FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/
NEXT MEETING: November 14, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, November 14 at 7 p.m. Note that we’re meeting a week early since this year the 3rd Wednesday of the month falls the day before Thanksgiving.
The meeting takes place in Room 411 Burges Hall on the UTEP campus. Burges Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door to let you in, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information, contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
OUTREACH!
by judy Ackerman
We are actively reaching out to other organizations, inviting them to join the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. At the same time, we are raising awareness of the need to preserve Castner Range and the concept of a conservation conveyance. Utilizing PowerPoint presentations, slide shows, displays, and handouts we spoke to the Rotary Club of West El Paso, the North Hills Neighborhood Pride Association, the Skyline Optimist Club of El Paso and the Trinity First Methodist Church’s Men’s Group.
Judy Ackerman recently joined Border Toasters of Toastmasters International. The club asked her to give her second speech on short notice, so she picked her favorite topic: Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. Club members applauded her speech, but the real sign of success was when they voted to join! Border Toasters is the newest organizational member of FMWC.
Our Outreach project will build our network and increase our influence so we can rapidly orchestrate activity in support of the Franklin Mountains and Castner Range. If you know of a professional, civic, or service organization that might be interested in joining FMWC or would like to host a guest speaker from FMWC, please contact Scout Cutler (581-6071) or judy Ackerman (755-7371).
POPPIES 2008 PLANNING
by judy Ackerman
Planning for Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration on Castner Range 2008, to be held Saturday, March 15th, is underway. Please start thinking of fundraising ideas. We are looking for key leaders in many areas from publicity to traffic control and volunteer coordination. If you would like to get in on the ground floor to help make 2008 an even bigger success than last year, please contact judy Ackerman (755-7371).
The main sponsors of this fun and educational gala are:
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
El Paso Archaeological Society
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Highlights of Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration on Castner Range 2008 include a full program of nature talks, wildlife displays, educational exhibits, and demonstrations. This year we will invite Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison as well as local politicians. We have also added an afternoon program, 3 – 6 PM, featuring live music and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mountains during this free event.
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE TO ACQUIRE PSB LANDS
by John Sproul
The master plans developed for Public Service Board (PSB)-administered lands in northeast and northwest El Paso both contain significant acreages of open space adjacent to Franklin Mountains State Park. El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) has been working to convey these lands to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and the conveyance now appears a step closer to happening. According to a news release on the EPWU website, the state’s fiscal year 2007-2008 budget includes $162,000 for TPWD to purchase 1,850 acres of PSB lands adjacent to the Park. Since the State Park boundary is defined by statute, it will require an act of the Texas Legislature to add these lands to the Park.
The news release refers to plans for a visitor center on the lands being conveyed in northeast El Paso, which appears to be inconsistent with efforts to plan for a Franklin Mountains State Park visitor center in conjunction with the Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park.
The full text of the EPWU news release:
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has agreed to purchase Public Service Board land adjoining Franklin Mountain State Park. Funding for the $162,000 acquisition is included in the state’s fiscal year 2007-2008 budget.
Parks and Wildlife is purchasing 1,850 acres of PSB land, comprising acreage on the northeast and northwest sides of the mountain. The land will provide access and facilities for people who visit the Franklin Mountain State Park.
The Board will convey the land to the agency in two phases.
The first phase will convey 1,640 acres of land on the northeast side of the mountain. Today’s visitors find it difficult to enter the park from the northeast, but the new land will house trail heads and other amenities that make it more inviting. Plans call for a visitors’ center to be built on the property, which is a key component of the Public Service Board’s Northeast Master Plan.
An additional 210 acres on the northwest side of the mountain will be conveyed in the second phase.
EL PASO ELECTRIC OFFERS LAND TO STATE PARK
by John Sproul
In 1981, the Texas Legislature passed into law a bill amending the boundaries of Franklin Mountains State Park, in part to exclude existing developed infrastructure such as roads, communications towers and utility lines that were within the original Park boundary. One provision of that bill excluded from the Park all lands owned by El Paso Electric Company (EPEC). Now, EPEC has offered to donate to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) approximately 18,000 feet of 150-foot-wide utility right-of-way (62.759 acres) within the Park near its southern end. The lands would be used to expand the Park’s trail system, and EPEC would keep a standard utility easement on the tract. At its November 7-8 meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will take up EPEC’s offer (Agenda Item 19). The TPWD staff recommends acceptance of the offer. Once again, because the current Park statute specifically excludes these lands, it will require an act of the Texas Legislature to add them to the Park.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS
All the latest news and information about upcoming events at the Park are available at the Park’s great website. Check it out!!
LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Attention: Lone Star Legacy, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Border Toasters, Toastmasters International * Celebration of Our Mountains * Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition * Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue * El Paso Archaeological Society * El Paso Cactus and Rock Club * El Paso Native Plant Society * El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club * El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society * Friends of the Rio Bosque * League of Women Voters of El Paso * Mesilla Valley Audubon Society * Mountain Park Community Association * Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso * Skyline Optimist Club of El Paso * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club * Southwest Environmental Center
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
September 2007
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.iloveparks.com/fmwc/
NEXT MEETING: September 19, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411 Burges Hall on the UTEP campus. Burges Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door to let you in, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information, contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
THIRD ANNUAL CHIHUAHUAN DESERT FIESTA
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife are sponsoring the third annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta on September 22, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park (west side of the Franklin Mountains, on Transmountain Rd.). For the full schedule of speakers, entertainers and other Fiesta activities, visit the CDEC website. The Fiesta is a Lone Star Legacy event, so entrance to the park will be free (donations may be made to Franklin Mountains State Park Endowment Fund). The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition will be there with our new display and the Castner Range Meaning-Cards project. Please join us September 22 for fun and mountain beauty at this worthwhile educational event.
CELEBRATION OF OUR MOUNTAINS
The 14th annual Celebration of Our Mountains kicks off on September 22 with the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta and lasts until November 4. This month-long festival of events is offered to the public to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region’s environment and includes dozens of hikes, field trips, driving tours, nature walks and other activities. Most events are free; some have costs for park entry fees, transportation or other nominal expenses.
The binational event highlights the natural and cultural history of the mountains – the Franklins in West Texas, the Sierra de Juarez in Northern Chihuahua, Cerro de Cristo Rey and the Organ Mountains in Southern New Mexico – and other natural resources and attractions. For more information, pick up a copy of El Paso Scene free monthly entertainment guide or visit the Celebration of Our Mountains website.
MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY STAYS OPEN
by John Sproul
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park is staying put…for now. The possible closure of the museum and transfer of its holdings to the new History Museum downtown was under discussion as the City prepared its budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Thanks to strong public opposition, led by the El Paso Archaeological Society (EPAS), the final budget approved by City Council on August 21 did not include such a closure.
But the City has advised the staff and supporters of the Museum that they will need to do expanded fundraising on an ongoing basis, or the Museum’s future will remain uncertain. For FY 2008, some $27,000 needs to be raised by May 31, 2008.
EPAS is working to help raise the needed funds (see below). If you would like to contribute directly to this worthwhile cause, send your donation check payable to El Paso Archaeological Society, P.O. Box 4345, El Paso, Texas, 79914-4345. Please indicate on your check that your donation is in support of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Your donation is tax-deductible.
EL PASO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
by Bill Luther, President, EPAS
Upcoming fundraising events:
· Tequila Sundown, September 16, 2007 from 3 to 7 p.m. with live music by Bridge at the Museum of Archaeology on Transmountain Road. Tequila tasting and fun is the theme of the event - 5 tastes are $10 (non-members) or $5 (members). Join the EPAS as a family ($30) and you’ll automatically get two tickets or 10 tastes. There will also be raffle drawings during the festivities.
· Annual EPAS Hall of Honor Banquet, September 22nd at the Sunland Park Holiday Inn with featured speaker F. Joan Mathien, Ph.D., on Chaco Canyon, Turquoise Artifacts & Pueblo II-III Social Organizations. Fee is $23.00 per person. Call Berttye at 592-3651 or visit the EPAS website for your reservation form.
· Texas Archaeology Day, October 27th at the Museum. Fun for the whole family all day long and free of charge, the day will include Pueblo dancers, Navaho and Apache flute players at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be mock digs, face painting, atlatl throwing, pottery making, corn grinding, basket making, bead stringing, pictograph making and flintknapping.
The El Paso Archaeological Society (EPAS) was established in 1922. Our mission statement includes our support of the Museum which we have provided for the past 30 years. In the early part of June, 2007, we learned through a television interview of Mayor John Cook that plans to close the Museum on Transmountain Road had been made by the City Council. Citizens of El Paso called us to determine the truth. When we recognized the seriousness of the scheme, we posted our city representative’s email address on our website. Enough citizens utilized this strategy to gain a temporary reprieve from the city.
Our citizens recognize that the Museum is a 17-acre treasure, nestled in a perfect location where Indians once lived. The Museum tells the story of a land and a people in a setting relevant to the tale which certainly cannot be replicated in a cemented downtown hall. If the downtown move were to take place we would lose two miles of nature trails, free parking, poppy fields, free lectures and seminars held monthly by EPAS, the vast archaeological library, site files routinely referenced by professionals, wildlife viewing opportunities, dwellings in a natural setting and much more.
The reprieve granted by the Council is contingent upon EPAS raising $27,000 by May, 2008. We have never had to raise this kind of capital before but we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and have the ability to raise funds for this purpose. The Museum is very important to our community and moving it would be a tragic educational loss.
Another way to help the Museum is to join EPAS for $25 per year. Benefits are free monthly seminars given by professionals every third Thursday of each month, one free “The Artifact” every year (an EPAS publication), monthly newsletters, numerous weekly projects, pottery making and flintknapping. Please show your support in whatever way you can to keep the Museum open in its present location.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS
All the latest news and information about upcoming events at the Park are available at the Park’s great website. Check it out!!
LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Attention: Lone Star Legacy, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Celebration of Our Mountains * Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition * Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue * El Paso Archaeological Society * El Paso Cactus and Rock Club * El Paso Native Plant Society * El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club * El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society * El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee * El Paso Women's Political Caucus * Friends of the Franklins * Friends of the Rio Bosque * League of Women Voters of El Paso * Mesilla Valley Audubon Society * Mountain Park Community Association * Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
http://www.iloveparks.com/fmwc/
NEXT MEETING: September 19, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411 Burges Hall on the UTEP campus. Burges Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door to let you in, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information, contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
THIRD ANNUAL CHIHUAHUAN DESERT FIESTA
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife are sponsoring the third annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta on September 22, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park (west side of the Franklin Mountains, on Transmountain Rd.). For the full schedule of speakers, entertainers and other Fiesta activities, visit the CDEC website. The Fiesta is a Lone Star Legacy event, so entrance to the park will be free (donations may be made to Franklin Mountains State Park Endowment Fund). The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition will be there with our new display and the Castner Range Meaning-Cards project. Please join us September 22 for fun and mountain beauty at this worthwhile educational event.
CELEBRATION OF OUR MOUNTAINS
The 14th annual Celebration of Our Mountains kicks off on September 22 with the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta and lasts until November 4. This month-long festival of events is offered to the public to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region’s environment and includes dozens of hikes, field trips, driving tours, nature walks and other activities. Most events are free; some have costs for park entry fees, transportation or other nominal expenses.
The binational event highlights the natural and cultural history of the mountains – the Franklins in West Texas, the Sierra de Juarez in Northern Chihuahua, Cerro de Cristo Rey and the Organ Mountains in Southern New Mexico – and other natural resources and attractions. For more information, pick up a copy of El Paso Scene free monthly entertainment guide or visit the Celebration of Our Mountains website.
MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY STAYS OPEN
by John Sproul
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology at Wilderness Park is staying put…for now. The possible closure of the museum and transfer of its holdings to the new History Museum downtown was under discussion as the City prepared its budget for Fiscal Year 2008. Thanks to strong public opposition, led by the El Paso Archaeological Society (EPAS), the final budget approved by City Council on August 21 did not include such a closure.
But the City has advised the staff and supporters of the Museum that they will need to do expanded fundraising on an ongoing basis, or the Museum’s future will remain uncertain. For FY 2008, some $27,000 needs to be raised by May 31, 2008.
EPAS is working to help raise the needed funds (see below). If you would like to contribute directly to this worthwhile cause, send your donation check payable to El Paso Archaeological Society, P.O. Box 4345, El Paso, Texas, 79914-4345. Please indicate on your check that your donation is in support of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Your donation is tax-deductible.
EL PASO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
by Bill Luther, President, EPAS
Upcoming fundraising events:
· Tequila Sundown, September 16, 2007 from 3 to 7 p.m. with live music by Bridge at the Museum of Archaeology on Transmountain Road. Tequila tasting and fun is the theme of the event - 5 tastes are $10 (non-members) or $5 (members). Join the EPAS as a family ($30) and you’ll automatically get two tickets or 10 tastes. There will also be raffle drawings during the festivities.
· Annual EPAS Hall of Honor Banquet, September 22nd at the Sunland Park Holiday Inn with featured speaker F. Joan Mathien, Ph.D., on Chaco Canyon, Turquoise Artifacts & Pueblo II-III Social Organizations. Fee is $23.00 per person. Call Berttye at 592-3651 or visit the EPAS website for your reservation form.
