, ENJOYMENT and BENEFICIAL USE.

Learn more about this Legislative Proposal, endorsed by respected professionals and
supported by a Coalition of OVER 700 businesses and community organizations.

HR 6300 Legislation Information & Facts (new 07/15/08)

Full Text of HR 6300

"At a glance" - comparison chart (new 06/23/08)

PFPOWH Press Release (06/23/2008)

"Off the Leash" by Jim Scarantino on Heath Haussamen's blog:
"Pearce's conservation bill: What's not to like?" Part 1 (new 07/03/08)
"Pearce's conservation bill: What's not to like?" Part 2 (new 07/17/08)

New West article series by Rebecca Powell:
Part 1 - "A Biased Observer of the Dona Ana County Wilderness Debate" (new 06/17/08)
Part 2 - "For Some, Wilderness is Simple" (new 06/19/08)
Part 3 - "Pearce Submits People's Proposal to the House"   (new 06/23/08)
Part 4 - "New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Catches Blame"   (new 07/01/08)
Part 5 - "People for Preservation of Our Western Heritage Catches Praise"   (new 07/02/08)
Part 6 - "Small Defends Wilderness Proposal"  (new 07/08/08)
Part 7 - "To Clean a Dirt Tank and the Real Loss"  (new 07/23/08)

Range Magazine article "Best of Both Worlds" about the efforts by ranchers
to protect lands in Dona Ana County. (new 05/28/08)

See our Legislation page for more information.

For additional background information, see our videos and audio/visual presentations.

WHAT'S NEW!

07/24/08	KJCT8 news story and video - "Mountain bikers say they're being left out"
07/23/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "To Clean a Dirt Tank and the Real Loss"
07/23/08	Wall Street Journal - "The Lawnmower Men"
07/22/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "Wilderness, Wilderness Everywhere"
07/21/08	New Mexico Independent - "New Mexico jumps to No. 2 for immigration-crime prosectution, feds say."
07/21/08	The Oregonian - "Home home on the holistic range" - "The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals just ordered the federal Bureau of Land Management to take a look -- again -- at how it's managing more than 4 million acres in eastern Oregon. The court's message was clear: The BLM better bear in mind the rising wilderness values of our state's shrub-steppe range. "
07/21/08	Brookings - "Mountain Megas: America's Newest Metropolitan Places and a Federal Partnership to Help Them Prosper" Related articles: New West "Report Analyzes Booming Megapolitan West", Arizona Republic - "Sun Corridor may be 'new heartland'" and "Panel to debate growth strategies for Valley"
07/21/08	KUTV.com - "Utah Court Says Rivers and Streams are Public, Regardless of Location" - "Utah's highest court has ruled that streams and rivers are public even where the land under them is privately owned."
07/19/08	NM Federal Lands Council - "'Storm Over Rangeland' still rages 17 years later"
07/18/08	NM Stockman article "The Wilderness Man (Likely) cometh!"
07/17/08	GET THE FACTS: View the map of identified BLM disposal lands in Dona Ana County.
07/17/08	Jim Scarantino article on Heath Haussamen blog - "Pearce's conservation bill: What's not to like? (Part 2)" - "So what’s not to like about Pearce’s bill? He’s found a way to protect Doña Ana County’s open spaces while accommodating the needs of law enforcement, water authorities and agriculture. He has imposed restrictions on the BLM’s land-disposal process that give local governments funds for environmental projects and prohibit sales that violate local growth controls. Instead of spewing venom, environmentalists should be sitting down to try to work with him."
07/15/08	Frank DuBois named 2008 American Cowboy of Dona Ana County. Celebration scheduled 7/26/08.
07/15/08	NEW - See our "Legislation Information & Facts" which provides a comprehensive overview of HR 6300.
07/15/08	Las Cruces Sun News - Jerry Schickedanz - "Wilderness debate clarification" - "I submit that if concerned citizens with open minds would read closely what is in HR 6300, they would find that the bill will provide for an orderly and agreed upon disposal of federal land and adequate protection for lands that are important for open space in Doña Ana County. The bill will allow access for those who want to experience, use and recreate in these open spaces."
07/15/08	Haussamen blog - "McCain talks about wilderness, economy, immigration"
07/15/08	NM Federal Lands Council - "Court: Ore. land plan should consider wilderness" - "The bureau, the court said, insisted that its wilderness study ended in 1980 and didn't need to be reopened. A trial judge agreed. But, the appeals court said, "Wilderness characteristics are not simply a checklist" to be used for a one-time inventory. Instead, the court said, the bureau is obligated continuously to manage land with wilderness characteristics. It said that even if the Congress hadn't designated such land as wilderness, the bureau could protect it against damaging uses such as mining, grazing and off-road vehicle use."
07/15/08	"Pearce Opposes Ruling to Lock Up Grazing Lands" - "Out of desperation, farmers contacted U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce to intervene. Pearce said that besides wasting the farmer’s money, the government is forcing them to spend valuable fuel mowing areas instead of allowing the grazing. "This is another case of out-of-state environmentalists trying to damage the New Mexico economy, New Mexico jobs and our rural culture,” Pearce said. “I’m committed to doing the right things for New Mexicans and to keep the government’s first promise to the farmers that they can and should be able to graze their lands."
07/14/08	CNSNews.com - "Environmental Bills Called Pretext to Loosen Border Security" - "Open-border advocates operating under the guise of environmentalism are prepared to push for legislation that could result in an accelerated flow of illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking from Mexico into Arizona, according to law enforcement experts familiar with the terrain."
07/14/08	Daily Dispatch - "Forest Service official to focus on agency support for border issues"
07/13/08	Alamogordo News - "Heres the other side of Pearce's HR 6300"
07/13/08	Las Cruces Sun-News - "LOWV opposes Pearce wilderness bill". Note: Unfortunately, the LOWV letter to the Sun-News contains many statements that are inaccurate and grossly misrepresent the language of HR 6300. Please see our legislation page for the factual information about this bill and to read the actual language of HR 6300.
07/11/08	Michael Swickard "No Thought Left Behind" column from Heath Haussamen's blog - "Feathering nest activities by elected officials". "I do not know Councilor Small nor have I spoken to him. I have no opinion about his role with the Wilderness Alliance. This is not a column about wilderness issues; it is about the legitimate role of elected officials in our society. The entire issue is: Can elected officials use their elected positions to enhance their financial positions? And whether their desire is to sell more houses or save more wilderness areas is irrelevant." This column was also published in the Las Cruces Bulletin.
07/11/08	Economist article "Out of the wilderness - People are shunning the great outdoors. Blame conservationists, not video games" - "Earlier this year a federal court ruled that the National Park Service must limit human use of Yosemite Valley. That may mean a daily cap on visitor numbers. If the park imposes one, the example is likely to spread across America. This will create pressure to solve environmental problems by turning more people away. This is a shame, and a self-defeating exercise. America’s environmental movement emerged in the 19th century to push for national parks. In the 20th century it sold them to the public through photographs and writing. It now seems bent on driving people away from them."
07/11/08	"BLM asks for public comment regarding grazing on Ore. monument"
07/10/08	Oregon Mail Tribune - "BLM finds grazing harmful to protected monument" - "In a long-awaited assessment expected to be released today, the agency found that cattle grazing on the monument, created by presidential proclamation in 2000 to protect its rich biodiversity, does not meet the proclamation's intent, said Howard Hunter, the monument's assistant manager. ... Eleven ranchers currently hold grazing leases for 2,714 animal unit months on nine grazing allotments within the monument. ... The BLM's determination that cattle grazing harms the monument mirrors a study by environmental groups released last year. ... The agency's conclusion didn't surprise Dave Willis, chairman of the Soda Mountain Wilderness Council, which wants the cattle off the monument and federal wilderness designation for it. The proclamation language leaves the agency with no wiggle room if grazing is determined to be incompatible with the goals, he said. "It's a national monument — not a national cow pasture," he said."
