November 13, 2013
The Honorable Tom Udall The Honorable Martin Heinrich
U.S. Senate U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senators Udall and Heinrich:
We write to express our strong and unwavering endorsement of S. 776, the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act. Your legislation will provide permanent “gold standard” protection for these unique, ecologically important, and culturally and historically significan twild lands in northern New Mexico—ensuring that they will be forever available for the use and enjoyment of future generations. We commend you for pursuing wilderness designation for this special area.
As you know, the original proposal to protect the Columbine Hondo as a designated wilderness was developed over several years by a diverse, broad-based coalition, including indigenous Hispanos and Native Americans, ranchers, hunters and anglers, outfitters and guides, equestrian trail riders, conservation organizations ,Land Grant associations, and other concerned citizens—all working together as part of the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Coalition (CHWC). This locally-based, collaborative process has benefited from the active involvement of businesses, municipalities, and the mountain-biking community—all of whom support the permanent protection as designated wilderness of these special lands within the Carson National Forest.
Located in New Mexico’s Sangrede Cristo Mountains—the southern chain of the Rockies, the Columbine Hondo Wilderness Study Area (WSA) includes 13 miles of high alpine ridges and peaks and serves as the headwaters of the vital Rio Hondoand Red Rivers. Not only do these important sources of clean water serve the local communities and farmlands, but they also represent the second and third largest tributaries to the Rio Grande River.
All New Mexicans understand the importance of water to our survival. It is the life’ sblood of our communities and farmlands. The extensive droughts we have experienced in recent years under score the importance of protecting the largest renewable water source in the state—these Sangrede Cristo Mountains. By protecting the Columbine Hondo, we ensure the continued sustainability of the vitally important clean water provided by the Rio Hondo and Red Rivers.
In addition, while the Columbine Hondo is visually striking and serves as an important recreational resource, it also supports a wide range of animal and plant species. The abundance of elk, deer, mountain lion, black bear, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, pine marten, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, make this area a top destination for hunters and anglers, birders, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The Columbine Hondo is an anchor for the viability and sustenance of local communities throughout the region. Thousands of tourists visit Taos County each year, drawn by opportunities for outdoor recreation, and play an important role in the local economy.
Uses of the Columbine Hondo are as varied as its landscape. TheTaos Pueblo and local Hispanic villages rely on these special mountains as a source of wild game for food, and herbs for age-old medicines, and they are considered sacred ground by many.
The mountains and forests of northern New Mexico offer a respite from the hurly-burly of everyday modern life. Many of our nation’s military Veterans come to these deep woods and high mountains seeking refuge and peace of mind that they cannot find anywhere else.
It is important that these many benefits of the Columbine Hondo will be available for future generations, that our children and grandchildren will have this pristine area to enjoy and experience. Thank you for the introduction of S. 776. We look forward to continuing to work with you to make sure the Columbine Hondo is permanently protected.
Sincerely,
Oscar Simpson
Oscar Simpson, Chairman
NM Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
3320 12TH ST NW Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-0117
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Land Tawney, Executive Director
P.0.Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807
(406).370.3243
New Mexico Wildlife Federation
Jeremy Vesbach, Executive Director
121 Cardenas Drive
NE Albuquerque, NM 87108-1707
(505) 299-5404
National Wildlife Federation
Lew Carpenter, Regional
Representative (WY,NM,AZ,ID,NV,UT)
2995 Baseline Road, Suite 300
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 834-0998
Trout Unlimited
Toner Mitchell, Public Lands Coordinator
142 Rio Seco
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 992-2933 (505) 231-8860
NM Council of Trout Unlimited
Arnold Atkins, Chairman
12 Vista Grande Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505) 466-4375
Truchas Chapter Trout Unlimited
Mike Rearick, President
P.O. Box 31671
Santa Fe, NM 87594
(505) 699-0080
Enchanted Circle Chapter Trout Unlimited
Nick Streit, President
308- C Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Toas, NM 87571
(575) 751-1312
Bosque Chapter Trout Unlimited
David Propst, President
P.O. Box 95466
Albuquerque, NM 87199
(505) 243-0853
Mesilla Valley FlyFishers, INC.
Charles Mueller, President
P.O. Box 2222
Las Cruces, NM 88004– 2222
(575) 647 4045
Sportsmen Concern, Las Vegas, NM Chapter
Max Trujillo, Interim President
1312 7TH Street
Las Vegas, NM 87707
(505) 454-7000
Mora Valley Merriam's Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation
John Olivas, President
PO Box 65, Holman, NM 87723
(505) 379-5551
NewMexico Chapter Wild Sheep Foundation
Laney Rominger, President
10004 Signal Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
(505) 821-5064
New Mexico Sportsmen
Oscar Simpson, Chairman
3320 12TH ST NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-0117
JACO Outfitters, LLC
John Olivas
HC 34 Box 65
Holman, NM 87723
(505) 379-5551
Sierra Blanca Outfitters
Peter Romero
PO Box 71
Chacon, NM 87713
(505) 429-2887
Back Country Horsemen of NM
Oscar Simpson, Public Lands/Legislative Chair
3320 12THST NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 345-0117
Back Country Horsemen of America
Jim McGarvey, Chairman
PO Box 1367
Graham, WA 98338-1367
(706) 669-1015
Dona Ana Country Associated Sportsmen
John Cornell, President
P.O. Box 1427
Mesilla Park, NM 88947
(575) 895-5090
Southwest Consolidated Sportsmen – A Las Cruces coalition representing:
- Borderlands Bird Dog Club
- Ducks Unlimited– Las Cruces Chapter
- El Paso del Norte German shorthair Pointer Club
- German Shorthair Club of Las Cruces
- Gila Rio Grande Chapter of Trout Unlimited
- New Mexico Quail, Inc.
- Mesilla Valley Shotgun Sports
- Organ Mountain Bowmen
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation– Las Cruces Chapter
- American Fisheries Society – Student Chapter, NMSU
- The Wildlife Society- Student Chapter, NMSU
- Mule Deer Foundation- Tri-County Chapter
- Wild Turkey Sportsmen Association
Dr. Sanford Schemnitz, Chairman
8105 Dona Ana
Las Cruces, NM 88007
(575) 526-5056
About Caitlin Thompson