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opinion guest_columns
Monday, June 09, 2008
Congress Must Fight Conservation Cuts
By Deanna Archuleta
Regional Director, The Wilderness Society
I recently toured Cañon Largo, a large and fertile canyon in what may soon be known as the Sabinoso Wilderness. As I watched the muddy river meander through the canyon, I felt a deep connection to the land below. Like many New Mexicans, my livelihood is also tied to the land — I'm a conservationist. But my trip that day to the place we've worked so hard to protect was made possible by an unlikely guide, a rancher, who wanted to show his own passion for the land by leading our group through its rugged terrain.
Historically, ranchers and conservationists have not always seen eye-to-eye, but nearly everyone can agree that New Mexico's forests, monuments, wildlife refuges and parks have made a difference in our lives. We all have a memory that connects us to these places, our past and to each other.
However, our legacy of wild places may be at risk if President Bush's budget stands. Bush seeks to cut funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Forest Legacy Program — two programs that have directly aided conservation efforts in New Mexico and have helped maintain healthy forests, wildlife refuges and clean rivers across the country.
Currently, the president is requesting a paltry $43 million for LWCF this year — only a fraction of the $900 million that is authorized for 2009. Additionally, the president is asking for only $12.5 million for the Forest Legacy Program, the federal fund that helps states and local communities keep private forestlands from being leveled.
New Mexicans still have time to call on Congress to reverse this misguided course. These programs need more funding — not less. Congress should provide at least $278 million for LWCF and $120 million for the Forest Legacy Program. These monies come from the royalties that big oil pays for its off-shore oil and gas leases as the law requires.
Our congressional leadership has a chance to make a difference. The House Appropriations subcommittee is scheduled to confront President Bush's budget June 11. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., a member of the subcommittee and champion of conservation efforts in our state, can help repel the almost 75-percent cuts the administration is pushing.
A proposal to add 640 acres of juniper, pine and spruce-fir forest land to Cibola National Forest is one of many programs facing the chopping block if the budget cuts go uncontested. Cibola not only provides habitat for the endangered Zuni bluehead sucker fish, mule deer, black bear, elk and wild turkey, but also offers grazing allotments for nearly 8,000 livestock.
New Mexico was once at the forefront of land conservation efforts. The Gila Wilderness, established in 1924, was the first American wilderness. For many New Mexicans, conserving our public lands means defending our way of life. Whether we use them for recreation, hunting and fishing, or grazing, protecting and properly managing our forests, refuges and parks must be one of our top priorities.
Deanna Archuleta serves on the Bernalillo County Commission.
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