07/08/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "Small Defends Wilderness Proposal"
07/08/08	Las Vegas Review Journal Editorial - "Montana greens to loggers: Come back!"
07/08/08	Jackson Hole Star Tribune - "Public prompts changes in roadless plan"
07/08/08	The Hub - Ouray, Ridgway, Ouray County article - "CSA opposes wilderness"
07/07/08	Nathan Small, a paid wilderness advocate with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, wrote an article for Heath Haussamen's blog, outlining the issues related to wilderness designation from his perspective. In the comments section, Michael Swickard writes "Hey Heath - Is Nathan Small a Las Cruces City Councilor or a Wilderness Alliance employee? While the column talks straight from the point of view of the Wilderness Alliance, he is an elected and paid Las Cruces City Councilor. The Las Cruces City Councilors represent the citizens 24/7. So, where is his fiduciary relationship, is it with the City of Las Cruces where he is paid a good sum of money or is it with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance where he is also paid money? It cannot be both. Much like in real estate an agent must decide the fiduciary relationship and not represent both sides of a transaction. Nothing of Nathan Small’s job with the Wilderness Alliance can seep into his job as city councilor or it is an ethics violation. Since he always represents District 4, he must not publicly speak of Wilderness issues. And, he must recluse himself from all votes that have any bearing on areas of interest in his other job with the Wilderness Alliance. Otherwise, his election as city councilor is enriching his job at the Wilderness Alliance. Councilor Small can privately cheer on the Wilderness activities and work for them privately, but not publicly. I would hope this is his last statement about Wilderness issues while serving as a Las Cruces City Councilor. This column by Nathan Small appears to me to be an ethics violation." Jim Scarantino wrote "I will deal with what Mr. Small calls "truths" in my next column, when I go through the actual wording of Mr. Pearce's legislation rather than throwing rhetoric and hyperbole across the path of progress on this issue. As for Mr. Small's claims that I have misrepresented specific facts, I point out: 1) Two governments have switched from supporting the wilderness proposal, the village of Hatch and La Union Soil and Water Conservation District. The Dona Ana Wilderness Coalition, however, still includes La Union in its list of endorsers. 2) 712 business and 22 local, state and national organizations have endorsed the proposal of People for Preserving Our Western Heritage, including the chambers of commerce of Las Cruces and Hatch Valley. That is not a "shaky claim at best" of substantial support. By comparison, the most the paid organizers for the wilderness coalition ever amassed was a group of just over 200 businesses, some of whom have since written the wilderness coalition asking that their names be removed from their list. 3) Not mentioned in Mr. Small's article is the fact that when Dona Ana County, the city of Las Cruces and other governments were asked to endorse the wilderness proposal, no other ways for preserving Dona Ana County's open space, while avoiding conflicts with law enforcement, water authorities and agriculture, were presented. Indeed, an opposing position was not even present at some of those hearings. Further, as two Hatch village trustees have written to the Congressional delegation and as Rep. Pearce has also pointed out, representations were made that the agricultural community, particularly ranchers, supported the wilderness proposal when that was untrue. Indeed, it is undisputed that the ranching community wasn't contacted until after the government resolutions had been obtained and the wilderness campaign had been underway for more than two years. My next column on Rep. Pearce's conservation bill for Dona Ana County will appear in its regular schedule. An open and full debate on the two competing bills, rather than competing articles and/or press conferences, should be considered by both sides of this issue as a better way of making progress on this matter."
07/07/08	Las Cruces Sun-News - "Sabinoso moves closer to wilderness designation"
07/07/08	Arizona Daily Star - "Tower sites planned for protected public land - Virtual fence to run through Cabeza Prieta, Organ Pipe" - "Conditions at the refuge aren't ideal for the pronghorn. In addition to being mired in a prolonged drought, the trash, trails and roads left behind by nearly a decade of heavy illegal-immigrant and drug-smuggling traffic have landed the refuge on two dubious lists in the past four years. This year, a report by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility named Cabeza Prieta one of the 10 most imperiled national wildlife refuges in the country. In 2004, Defenders of Wildlife named the refuge one of the 10 refuges most at risk."
07/07/08	AP - "5 arrested in Rainbow Family clash with feds" - "Officers began to leave the gathering site with the subject and were circled by more Rainbow participants that began to physically interfere," Vollmer said. About 400 Rainbows surrounded the officers trying to leave, she said. "The mob began to advance, throwing sticks and rocks at the officers," Vollmer said."
07/02/08	"Off the Leash" by Jim Scarantino - "Pearce's conservation bill: What's not to like?"
07/02/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "People for Preservation of Our Western Heritage Catches Praise"
07/02/08	Durango Telegraph - "Coming under fire - Mismanagement of federal firefighting funds alleged"
07/01/08	New Mexico Independent - "Domenici's staffer blames wilderness group for lost opportunity"
07/01/08	New West - "New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Catches Blame"
07/01/08	FBI - "Putting Intel to Work Against ELF and ALF Terrorists" - "Together, eco-terrorists and animal rights extremists are one of the most serious domestic terrorism threats in the U.S. today."
07/01/08	World Net Daily - "Czech prez: Environmentalism is new communism" - Czech President Vaclav Klaus: "As someone who lived under communism for most of my life I feel obliged to say that the biggest threat to freedom, democracy, the market economy and prosperity at the beginning of the 21st century is not communism or its various softer variants," said Klaus, responding to questions posed by the two lawmakers. "Communism was replaced by the threat of ambitious environmentalism."
06/30/08	Albuquerque Journal letter to the editor by Tom Cooper and Jodi Denning - "Protect N.M. Land and Its Many Uses" - "We can protect our land, our natural resources and our open space without federal wilderness designations. This proposal protects not only the land itself, but also the access to the land and the beneficial stewardship and use of the land."
06/30/08	"Additional Restrictions Announced in Sandias and Manzanos"
06/29/08	New Mexico Federal Lands Council - "Pearce Introduces Land Protection Measure - Plan based on community input, would result in a balanced approach" - "The issues are complex, and we have worked diligently to find a middle ground that is acceptable on all sides of the issue," said Pearce, a former small businessman. Over 700 businesses and organizations have formed a Coalition supporting this proposal. We believe it offers a compromise that would greatly benefit southern New Mexico and has great potential across the western states struggling with these issues for providing appropriate protection without creating unnecessary hardships on surrounding communities."
06/27/08	Congressman Steve Pearce letter to the editor, Las Cruces Sun-News - "Wilderness bill". "The editorial ("Wilderness bill deepens gap between groups", 6/25/08) regarding my recent legislation establishing Rangeland Preservation Areas for Do-a Ana County ignores critical parts of the bill. ... The RPA bill combines conservation, limited use and public safety in a common sense way to preserve our landscape for future generations."
06/27/08	The Las Cruces Bulletin contained two pieces on the Dona Ana County wilderness issues, but their website does not allow for linking directly to articles. Publisher David E. McCollum writes "Also heating up is the “wilderness ” issue in Doña Ana County. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce introduced House Resolution 6300. The proposed legislation parallels the recommendations put forth by area ranchers and is supported by more than 700 organizations and individuals. If approved, the bill will create new law regarding how we will protect our natural resources such as the Organ Mountains. Pearce’s proposal offers an alternative to the current wilderness protection designations that many local people feel may be too restrictive for our high desert area with vast open spaces. It will be interesting to watch the battle between the ranchers and those who support the creation of several wilderness areas in the county. The political rhetoric has already begun with the latter group implying that only through an official wilderness designation will our public lands be protected. On the other hand, the ranchers and Rep. Pearce contend that the new law will offer a more reasonable alternative to protecting the Organ Mountains and other public lands that should be preserved. Both groups have noble intentions. Hopefully, they can find a way to sit down together and work out their differences." There is also an article by Todd Dickson titled "Wilderness backers rally against Pearce bill - Ranching group praises legislation as a 'strong stand'".
06/27/08	Post from Haussamen blog "Udall says he can win in Pearce's 2nd District"
06/27/08	"Ousted Rural Families Fight for Heritage"
06/27/08	Silicon Valley Mercury News article "Biologists, ranchers hope cows will help lure back butterflies" - "The cows eat the invasive grasses but leave the native plants alone," said Craige Edgerton of the Silicon Valley Land Conservancy. "In order for the butterfly to survive, it needs cows."
06/27/08	Rocky Mountain News letters to the editor "Browns Canyon hardly a 'wilderness'" and "Canyon hasn't suffered".
06/26/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "More Than a Yes or No to Wilderness"
06/25/08	Cibola county Beacon - "Senator Domenici assails forest plans"
06/25/08	Jackson Hole News & Guide - "Forest may examing cattle fence in detail"
06/24/08	New Mexico Independent - "Property rights over preservation"
06/24/08	Albuquerque Journal - "Conservation groups bash Pearce's bill"
06/24/08	Las Cruces Sun News - "Pearce wilderness bill draws fire"
06/23/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "Pearce Submits People's Proposal to the House" This is part 3 in a series. The previous two installments are: "For Some, Wilderness is Simple" and "A Biased Observer of the Dona Ana County Wilderness Debate".
06/23/08	See our "At a Glance Comparison Chart" - Federal Wilderness designations & Rangeland Preservation Areas.
06/23/08	PFPOWH Press Release "PEARCE SUBMITS INNOVATIVE LAND PROTECTION LEGISLATION --- Coalition of over 700 Businesses and Organizations Support Measure"
06/20/08	New West article by Rebecca Powell - "Overstatements and Mythical Ranchers"
06/20/08	NM Federal Lands Council post - "U.S. Forest Service cuts grazing on National Grasslands"
06/19/08	New West article (part two in a series) by Rebecca Powell - "For Some, Wilderness is Simple"
06/19/08	New Mexico Independent article "No Slam Dunk - Ex-New Mexico Wilderness Alliance staffer accuses Sen. Jeff Bingaman of being "one of the worst" for not delivering on a bill last year for a Taos County national conservation areas."
06/18/08	Las Cruces Sun News article "Trap laid for USBP uncovered on patrol path" - "U.S. Border Patrol agents have discovered a booby trap of thin wires stretched along a patrol road in a remote stretch of desert in southern New Mexico, and say it could injure or kill border patrol officers. Saturday's discovery is the second wire trap found at the U.S.-Mexico border this year. The trap — two sections of thin wire strung tight across the road — was spotted Saturday night by a local rancher, Border Patrol spokesman Doug Mosier said Tuesday."
06/17/08	New West article (the first article in a series) by Rebecca Powell - "A Biased Observer of the Dona Ana County Wilderness Debate".
06/16/08	Los Angeles Times article - "Nevada rancher wins property rights award - Forest Service took his water rights, judge says."
06/16/08	New Mexico Federal Lands council blog: "American Ranching Family Wins 17-Year Battle with the Federal Government - Landmark decision in Hage v U.S. Issued by Federal Court of Claims" - "An epic 17-year battle between an American ranching family and the federal government has ended in favor of the family. The estates of Wayne and Jean Hage can finally claim a Fifth Amendment precedent-setting property rights victory. The court ruled that the Hages owned the water rights, ditch rights of ways, and range improvements on the federal grazing allotments. The court made clear that the government has the right to authorize grazing, but does not have the right to prevent the plaintiff from accessing their water rights on federal lands. Loren A. Smith, Senior Judge for the US Court of Federal Claims said, "As government seeks to change its policies concerning the purpose and use of public lands, private landowners have a valid claim to preserve their vested rights...the notion of private property is fundamental to the existence of our Nation...if private property is taken for public use, those citizens should be justly compensated."
06/16/08	Las Vegas Review Journal - "At the time, they said he was crazy - Government loses case involving late Nevada rancher"

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF PREVIOUS WHAT'S NEW ENTRIES.

WEBSITE INDEX

Our website contains a significant amount of information, and our site has grown to the point where it can be a bit overwhelming.

To help you quickly find the information contained in our site, we have added a Home Page Index (below) and a Website Index listing all the main pages of our website.

HOME PAGE INDEX - THIS PAGE ONLY (Alphabetical)

Alternatives	A quick look at the numerous alternatives to Federal Wilderness designation
Audio/Visual Presentations	Educational Powerpoint presentations "What is Wilderness" and "Wilderness... Understanding the Impacts on Ranching"
Community Expectations	A list of nine identified Community Expectations for our Federal lands
Concluding Thoughts	Wrapup information
Conservation, Stewardship & Wildlife	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on conservation efforts, stewardship and wildlife management
Dona Ana County - Brief History of the Wilderness Proposal	An overview of the events of the proposed Federal Wilderness designation for Dona Ana County
Land Disposal & Development Issues	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on the disposal (sale) of Federal land for community growth and development
National Security & Law Enforcement Issues	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on National Security and Law Enforcement
Preserving Western Heritage	A short history on our group, PEOPLE FOR PRESERVING OUR WESTERN HERITAGE
Ranching, Grazing & Land Stewardship Issues	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on ranching operations and stewardship of the land
Recreational Restrictions & Concerns	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on all forms of recreation and enjoyment of Federal land
Search & Rescue, Fire Control Issues	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on Search & Rescue operations and Firefighting
Understanding the Environmentalist Agenda	A brief look at the background and history of the environmental movement and articles from people who were involved
Water Management & Flood Control Issues	An overview of the impacts of a Federal Wilderness designation on Water Management, Water Capture and Flood Control projects
What Is Wilderness?	An overview of the restrictions and realities of Federal Wilderness Designation, and information about the environmental movement's push for more

