Saturday, March 05, 2011

OVER 700 PACK CONVENTION CENTER TO URGE FOREST SERVICE TO KEEP ROADS OPEN

Office of Congressman Steve Pearce
Serving New Mexico’s Second Congressional District

Contact: Eric Layer, Press Secretary                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 575-517-7382
Email: eric.layer@mail.house.gov

OVER 700 PACK CONVENTION CENTER TO URGE FOREST SERVICE TO KEEP ROADS OPEN
Congressman Steve Pearce Promises to Speak Out Alongside New Mexicans

Silver City, NM (March 5, 2011) Today, an estimated 750 New Mexicans rallied at the Grant County Business and Convention Center in Silver City, New Mexico to oppose the Forest Service’s proposal to close roads in the Gila National Forest.

The rally was organized by the Reverend Mike Skidmore of Truth or Consequences, who has established an organization called “Keep Our Forest Open” to oppose the closures.  Skidmore said he has taken his children, grandchildren, and members of his congregation into the Gila for years, and is upset that the Forest Service plan could jeopardize his ability to do so in the future.

Congressman Steve Pearce has heard an outcry from New Mexicans in opposition to the proposed closings, and said he wanted to lend his support to the effort to make sure that his constituents’ voices are being heard.

"I'm here today for all of those who have spoken out before, but haven't been listened to. I'm here for all the elderly, the disabled, the families...all those who would lose access to their favorite places to spend time with loved ones. I'm here today for all the forgotten men and women who go to work, and pay their taxes, and quietly go about their lives.  And the reverberations from all the hundreds of you here today will be heard all the way to Washington."

Pearce emphasized the importance of conservation and of preserving the state’s treasures.  He also argued that enjoyment of those treasures is a freedom that must be preserved for everyone.

The Forest Service’s public comment period for the issue ends Monday.  New Mexicans are strongly encouraged to voice their concerns before the deadline.

Supporters of road closures rallied Friday


Supporters of a plan to close some roads in the Gila National Forest say it's a good compromise. About 100 backers of the forest's travel management plan gathered Friday in downtown Silver City. Many are avid hunters, backpackers and hikers. The plan would limit vehicles to designated roads and trails and restrict vehicle camping to areas along the sides of roads or near them. New Mexico congressman Steve Pearce was behind the "Keep Our Forests Open" rally Saturday protesting the forest's proposal that will close some roads but still leave more than 3,000 miles of roads open. The Silver City Sun-News reports that the comment period on the plan ends Monday at midnight. Forest Service officials say they hope to reach a decision by May or June. AP

2 comments:

Sclew said...

750 vs 100---hmmmm, looks like the majority prefer to keep the forests open. Those who use the forests are interested in taking good care of the forests for future generations. Thanks to Rep. Pearce for listening to the people.

timothius said...

Good turn out and calm and peaceful.