From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Thu Sep 15 17:51:38 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Thu Sep 15 18:49:36 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Rep. Udall Announces Plan to Permanently Protect The Valle Vidal Message-ID: <3d6974da81284fb029250dc39a75f41f@vallevidal.org> -------------- next part -------------- -------------- next part -------------- Coalition for the Valle Vidal New Mexico Wildlife Federation P.O. Box 238 2921 Carlisle Blvd NE Suite 200J Taos, New Mexico 87571 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505.758.3874 505-299-5404 September 15, 2005 Press Release ? For Immediate Release and Distribution Contact: Ed Alona, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, 505.447.6364 or 505.483.2895 Alan Lackey, Coalition for the Valle Vidal, 505.445.3097 Glen Loveland, Rep. Tom Udall?s Office, 505.994.0499 Mayor Danny Cruz, Town of Springer, NM, 505.483.2682 New Mexico?s Representative Tom Udall Introduces Bill to Permanently Protect the Valle Vidal (Taos, NM, September 15, 2005) - A New Mexico natural area cherished by Boy Scouts, prized by elk hunters and widely recognized as a national treasure would be permanently protected from oil and gas drilling under a bill introduced today by Rep. Tom Udall. Rep. Udall said: "The Valle Vidal is national treasure that is now threatened. Drilling in the Valle Vidal is not a long-term, responsible energy strategy - we cannot drill our way out of our current energy problems. ?After visiting the area on many occasions and hearing from thousands of Americans, I have reached the inescapable conclusion that the Valle Vidal should be protected in perpetuity from development.?? Mayor Danny Cruz of Springer, New Mexico echoed the Representative: ?Our communities depend on our natural resources for survival. We have to sustain them. A lot of times local communities are behind the curve on these things and our land ends up being taken from us before we even know what?s happening. Now, we are seeing local people and local governments get out in the lead on protecting out special places.? The Town of Springer is one of six northern New Mexico municipalities as well as the Taos County Commission and over 200 area businesses and organizations opposed to the industrialization of the Valle Vidal. In Cimarron, the owners of West of Wild, LLC also spoke out against destroying the Valle Vidal and praised the bill. West of Wild?s owner Jared Chatterley pointed out that ?The reason we are supporting the protection of the Valle Vidal is both personal and moral. The Eastern part of the Valle is an important part of the Boy Scout program. It is the only place where Scouts learn to hike with no trails and learn Leave No Trace rules. It is vitally important to us that this public land stay as it is so that we can continue to enjoy it in its pristine state with fantastic wildlife. Recreation is why we all live in this area.? Rep. Udall, long a leader in assuring the protection of the Valle Vidal, was recently joined by Rep. Heather Wilson of Albuquerque in demanding protection for the Valle Vidal. "Coal-bed methane development using current techniques is ... still too invasive to be compatible with other uses of the land,? she said in a recent interview. In the end, Rep. Udall said, ?There is a place for oil and gas drilling.? The Valle Vidal, however, is not one of them." ### -------------- next part -------------- Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Mon Sep 19 13:43:13 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Mon Sep 19 13:58:43 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Please Thank Udall and Wilson Message-ID: <669f29bf955cf7a29f648b99895d4522@vallevidal.org> > Valle Vidal Supporters, As most of you know, last Thursday (September 15th) Rep. Tom Udall introduced a bill into the House of Representatives that will give permanent protection to the Valle Vidal. You can read the text of the bill here: VALLE VIDAL PROTECTION ACT http://www.tomudall.house.gov/pdf/ACF6C0F.pdf If you haven't already, please send a big THANK YOU to Rep. Udall for his work on our behalf. You can email him here: http://www.tomudall.house.gov/feedback.cfm? campaign=Udall&type=Helping%20You%20 or call him at: 202-225-6190 While you're at it also thank Rep. Heather Wilson (see article below) and re-itterate that drilling is incompatible with the vision for the VV, and that she should support Udall's legislation. Email Wilson at: http://wilson.house.gov/Contact.asp or call her at: 202-225-6316 Please everybody, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Continue to demand our elected officials protect the Valle Vidal!! DONT LET UP! > Heather Wilson opposes drilling in Valle Vidal > print | email this story > ? > By ASSOCIATED PRESS > September 12, 2005 > ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Rep. Heather Wilson has become the first Republican > congressional delegate from New Mexico to openly oppose drilling in > the Valle Vidal. > "There are some places that because of their outstanding > recreational, science and wildlife attributes, exploration should not > occur," she wrote in comments to the U.S. Forest Service. "The Valle > Vidal is one of those places." > Wilson serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. > In early August, she toured the Valle Vidal and the eastern 40,000 > acres under consideration for coal-bed methane drilling, first by > airplane, then by foot. > New Mexico Oil and Gas Association president Bob Gallagher said he is > disappointed with the timing of Wilson's comments. > Forest officials are taking comments on how the land should be > managed. A final decision won't be made until the fall of 2008. > "I think we ought to wait until those detailed scientific studies are > completed until we come to a conclusion," Gallagher said. > Wilson seems to keep open the possibility for future drilling with > less invasive techniques, though. > "Coal-bed methane development using current exploration techniques is > incompatible with this use," she wrote. > Today's drilling technologies are "still too invasive to be > compatible with other uses of the land," she wrote. > Gallagher said Wilson has always been supportive of the oil and gas > industry. > He sided with her in saying that maybe the drilling techniques > haven't been developed. > The 100,000-acre land hosts the state's largest elk herd and is a key > watershed for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, the state fish. > Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said he has prepared draft legislation that > would permanently block energy development on the Valle Vidal. He said > he also is seeking bipartisan support to introduce it to the House. > From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 20 12:22:23 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue Sep 20 12:49:06 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] ACTION - PROTECT THE WATERS OF THE VALLE VIDAL Message-ID: <98d88396ae8caa84c925bb43d153c40b@vallevidal.org> ACTION ALERT ? PROTECT THE WATERS OF THE VALLE VIDAL Tell the state of New Mexico that you support their nomination of the waters of the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) Last Fall Governor Richardson directed the state Department of Game and Fish to lead an inter-agency effort to develop a petition to list the waters in the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters. Once waters are designated ONRWs they receive the highest level of protection under the Clean Water Act. On Friday August 19th Governor Richardson announced that the state is seeking public comment on the draft petition which is now posted on the Department of Game and Fish Website. www.wildlife.state.nm.us The State is accepting public comments on the petition now through September 30th, 2005. The Coalition for the Valle Vidal encourages you to speak up today to let the State know that you support their petition to protect the waters of the Valle Vidal. Action: Send your comments to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish by September 30th, 2005, supporting their ONRW nomination for the waters of the Valle Vidal. A sample letter is provided on the back of this sheet. In your letter let the state know why the waters of the Valle Vidal are important to you both recreationally and ecologically. Because the ONRW nomination is based on the recreational and ecological significance of the rivers and streams of the Valle Vidal, to support the nomination it is important that you communicate how you value the waters of the Valle Vidal, whether for recreation, ecological factors, or both. Background: Designating the waters of the Valle Vidal as ONRWs ensures that these waters will be protected as is befitting their role as the lifeblood of our communities. Traditional and sustainable land uses such as grazing and logging will be respected and can continue. At the same time, the waters of the Valle Vidal will be protected from future degradation. The possibility of future degradation in the Valle Vidal is very real: the Forest Service is presently in the first stage of preparing a Forest Plan Amendment that will serve as the foundation for a decision on whether to lease the Valle Vidal for coalbed methane development. We believe that ONRW protections are a critical component of our shared efforts to afford comprehensive protection for the Valle Vidal so that the Valle Vidal stays as it is: a special place in the hearts, minds, and souls of our communities. Please support ONRW protections for the Valle Vidal. Sample Letter: Tanya Dofflemyer New Mexico Department of Game and Fish P.O. Box 25115 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Dear Ms. Dofflemyer: I am writing to show my support for the ONRW petition for the waters of the Valle Vidal. I personally value the recreational and ecological opportunities that the waters of the Valle Vidal provide both me and my family. [insert language here about how you think the waters are significant both recreationally and ecologically. For example let the State know that you value the fishing, hunting, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities that the clean water in the Valle Vidal supports. Relate specific examples of your recreational experience in the Valle Vidal and/or how you value the ecological integrity of these waters.] The waters of the Valle Vidal serve as a vital resource to a sustainable future for northern New Mexico?s rural and agricultural communities; provide unique recreational and sporting opportunities for families, hunters, anglers, Boy Scouts, and other outdoor enthusiasts; are critical to the health and abundance of wildlife populations; and hold intrinsic ecological importance and scenic beauty. Symbolic of our common New Mexico heritage, these waters are therefore deserving of protection from degradation. Sincerely, Your Name Your Address Send Your Comments To: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Attn: Tanya Dofflemyer P.O. Box 25115 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Or email: tanya.dofflemyer@state.nm.us For more information, please call Rachel Conn at Amigos Bravos: 505-758-3874 or Oscar Simpson at the New Mexico Wildlife Federation: 505- 345-0117 Make your voice heard! Let the State of New Mexico know that you support their ONRW petition to protect the waters of the Valle Vidal. Comment deadline is September 30th, 2005. From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 20 19:46:08 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue Sep 20 23:34:59 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] PRESS RELEASE: Sen. Bingaman Introduces bill to protect the Valle Vidal Message-ID: <4a5a2576065fd3f00ff3494bcb28e2c4@vallevidal.org> -------------- next part -------------- -------------- next part -------------- Coalition for the Valle Vidal New Mexico Wildlife Federation P.O. Box 238 2921 Carlisle Blvd NE Suite 200J Taos, New Mexico 87571 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505.758.3874 505-299-5404 September 20, 2005 Press Release ? For Immediate Release and Distribution Contact: Ed Olona, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, 505.447.6364 William Brown, Coalition for the Valle Vidal, 505.758.8008 Bill Schudlich, Trout Unlimited, 505.470.4878 Gary Foney, past pres., NM Oil and Gas Assoc. 505.390.9064 Senator Bingman Introduces Bill to Protect the Valle Vidal from Destruction (Taos, NM, September 20, 2005) - A New Mexico natural area cherished by Boy Scouts, prized by elk hunters and widely recognized as a national treasure would be permanently protected from oil and gas industrialization under a bill introduced today by Senator Jeff Bingaman. Senator Bingaman said: ?The definable characteristic of being a New Mexican is shown most clearly in the places we cherish -- the places that we recognize as so special that we want to set them aside for our children and our grandchildren.? The Valle Vidal Preservation Act would assure continued public access to the Valle Vidal, keeping it open to tens of thousands of Boy Scouts, hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts, backpackers and hikers while prohibiting the desecration of the area for, what amounts to, a very small amount of gas. ?Even if there were significant gas resources under the Valle Vidal it would be very difficult to risk turning it into an industrial zone. But we don't really face that choice here. The eastern half of the Valle Vidal comprises less than 1 percent of the gas-producing Raton Basin. According to the Forest Service, even with the most optimistic projections the gas resources are less than one half of one percent of the Raton Basin resources,? Bingman said. Former USGS minerals specialist William Brown pointed out that: ?The United States in 2005 will consume about 24 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas, or about 66 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day. Estimates of natural gas available from the Valle Vidal range from about 0.03 to 0.16 Tcf, or about 30 to 160 Bcf. These trivial amounts of natural gas represent roughly one-half to 2-1/2 day's supply of current USA natural gas demand, and would trickle slowly into supply lines over a period of 15 to 20 years. The quantities of gas available from the Valle Vidal will decline further as a percentage of USA gas demand as consumption increases steadily during the next two to three decades.? ?We know how much gas is in there: not much, and this is one place where the surface values far outweigh anything underground,? said Bill Schudlich, chairman of the New Mexico Council of Trout Unlimited. ?This is our state?s number one elk herd and top habitat for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout. Drilling the Valle Vidal would be like ripping up your floorboards to get at a dime.? Trout Unlimited is one of over 200 area businesses and organizations opposed to the industrialization of the Valle Vidal. Six northern New Mexico municipalities as well as the Taos County Commission, the Santa Fe County Commission and the Chambers of Commerce in Questa and Cimarron have also voiced their strong opposition to drilling. Opponents to drilling include members of the oil and gas industry: ?I am a supporter of the oil and gas industry. I am pro-development. I?ve made my living from developing the resources of this state. But as we look for balance, there are some places unique enough and special enough to be set aside. That is the Valle Vidal,? said Gary Foney, the past president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. In the end, Bingaman said, ?It would be easy to simply pursue resources wherever we find them. We certainly need the energy and have shown remarkable ingenuity in extracting oil and gas from places previously thought unreachable and with gradually lessening effects on the surrounding landscape. But our essential character is revealed in making the harder choice to slow down and recognize that some places are special and warrant special treatment. The Valle Vidal is such a special place.? ### -------------- next part -------------- From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 27 15:09:38 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue Sep 27 15:31:03 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Valle Vidal Radio Show with Sen. Bingaman and Rep. Udall Message-ID: Valle Vidal Supporter, Amigos Bravos' Radio Show, ?Radio Rio ?with Senator Bingaman and Representative Udall that was aired live yesterday morning is posted online at www.culturalenergy.org ?The show covered the new legislation that the Senator and Congressman introduced in the Senate and the House in the past couple of weeks. ?Representatives from the Environment Department also spoke about the NM State nomination of the waters of the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs). Radio Rio is a monthly radio production by Amigos Bravos and Cultural Energy. ? Check out the show at: www.culturalenergy.org Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 27 15:45:46 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue Sep 27 16:14:57 2005 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Forest Service Public Meeting on Valle Vidal in Costilla Message-ID: <9b4bdc23f78853f94ad83b52f18f66bc@vallevidal.org> > Valle Vidal Supporters, > > The U.S. Forest Service will hold an informal public meeting about the > Valle Vadel Forest Plan Amendment and will also explain the status and > timing of their processing industries interest in leasing gas on Valle > Vidal. The meeting will be held at the Rio Costilla Cooperative > Livestock Association (RCCLA) headquarters in Costilla, NM. Oct. 5th, > 2005 at 7:00 PM. > > If you can, please attend this meeting to show your opposition to > opening the Valle Vidal to oil and gas exploration. > Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Thu Sep 15 17:51:38 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 15:51:38 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Rep. Udall Announces Plan to Permanently Protect The Valle Vidal Message-ID: <3d6974da81284fb029250dc39a75f41f@vallevidal.org> -------------- next part -------------- -------------- next part -------------- Coalition for the Valle Vidal New Mexico Wildlife Federation P.O. Box 238 2921 Carlisle Blvd NE Suite 200J Taos, New Mexico 87571 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505.758.3874 505-299-5404 September 15, 2005 Press Release ? For Immediate Release and Distribution Contact: Ed Alona, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, 505.447.6364 or 505.483.2895 Alan Lackey, Coalition for the Valle Vidal, 505.445.3097 Glen Loveland, Rep. Tom Udall?s Office, 505.994.0499 Mayor Danny Cruz, Town of Springer, NM, 505.483.2682 New Mexico?s Representative Tom Udall Introduces Bill to Permanently Protect the Valle Vidal (Taos, NM, September 15, 2005) - A New Mexico natural area cherished by Boy Scouts, prized by elk hunters and widely recognized as a national treasure would be permanently protected from oil and gas drilling under a bill introduced today by Rep. Tom Udall. Rep. Udall said: "The Valle Vidal is national treasure that is now threatened. Drilling in the Valle Vidal is not a long-term, responsible energy strategy - we cannot drill our way out of our current energy problems. ?After visiting the area on many occasions and hearing from thousands of Americans, I have reached the inescapable conclusion that the Valle Vidal should be protected in perpetuity from development.?? Mayor Danny Cruz of Springer, New Mexico echoed the Representative: ?Our communities depend on our natural resources for survival. We have to sustain them. A lot of times local communities are behind the curve on these things and our land ends up being taken from us before we even know what?s happening. Now, we are seeing local people and local governments get out in the lead on protecting out special places.? The Town of Springer is one of six northern New Mexico municipalities as well as the Taos County Commission and over 200 area businesses and organizations opposed to the industrialization of the Valle Vidal. In Cimarron, the owners of West of Wild, LLC also spoke out against destroying the Valle Vidal and praised the bill. West of Wild?s owner Jared Chatterley pointed out that ?The reason we are supporting the protection of the Valle Vidal is both personal and moral. The Eastern part of the Valle is an important part of the Boy Scout program. It is the only place where Scouts learn to hike with no trails and learn Leave No Trace rules. It is vitally important to us that this public land stay as it is so that we can continue to enjoy it in its pristine state with fantastic wildlife. Recreation is why we all live in this area.? Rep. Udall, long a leader in assuring the protection of the Valle Vidal, was recently joined by Rep. Heather Wilson of Albuquerque in demanding protection for the Valle Vidal. "Coal-bed methane development using current techniques is ... still too invasive to be compatible with other uses of the land,? she said in a recent interview. In the end, Rep. Udall said, ?There is a place for oil and gas drilling.? The Valle Vidal, however, is not one of them." ### -------------- next part -------------- Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Mon Sep 19 13:43:13 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 11:43:13 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Please Thank Udall and Wilson Message-ID: <669f29bf955cf7a29f648b99895d4522@vallevidal.org> > Valle Vidal Supporters, As most of you know, last Thursday (September 15th) Rep. Tom Udall introduced a bill into the House of Representatives that will give permanent protection to the Valle Vidal. You can read the text of the bill here: VALLE VIDAL PROTECTION ACT http://www.tomudall.house.gov/pdf/ACF6C0F.pdf If you haven't already, please send a big THANK YOU to Rep. Udall for his work on our behalf. You can email him here: http://www.tomudall.house.gov/feedback.cfm? campaign=Udall&type=Helping%20You%20 or call him at: 202-225-6190 While you're at it also thank Rep. Heather Wilson (see article below) and re-itterate that drilling is incompatible with the vision for the VV, and that she should support Udall's legislation. Email Wilson at: http://wilson.house.gov/Contact.asp or call her at: 202-225-6316 Please everybody, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Continue to demand our elected officials protect the Valle Vidal!! DONT LET UP! > Heather Wilson opposes drilling in Valle Vidal > print | email this story > ? > By ASSOCIATED PRESS > September 12, 2005 > ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Rep. Heather Wilson has become the first Republican > congressional delegate from New Mexico to openly oppose drilling in > the Valle Vidal. > "There are some places that because of their outstanding > recreational, science and wildlife attributes, exploration should not > occur," she wrote in comments to the U.S. Forest Service. "The Valle > Vidal is one of those places." > Wilson serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. > In early August, she toured the Valle Vidal and the eastern 40,000 > acres under consideration for coal-bed methane drilling, first by > airplane, then by foot. > New Mexico Oil and Gas Association president Bob Gallagher said he is > disappointed with the timing of Wilson's comments. > Forest officials are taking comments on how the land should be > managed. A final decision won't be made until the fall of 2008. > "I think we ought to wait until those detailed scientific studies are > completed until we come to a conclusion," Gallagher said. > Wilson seems to keep open the possibility for future drilling with > less invasive techniques, though. > "Coal-bed methane development using current exploration techniques is > incompatible with this use," she wrote. > Today's drilling technologies are "still too invasive to be > compatible with other uses of the land," she wrote. > Gallagher said Wilson has always been supportive of the oil and gas > industry. > He sided with her in saying that maybe the drilling techniques > haven't been developed. > The 100,000-acre land hosts the state's largest elk herd and is a key > watershed for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, the state fish. > Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said he has prepared draft legislation that > would permanently block energy development on the Valle Vidal. He said > he also is seeking bipartisan support to introduce it to the House. > From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 20 12:22:23 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 10:22:23 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] ACTION - PROTECT THE WATERS OF THE VALLE VIDAL Message-ID: <98d88396ae8caa84c925bb43d153c40b@vallevidal.org> ACTION ALERT ? PROTECT THE WATERS OF THE VALLE VIDAL Tell the state of New Mexico that you support their nomination of the waters of the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) Last Fall Governor Richardson directed the state Department of Game and Fish to lead an inter-agency effort to develop a petition to list the waters in the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters. Once waters are designated ONRWs they receive the highest level of protection under the Clean Water Act. On Friday August 19th Governor Richardson announced that the state is seeking public comment on the draft petition which is now posted on the Department of Game and Fish Website. www.wildlife.state.nm.us The State is accepting public comments on the petition now through September 30th, 2005. The Coalition for the Valle Vidal encourages you to speak up today to let the State know that you support their petition to protect the waters of the Valle Vidal. Action: Send your comments to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish by September 30th, 2005, supporting their ONRW nomination for the waters of the Valle Vidal. A sample letter is provided on the back of this sheet. In your letter let the state know why the waters of the Valle Vidal are important to you both recreationally and ecologically. Because the ONRW nomination is based on the recreational and ecological significance of the rivers and streams of the Valle Vidal, to support the nomination it is important that you communicate how you value the waters of the Valle Vidal, whether for recreation, ecological factors, or both. Background: Designating the waters of the Valle Vidal as ONRWs ensures that these waters will be protected as is befitting their role as the lifeblood of our communities. Traditional and sustainable land uses such as grazing and logging will be respected and can continue. At the same time, the waters of the Valle Vidal will be protected from future degradation. The possibility of future degradation in the Valle Vidal is very real: the Forest Service is presently in the first stage of preparing a Forest Plan Amendment that will serve as the foundation for a decision on whether to lease the Valle Vidal for coalbed methane development. We believe that ONRW protections are a critical component of our shared efforts to afford comprehensive protection for the Valle Vidal so that the Valle Vidal stays as it is: a special place in the hearts, minds, and souls of our communities. Please support ONRW protections for the Valle Vidal. Sample Letter: Tanya Dofflemyer New Mexico Department of Game and Fish P.O. Box 25115 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Dear Ms. Dofflemyer: I am writing to show my support for the ONRW petition for the waters of the Valle Vidal. I personally value the recreational and ecological opportunities that the waters of the Valle Vidal provide both me and my family. [insert language here about how you think the waters are significant both recreationally and ecologically. For example let the State know that you value the fishing, hunting, camping and wildlife viewing opportunities that the clean water in the Valle Vidal supports. Relate specific examples of your recreational experience in the Valle Vidal and/or how you value the ecological integrity of these waters.] The waters of the Valle Vidal serve as a vital resource to a sustainable future for northern New Mexico?s rural and agricultural communities; provide unique recreational and sporting opportunities for families, hunters, anglers, Boy Scouts, and other outdoor enthusiasts; are critical to the health and abundance of wildlife populations; and hold intrinsic ecological importance and scenic beauty. Symbolic of our common New Mexico heritage, these waters are therefore deserving of protection from degradation. Sincerely, Your Name Your Address Send Your Comments To: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Attn: Tanya Dofflemyer P.O. Box 25115 Santa Fe, NM 87504 Or email: tanya.dofflemyer at state.nm.us For more information, please call Rachel Conn at Amigos Bravos: 505-758-3874 or Oscar Simpson at the New Mexico Wildlife Federation: 505- 345-0117 Make your voice heard! Let the State of New Mexico know that you support their ONRW petition to protect the waters of the Valle Vidal. Comment deadline is September 30th, 2005. From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 20 19:46:08 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 17:46:08 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] PRESS RELEASE: Sen. Bingaman Introduces bill to protect the Valle Vidal Message-ID: <4a5a2576065fd3f00ff3494bcb28e2c4@vallevidal.org> -------------- next part -------------- -------------- next part -------------- Coalition for the Valle Vidal New Mexico Wildlife Federation P.O. Box 238 2921 Carlisle Blvd NE Suite 200J Taos, New Mexico 87571 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505.758.3874 505-299-5404 September 20, 2005 Press Release ? For Immediate Release and Distribution Contact: Ed Olona, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, 505.447.6364 William Brown, Coalition for the Valle Vidal, 505.758.8008 Bill Schudlich, Trout Unlimited, 505.470.4878 Gary Foney, past pres., NM Oil and Gas Assoc. 505.390.9064 Senator Bingman Introduces Bill to Protect the Valle Vidal from Destruction (Taos, NM, September 20, 2005) - A New Mexico natural area cherished by Boy Scouts, prized by elk hunters and widely recognized as a national treasure would be permanently protected from oil and gas industrialization under a bill introduced today by Senator Jeff Bingaman. Senator Bingaman said: ?The definable characteristic of being a New Mexican is shown most clearly in the places we cherish -- the places that we recognize as so special that we want to set them aside for our children and our grandchildren.? The Valle Vidal Preservation Act would assure continued public access to the Valle Vidal, keeping it open to tens of thousands of Boy Scouts, hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts, backpackers and hikers while prohibiting the desecration of the area for, what amounts to, a very small amount of gas. ?Even if there were significant gas resources under the Valle Vidal it would be very difficult to risk turning it into an industrial zone. But we don't really face that choice here. The eastern half of the Valle Vidal comprises less than 1 percent of the gas-producing Raton Basin. According to the Forest Service, even with the most optimistic projections the gas resources are less than one half of one percent of the Raton Basin resources,? Bingman said. Former USGS minerals specialist William Brown pointed out that: ?The United States in 2005 will consume about 24 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas, or about 66 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day. Estimates of natural gas available from the Valle Vidal range from about 0.03 to 0.16 Tcf, or about 30 to 160 Bcf. These trivial amounts of natural gas represent roughly one-half to 2-1/2 day's supply of current USA natural gas demand, and would trickle slowly into supply lines over a period of 15 to 20 years. The quantities of gas available from the Valle Vidal will decline further as a percentage of USA gas demand as consumption increases steadily during the next two to three decades.? ?We know how much gas is in there: not much, and this is one place where the surface values far outweigh anything underground,? said Bill Schudlich, chairman of the New Mexico Council of Trout Unlimited. ?This is our state?s number one elk herd and top habitat for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout. Drilling the Valle Vidal would be like ripping up your floorboards to get at a dime.? Trout Unlimited is one of over 200 area businesses and organizations opposed to the industrialization of the Valle Vidal. Six northern New Mexico municipalities as well as the Taos County Commission, the Santa Fe County Commission and the Chambers of Commerce in Questa and Cimarron have also voiced their strong opposition to drilling. Opponents to drilling include members of the oil and gas industry: ?I am a supporter of the oil and gas industry. I am pro-development. I?ve made my living from developing the resources of this state. But as we look for balance, there are some places unique enough and special enough to be set aside. That is the Valle Vidal,? said Gary Foney, the past president of the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association. In the end, Bingaman said, ?It would be easy to simply pursue resources wherever we find them. We certainly need the energy and have shown remarkable ingenuity in extracting oil and gas from places previously thought unreachable and with gradually lessening effects on the surrounding landscape. But our essential character is revealed in making the harder choice to slow down and recognize that some places are special and warrant special treatment. The Valle Vidal is such a special place.? ### -------------- next part -------------- From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 27 15:09:38 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 13:09:38 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Valle Vidal Radio Show with Sen. Bingaman and Rep. Udall Message-ID: Valle Vidal Supporter, Amigos Bravos' Radio Show, ?Radio Rio ?with Senator Bingaman and Representative Udall that was aired live yesterday morning is posted online at www.culturalenergy.org ?The show covered the new legislation that the Senator and Congressman introduced in the Senate and the House in the past couple of weeks. ?Representatives from the Environment Department also spoke about the NM State nomination of the waters of the Valle Vidal as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs). Radio Rio is a monthly radio production by Amigos Bravos and Cultural Energy. ? Check out the show at: www.culturalenergy.org Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html From jodonnell at vallevidal.org Tue Sep 27 15:45:46 2005 From: jodonnell at vallevidal.org (Jim O'Donnell) Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 13:45:46 -0600 Subject: [Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Forest Service Public Meeting on Valle Vidal in Costilla Message-ID: <9b4bdc23f78853f94ad83b52f18f66bc@vallevidal.org> > Valle Vidal Supporters, > > The U.S. Forest Service will hold an informal public meeting about the > Valle Vadel Forest Plan Amendment and will also explain the status and > timing of their processing industries interest in leasing gas on Valle > Vidal. The meeting will be held at the Rio Costilla Cooperative > Livestock Association (RCCLA) headquarters in Costilla, NM. Oct. 5th, > 2005 at 7:00 PM. > > If you can, please attend this meeting to show your opposition to > opening the Valle Vidal to oil and gas exploration. > Jim O'Donnell Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal www.vallevidal.org PO Box 238 Taos, NM 87571 505-758-3874 Are you a member of the Coalition for the Valle Vidal? Would you like to support our efforts? Join or contribute today at: http://www.vallevidal.org/involved.html