AUDIO/VISUAL PRESENTATIONS

The following short presentations were created by People for Preserving Our Western Heritage. We hope you will find these presentations informative and helpful in understanding the complex issues related to Federal Wilderness designation.
	"What is Wilderness" This presentation provides an overview of what is involved in a Federal Wilderness designation, separating the "spirit" of wilderness from the reality of the legislative designation of wilderness. This presentation takes a high level look at the impacts and ramifications that result from Federal Wilderness designation.
	"Wilderness... Understanding the Impacts on Ranching" This presentation goes through a very brief history of ranching, and looks at several of the ways that a Federal Wilderness designation impacts ranching operations, rangeland and wildlife conservation. This presentation will give the viewer a much better understanding of why the ranching community is so concerned about proposed Federal Wilderness designation for lands that have active grazing allotments and existing ranching operations.

We also have an educational Video available.

PRESERVING WESTERN HERITAGE

Most of us are located here in southern New Mexico because of it's surroundings and because of our love and respect for the true Western Heritage that is part of the history and culture of Dona Ana County. This is our home, and many of us have several generations of family history in this area.

We all cherish the beautiful open space that is so abundant in our county. We believe we should ALL be able to enjoy the beautiful areas that surround us in a responsible manner.

Ranching exists in the southwest only because of the historic preservation of open space. Without open space, ranching disappears. Displace the rancher, and open space will be gone.

Ranchers and farmers are the historical stewards of the land.

The historical stewardship of the land has contributed to our beautiful rangelands we enjoy today. The rangelands are the lifeblood of the rancher.

A group of ranchers and other concerned citizens formed the group PEOPLE FOR PRESERVING OUR WESTERN HERITAGE in late 2006, in response to proposed designation of Federal Wilderness for lands in Dona Ana County, New Mexico.

One of our areas of focus is to inform the public of the serious issues and community impacts related to the Federal designation of Wilderness.

Initially, our concerns were focused primarily on the devastating impacts to ranching and agriculture that history has shown after Federal Wilderness designation in other areas. However, we soon began to see that there were serious consequences that reached far beyond the ranching and agricultural community.

We can protect these areas and maintain the character of the history the area represents. Man is an important part of that history, and should not be banned from its future.

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

Throughout the City of Las Cruces Regional Land Planning meetings, many people had the opportunity to provide their perspectives on the priorities for preservation of the special areas in Dona Ana County. Additionally, members of our group met with numerous professionals, groups, organizations, businesses and individuals in and around Dona Ana County.

The results were consolidated into the following list of "Community Expectations" for responsible and appropriate management and preservation for the identified Federal lands in our county.

People for Preserving Our Western Heritage have held these Community Expectations as the standard that must be met for any proposed legislation affecting Federal land protection and management.

DONA ANA COUNTY COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

1. Permanent retention of open space
2. Provision for planned economic and population growth
3. Unrestricted application of Homeland Security and law enforcement activities
4. Prevention of the unlawful use of motorized vehicles off designated roads
5. Continued access to the areas for ALL segments of the public
6. Perpetuation of historic ranching operations
7. Access for flood control and water capture projects
8. Enhancement of wildlife and rangeland health
9. Integrity with respect to historic Wilderness concepts and law

WHAT IS "WILDERNESS"?

Most people have an image that comes to mind when they ear the word wilderness. On the surface, some of the arguments for designating some of the public land in Dona Ana County as "Wilderness" may sound reasonable, and even desirable. However, the word "Wilderness", in terms of Federal legislation, carries a strict definition and serious management implications that must be clearly understood to make an informed decision.

The Original Wilderness Act

It is in the public interest to retain some lands in Federal ownership, for the benefit of all people. Aldo Leopold, a key individual in the history of the original Wilderness Act, once wrote: “A wilderness should be big enough to absorb a two-week pack trip without crossing your own tracks.” This statement does a good job of capturing the "spirit" of the word wilderness. True wilderness areas are very special, and should remain special.

The Federal definition of Wilderness, as specified in the Wilderness Act of 1964, is very restrictive. More than 50% of the designated Wilderness areas (well over 57 million acres) are in Alaska, where the areas are roadless, remote and truly wild.

