Groups Say 2008 Could be a 'Wild' Year for the Land of Enchantment
Monday, December 31, 2007
Santa Fe, NM - Efforts to protect more "enchanted" public lands didn't make it across the finish line in 2007, but Suzanne Jones with The Wilderness Society says the odds that 2008 will be a "wild year" are looking up.
Although they had trouble getting congressional attention, Jones believes proposals protecting the Sabinoso Wilderness near Las Vegas and the Ute Mountain Conservation Area outside Taos have a good shot in the next session.
"These lands are important, not only for wildlife habitat, but also watershed protection, and for back country recreation for all of us and future generations to enjoy."
Jones says Congress had a lot on its collective plate this year that eclipsed some wilderness legislation, but she thinks there will be an opportunity to revive many of the bills in the next few months. For New Mexico, she adds, the timing is perfect.
"We have the opportunity to protect some of our last great places from the impacts of oil and gas development and degradation from off-road vehicles."
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