U.S. Interior official visits Taos; Gorge up for wilderness designation

A federal effort to create new wilderness areas brought Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes to the Río Grande Gorge in September. Hayes praised the Río Grande del Norte conservation proposal, saying it was conceived locally, will help the area’s economy into the future and protects traditional uses of the land. He said local buy-in is crucial to such proposals. Caldwell referred to the Gorge as “our best and most lasting resource,” saying it should be protected. Hayes said a report due Oct. 15 will be submitted for review, and he hopes it will be approved by Congress. He said it will contain information about the ‘crown jewels’ his department helps to identify, such as their locations and unique features. He said he hopes representatives in Washington, D.C., can “get beyond the partisanship” to vote in favor of protecting areas such as the Río Grande Gorge. “Let’s implement the will of the people,” he said. Hayes said he is unsure how long it will take for Congress to approve the recommendations. Trudy Vincent, legislative director for Bingaman’s office, said passing legislation could be difficult but pointed to the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 as an example that the proposal can be successful. “It’s a very large compromise,” she said. “It’s been done before. We can do it again.”...more