[Coalition_for_valle_vidal] ACTION - PROTECT THE WATERS OF THE VALLE VIDAL

[Jim O'Donnell]

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.