[Coalition_for_valle_vidal] Valle Vidal Supporters! THANK YOU!!!

[Jim O'Donnell]

Dear Valle Vidal Supporter,

Thanks to you the high mountain meadows, clean rivers, phenomenal 
vistas, wildlife and sustainable economic opportunities afforded us by 
the Valle Vidal are now permanently protected from oil and gas 
development! The Valle Vidal Protection Act protects the area from 
energy development and officially became law in December 2006.

You Did It!
Permanently protecting the Valle Vidal from natural gas development 
appeared nearly impossible when the Coalition came together in 2003, 
and yet we all achieved this victory together!  Your support at 
community meetings, your help in telling our story, and your letters, 
emails and phone calls to decision-makers made landmark legislation for 
the Valle Vidal possible. Again, thank you and congratulations to you 
on your work!

What’s Next?
New Mexicans were overwhelmingly supportive regarding the protection of 
the Valle Vidal, the importance of responsible energy policies for New 
Mexico, water and wildlife protection, and the preservation of our 
unique heritage.  The Executive Committee of the Coalition and many of 
us in northern New Mexico are still reflecting on this amazing 
community accomplishment.

The Coalition’s Executive Committee is a diverse group of committed 
organizations and individuals who came together around the threat of 
gas development in the Valle, and many of our groups have worked for 
years on issues affecting the area.  We will continue to engage in the 
2007 Forest Service Amendment Process to ensure that the Valle Vidal is 
well managed in the future.  In addition, each of the undersigned 
groups will also continue our respective work on important issues in 
2007 and beyond.

The Coalition for the Valle Vidal’s Executive Committee is now:

•	Planning a reception for Representative Tom Udall on January 26th at 
the Anglada’s building in Taos, and planning a community celebration 
this summer on the Valle Vidal.  Please join us!  Stay tuned for 
further details via email on these events.
•	Planning to weigh in on the Forest Service’s amendment process in 
2007 to ensure that – even without the threat of oil and gas 
development –the Valle Vidal is managed, maintained and restored with 
integrity.  We will continue to keep you informed and ask for your 
involvement!
•	And, asking for your feedback and involvement on the issues that are 
important to you.  Please stay involved in the issues and connected 
directly with the groups in the Coalition for the Valle Vidal by 
responding to the electronic survey located here: 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=113203151150.

Please let us know which issues you are most concerned about.  Your 
participation made the difference for the Valle Vidal and will also 
make the difference on all these important issues.

The Coalition for the Valle Vidal’s ability to pass federal legislation 
was a unique grassroots movement, and we hope to continue the momentum 
by involving you in the good work of all our organizations and 
connecting you with our most inspiring community leaders.

Again, thank you for your work on the Valle Vidal Protection Act!

Sincerely,

Executive Committee, Coalition for the Valle Vidal

Brian Shields
Executive Director, Amigos Bravos

Jennifer Goldman
Public Health & Toxics Campaign Director, Oil & Gas Accountability 
Project

Jim O’Donnell
Outreach Coordinator, Coalition for the Valle Vidal

Erik Schlenker-Goodrich
Counsel, Coalition for the Valle Vidal
Western Environmental Law Center

Dexter Coolidge
  Conservation Chair, Northern New Mexico Group, Sierra Club

Alan Lackey
Springer, New Mexico

Oscar Simpson
President, New Mexico Wildlife Federation

Bill Schudlich
Chairman, New Mexico Council of Trout Unlimited

Tripp Killin
Associate Director, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance