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MountainBikeReview.com's Forum Archives - IMBA - Save the Trails
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Update on Otero Canyon, NM (1 post)
|  Update on Otero Canyon, NM | brianc
Sep 2, 2003 7:50 PM | | 8/29/03
Press Release: Otero Canyon Issue Continues to Generate Comments
Although the official public comment period for Kirtland Air Force Base's (KAFB) Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding Otero Canyon ended July 16, local, regional and national politicians continue to weigh in on this controversial issue.
Otero Canyon is a popular hiking, biking, equestrian and bird watching area on the East Side of the Sandia Mountains. This area is part of a 'military withdrawal' that has been leased by KAFB, but not blocked from public use, for the past 50 years. The subsequent trail system that has been partially built by the US Forest Service for public use has been called one of the 'jewels of New Mexico' and is a nationally known destination for recreationalists. Due to a recent influx of money intended for Base security, Kirtland is now proposing to fence this area off from public use.
A public hearing about this issue was held June 23, 2003 at a local Albuquerque hotel, and an estimated 600 people attended to voice their opposition to the proposed closure of the Otero trail system. During the weeks since the public meeting, the following politicians and governing entities have also thrown their support behind the Friends of Otero Canyon, a local grass roots group that organized to support the continued public use of Otero Canyon.
United States Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) sent a letter to new Base Commander Hank Andrews stating "This issue is important to many of my constituents and I am asking you to consider the alternative plan (from Friends of Otero Canyon) for fencing in Otero Canyon." She expressed her belief that "this alternative plan presented by a coalition of hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and others who utilize the nature area should be seriously considered". Further, she stated that "the issue is not a 'zero sum game' and that the Base's security needs could be met while still allowing access to trails in the area." Rep. Wilson also has a link to the SaveOtero web site on her congressional E-Newsletter, as well as an online opinion poll regarding Otero Canyon that currently has 94% of respondents voicing opposition to the proposed fence line.
United States Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) met with Col. Andrews and hiked the trails of Otero Canyon while discussing Kirtland AFB's proposed fence line. Also, in a letter to the new commander, Bingaman asks Andrews to work with the community to develop a solution that addresses both the Base's security concerns and the community's desire to continue using the trails. In the letter, Bingaman states "I have no objection to the construction of a fence if it is necessary for the Base's security; however, the Base has not made a compelling case that such a fence must be erected in the proposed location." He continues, "I hope that you can work with your staff, the community, the Forest Service, and my office to find an alternative that will meet both the needs of the Base and of the community."
United States Congressman Tom Udall (D-NM) wrote a letter to the Chief of Community Relations at Kirtland AFB stating that "I would like to extend my support to the Save Otero Canyon project and the effort to keep Otero Canyon open to the public." Also he wrote that "the members of the Save Otero Canyon project have come up with a thorough and well-planned alternative to the plan of the Department of Defense," and, "National magazines have recognized trails in Otero Canyon as being among the best in the country. It would be a shame to lose this wilderness treasure and the tourism that this area brings."
In the East Mountain village of Tijeras, a small community that would be economically impacted if the Otero Canyon trails were closed to the public, the Village Council passed a resolution asking that Kirtland AFB work with the public to keep the Otero Canyon Trail system open.
The Albuquerque City Council passed a resolution, sponsored by Councilor Eric Griego, asking that Kirtland AFB work cooperatively to develop a fencing proposal that allows continued public access to the Otero Canyon trail system to preserve the quality of life for present and future generations.
The Bernalillo County commission passed a proclamation, sponsored by Commissioner Michael Brasher, in support of an "open dialogue" between Kirtland Air Force Base and the City of Albuquerque and the development of a fencing proposal that allows continued public access to the Otero Canyon trails.
At the conclusion of the Public Meeting held June 23, Kirtland AFB officials indicated that, following the public comment period, they would again meet with representatives from the Friends of Otero organization and continue to discuss options to the proposed fence line. As of this date, Friends of Otero member Gary Gilliland reports that Kirtland Air Force Base has so far not responded to requests for another meeting. Gilliland says, "We still look forward to sitting down with the new base command and outlining our alternative proposal. We feel confident that upon hearing our alternative plan and considering the vast support it has gained from both local and national communities and politicians, the base will accept our plan and continue the good relationship that Kirtland has earned with this community."
For more information about the Otero Canyon issue please go to www.saveotero.org |
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