THERE ARE ALREADY NEARLY 107.5 MILLION ACRES OF LAND IN 702 FEDERALLY DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS IN THE U.S.

LEGISLATION IS CURRENTLY PENDING TO DESIGNATE OVER 40 MILLION ADDITIONAL ACRES AS FEDERAL WILDERNESS

For additional statistics and information, see the Wilderness.net website.

Qualification for Federal Wilderness Designation

In reality, a very low percentage of the total land base of the United States meets the rigorous qualifications for Federal Wilderness designation. The first step is to understand what the Federal designation of "Wilderness" really involves. "Wilderness" is not simply a large area of open space. Federal Wilderness Designation has a very specific and detailed legislative definition, including a wide-sweeping collection of restrictions and prohibitions.

A simple look into the realities of Federal agency management in designated Wilderness areas is a much better way to gain an accurate understanding of the true impacts of the Federal Wilderness designation. Although it may or may not have not been the original intent of the Wilderness Act, the ultimate objective and use of the Act today is to restrict or eliminate access to the areas in an effort to "remove human impact" from the land.

FEDERAL WILDERNESS DESIGNATION AND MANY OTHER FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT DESIGNATIONS CENTER AROUND THE REDUCTION OR THE COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF MAN FROM THE LAND.

IRONICALLY, THE "PROTECTIONS" AGAINST MAN ARE QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY THE PROMISES OF FUTURE ENJOYMENT BY MAN AND HIS DESCENDANTS.

The Push from Environmental Groups for MORE Federal Wilderness

The original ideal of Federal Wilderness has been increasingly compromised as environmental special interest groups try to designate as much acreage as possible as Federal Wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. These groups attempt to frighten people into believing that the open space areas will be quickly consumed with housing and development if a Federal Wilderness designation is not immediately imposed upon the areas. The information provided by many of the environmental and wilderness groups is often incomplete, misleading, and in some cases quite biased and inaccurate. They boldly state that a Federal Wilderness designation is the only way to "protect" the land.

This trend has become all too common across the western states where there are large amounts of federally owned lands, and now the activists have targeted Dona Ana County. To attempt to apply a Federal Wilderness designation to areas a few miles from an urban area and label it "wilderness" is offensive to the original intent and spirit of the Wilderness Act and its founders.

A proposal developed and promoted by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance calls for roughly 1 of every 3 acres managed by the BLM in Dona Ana County to be designated as Federal Wilderness, with even more land targeted in their sights for future designation in what they call their "inventory". While this would preserve our open space, the severe restrictions of a federal Wilderness designation would have far-reaching impacts that must be carefully considered.

THE MOVEMENT UNDERWAY TO RESTRICT OUR PUBLIC LAND UNDER THE GUISE OF "PROTECTING THE LAND" DOES NOT JUST AFFECT RANCHERS AND FARMERS.

THERE WILL BE FAR REACHING SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS FOR ALL OF US.

ACCESS AND MANY BENEFICIAL USES OF THE AREAS
WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED
OR COMPLETELY ELIMINATED.

What Is Behind The Push For More Federal Wilderness? WHO Is Behind It?

With over 100 million acres of Federally designed Wilderness, why is there such a strong push for more? Using words like "conservation", "preservation" and "protection", there are groups and individuals promoting an agenda which would restrict the access to our public lands to an elite few. The numerous issues surrounding the "Wilderness" and "Rewilding" environmental movements are quite serious.

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance Summer 2007 newsletter had an article on the founding board members of NMWA. They stated in that article that Mr. Dave Foreman "provided many, if not most, of the philosophical underpinnings that guide the work of NMWA."

Mr. Foreman was a founder of NMWA, and was listed on the Board of Directors through 2005. To understand these "philosophical underpinnings", it is necessary to look in to Mr. Foreman and his career as an environmental movement leader. Mr. Foreman has a long and well documented history.

He co-founded the radical environmental group EarthFirst! and he wrote the book "Eco-Defense, A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching" along with several others. He has been arrested by the FBI on conspiracy charges, among many other "accomplishments". Mr. Foreman's most recent efforts focus on the "Rewilding of America" with his Rewilding Institute.

In Mr. Foreman's Own Words

There is a video titled "EARTHFIRST! The Politics of Radical Environmentalism" by Manes. Excerpts of this 1987 documentary appeared on 60 Minutes. The video is available in 4 parts: "