Access Issues

NMOHVA Responds to NM EMNRD's SJM40 Survey

Last Updated: October 21, 2008

NMOHVA has sent a letter to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department responding to EMNRD's request for NMOHVA and its members to participate in a survey for the study being conducted under Senate Joint Memorial 40 (SJM40). The full text of the letter is available below but the main points in the letter were:

NMOHVA is extremely opposed to the anti-recreation bias of this survey, the selection of Mr. Funkhouser as the contractor, and the deliberate exclusion of other agencies with which EMNRD was supposed to cooperate.

SJM40, as passed, was amended by the State Legislature specifically so EMNRD would not have sole control of the OHV study. EMNRD has not met the intent or the requirements of SJM40 to cooperate with the other agencies. EMNRD has operated alone to prepare and conduct the survey it is publicizing. By doing so, EMNRD is deliberately defying the will of the State Legislature.
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Mt Taylor Ranger District (Cibola National Forest) Releases Proposed Action for Managing Motorized Travel

Last Updated: October 9, 2008

The Mt. Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands has released its "Proposed Action for Managing Motorized Travel" and invites public comment.

The release of the Proposed Action starts the formal NEPA process and the beginning of a 30-day Scoping Period. Scoping will end on November 8th, 2008.

The proposal represents the synthesis of comments from the public at initial workshops and internal analysis to provide motorized access while protecting natural resources and minimizing conflicts between different kinds of uses.
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Santa Fe National Forest Travel Management Plan Scoping has Ended! Now What?

Last Updated: October 9, 2008

The Santa Fe National Forest official Scoping period ended on September 2nd. The SFNF has repeatedly told the public that they will continue to take input until they release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Obviously, the closer to the release of the DEIS, the harder it will be for them to incorporate our input into the Alternatives in the DEIS..

Now is the time to escort the FS personnel from the District Offices to the field, examine the roads and trails we asked to be included in the Alternatives, listen to their concerns about our requested routes, and work toward sustainable solutions. Don't delay! Winter weather will soon restrict access to many of the routes and spring will be too close to the DEIS release date for maximum effectiveness.

Hard work now will have benefits for the future!
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News

Blackfeather Trail Preservation Alliance Teams with Jemez Ranger District for Trail Maintenance Day

Last Updated: November 14, 2008

On Saturday, November 8, 22 members of the Blackfeather Trails Preservation Alliance (BTPA) joined with Mike Dechter and Phyllis Martinez of the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest to maintain sections of the singletrack “Motown Trail” located in the Jemez Mountains north of Cochiti Mesa.

The group completed all of the Forest Service identified fixes by noon, due in large part to the overwhelming turnout and the eager, cooperative attitudes held by everyone in the group. Phyllis Martinez, Forest Service commented, “I enjoyed working with all of you and I look forward to more partnership days next field season!”

Jim Tyldesley, Project Coordinator for the Blackfeathers, thanked all of the volunteers for their hard work and added, “I hope that this is the beginning of a long and productive collaborative partnership between the Forest Service and BPTA.”
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