Broad Coalition Agrees to 'Keep Growth out of Doña Ana's Wild Spaces'
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Hot on the heels of news that a new annexation could double the population of Las Cruces, sportsmen, conservationists, business and community leaders are putting aside their differences on behalf of Doña Ana county's wild places. Over a dozen groups met in Las Cruces Wednesday to sign an agreement on proposed boundaries for wilderness in Doña Ana County. The coalition is asking Sens. Domenici and Bingaman to introduce federal legislation protecting open space in the area. Marnie Leverett is with the League of Women's Voters, one of the groups involved in the grassroots effort.
“It's very important to a lot of people that we maintain those open spaces for their quality of life. That's really what it amounts to, what makes it special here.”
The agreement seeks protection for three areas of BLM land around Broad Canyon and the West Potrillos Mountains.
Nathan Small with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance says the groups were able to negotiate a wilderness proposal that was acceptable to all.
“Everybody knew we had to preserve roadless areas, but everybody wanted to really make sure that there was access for vehicles around these areas in such a manner that, you know, everybody can enjoy them as well.”
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…