PRESS RELEASE 10/23/2007

Progressive plan for preserving and enhancing 302,000 acres of federal land in Dona Ana County released by citizen's group.

An alternative plan to preserve and protect federal lands in Dona Ana County and around Las Cruces, New Mexico has been released by People For Preserving Our Western Heritage. The draft legislation will be submitted to Senators Pete Domenici, Jeff Bingaman and Congressman Steve Pearce following its review by local governmental entities, interested groups and individuals.

The core of the draft legislation establishes unique protected areas that, "maintain and preserve open spaces" and also accommodate established uses such as ranching, recreation and hunting. The categories being proposed include Special Preservation Areas (SPA's) and Rangeland Preservation Areas (RPA's).

According to PPWH co-chairman, Tom Cooper, the plan carefully addresses all the concerns that have been raised without creating federally-controlled wilderness areas. "We know a federal wilderness designation is an oppressive land management mandate that locks up the land forever without consideration for any long-term evolvement," Cooper said. "This new plan provides protection for vast amounts of open space while factoring in the current land use realities and it doesn't put families out of business."

Under the proposed legislation the following federal lands totaling 302,000 acres are protected:

1. The Dona Ana Mountains Special Preservation Area.

2. Picacho Peak Special Preservation Area.

3. The Organ Mountains Rangeland Preservation Area.

4. The Las Uvas Mountains Watershed and Rangeland Preservation Area.

5. The Robledo Mountains Watershed and Rangeland Preservation Area.

6. The Potrillo National Security and Rangeland Preservation Area.

Cooper says these new areas would be provided the preservation effect of federal "wilderness" but without the oppressive rules and regulations that have become a major drawback to such proposals. The plan proposed by PPWH also calls for the "full protection" of the Dona Ana Mountains and Picacho Peak, "from development by withdrawal from all forms of entry, appropriation or disposal under the public land, mining and geothermal leasing laws."

The Preservation Areas were established to protect lands while encompassing "the spirit and stewardship of local control" and providing for "abundant, permanent open space."

Tom Mobley, PPWH co-chairman, said the proposed legislation addresses the fact that most areas proposed for wilderness designation in Dona Ana County do not remotely fit the stringent criteria for such designations as set forth in the Wilderness Act of 1964. "It is our intent to preserve these lands in question while also taking into account the historical significance of the healthy soil and plant community, wildlife, livestock and the social fabric of this county," Mobley said.

He pointed out that the federal lands in the plan will never be sold or exchanged for development. In addition, Mobley said that with few exceptions, "motorized vehicles will be confined to roads designated under the management plan of the area." Another tenet of the proposal addresses concerns about expanded flood control, off channel storage and future water supplies which would not be allowed under a federal wilderness designation.

The Potrillo National Security and Rangeland Preservation Area focuses on the expert opinions of law enforcement officials regarding border security. The concern is that a wilderness designation along the U.S./Mexico border would, "constitute an amplified national security threat."

"We have made a serious effort to include the concerns of all the stakeholders with this proposed legislation. It is aimed at retention of open space, flood control, border security, continued public access, protection of historic ranching operations, wildlife and rangeland health all wrapped up in a package that is true to the fidelity of historic wilderness concepts," Cooper said.

To review and comment on the complete legislative plan, executive summary and associated map, log on to the website: www.peopleforwesternheritage.com