NM Wilderness Gets Second Chance, Fans Say It's a Bargain for Taxpayers
Monday, March 16, 2009
Albuquerque, NM - A package of public lands bills, including protections for some of New Mexico's wilderness gems, ran into a hurdle last week in Congress, but will likely get a second chance this week. Supporters of adding new wilderness designations say they are now a bargain for taxpayers, thanks to a growing number of volunteers.
Deanna Archuleta, southwest regional director for The Wilderness Society in Albuquerque, says the package includes protections for the Sabinoso area near Las Vegas, as well as a unique archaeological site that volunteers have helped to protect in Dona Ana County.
"Archaeologically, it's vast and really in-depth, and the community working down there to protect it has done a fabulous job."
The Paleozoic Trackways site would be added to the National Landscape Conservation System.
The Omnibus Public Lands bill failed to pass the House by two votes last week because special rules required a two-thirds majority. But Democratic leaders hope to bring it up again this week under different circumstances.
The bill's opponents worry that more wilderness designations could lock industry out of areas containing valuable resources like oil, gas and timber. Wilderness advocates counter that the proposed areas have been vetted to make sure protection is the best use of these public lands.
Archuleta says wilderness has been a big hit in New Mexico, especially with volunteers who help protect the areas.
"Volunteerism on BLM lands is increasing in New Mexico; it's a huge bargain for BLM, but it also is a great help to all our taxpayers."
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