· Texas Archaeology Day, October 27th at the Museum. Fun for the whole family all day long and free of charge, the day will include Pueblo dancers, Navaho and Apache flute players at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be mock digs, face painting, atlatl throwing, pottery making, corn grinding, basket making, bead stringing, pictograph making and flintknapping.
The El Paso Archaeological Society (EPAS) was established in 1922. Our mission statement includes our support of the Museum which we have provided for the past 30 years. In the early part of June, 2007, we learned through a television interview of Mayor John Cook that plans to close the Museum on Transmountain Road had been made by the City Council. Citizens of El Paso called us to determine the truth. When we recognized the seriousness of the scheme, we posted our city representative’s email address on our website. Enough citizens utilized this strategy to gain a temporary reprieve from the city.
Our citizens recognize that the Museum is a 17-acre treasure, nestled in a perfect location where Indians once lived. The Museum tells the story of a land and a people in a setting relevant to the tale which certainly cannot be replicated in a cemented downtown hall. If the downtown move were to take place we would lose two miles of nature trails, free parking, poppy fields, free lectures and seminars held monthly by EPAS, the vast archaeological library, site files routinely referenced by professionals, wildlife viewing opportunities, dwellings in a natural setting and much more.
The reprieve granted by the Council is contingent upon EPAS raising $27,000 by May, 2008. We have never had to raise this kind of capital before but we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and have the ability to raise funds for this purpose. The Museum is very important to our community and moving it would be a tragic educational loss.
Another way to help the Museum is to join EPAS for $25 per year. Benefits are free monthly seminars given by professionals every third Thursday of each month, one free “The Artifact” every year (an EPAS publication), monthly newsletters, numerous weekly projects, pottery making and flintknapping. Please show your support in whatever way you can to keep the Museum open in its present location.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS
All the latest news and information about upcoming events at the Park are available at the Park’s great website. Check it out!!
LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Attention: Lone Star Legacy, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Celebration of Our Mountains * Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition * Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue * El Paso Archaeological Society * El Paso Cactus and Rock Club * El Paso Native Plant Society * El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club * El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society * El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee * El Paso Women's Political Caucus * Friends of the Franklins * Friends of the Rio Bosque * League of Women Voters of El Paso * Mesilla Valley Audubon Society * Mountain Park Community Association * Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
May 2007
From: Sproul, John [jsproul@utep.edu]Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 11:40 AMSubject: {FMWC} E-Newsletter -- May 2007
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.iloveparks.com/fmwc/
NEXT MEETING: May 16, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411 Burges Hall on the UTEP campus. Burges Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door to let you in, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information, contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
PARK FUNDING AND THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE
by John Sproul
The 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature is moving into its final weeks. There has been progress securing adequate funding for Texas state parks, but the work is far from done. Two key bills are still under consideration.
The first is H.B. 12. At the beginning of the session, Rep. Harvey Hilderbran of Kerrville introduced 3 bills related to state parks and park funding. The first, H.B. 6, would remove the existing $32 million cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used for state and local parks. The second, H.B. 7, provided for transfer of certain state historic sites (including Magoffin Home) from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The third, H.B. 12, combined both these actions in a single bill. The House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism (which Rep. Hilderbran chairs) reported all three bills favorably. The House Calendars Committee brought H.B. 12 forward for consideration by the full House.
As amended, H.B. 12 directs that 94% of the sporting-goods tax revenues go to state and local parks and 6% go to the THC. Based on estimates from the Comptroller’s Office, that 94% would equal approximately $106 million in Fiscal Year 2008. H.B. 12 passed the House on May 3. On May 4, it was sent to the Senate, where it is now awaiting action.
The second key bill is the general appropriations bill. Different versions have passed the House (C.S.H.B. 1) and Senate (S.C.S.H.B. 1), and a House-Senate conference committee is working to resolve the differences. This is the bill that determines the state’s budget for the next 2 years. Even if H.B. 12 becomes law and the funding cap for parks is removed, the Legislature might choose not to appropriate to the TPWD the full amount potentially available for parks.
The House conferees are advocating an appropriation for parks of $100 million for each of the next 2 years. We do not know the position of the Senate conferees at this time, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who serves as president of the Senate, has expressed reservations about providing funding at this level. Let the Senate conferees know your views about funding for parks. They are:
Sen. Steve Ogden (512-463-0105, steve.ogden@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (512-463-0121, judith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. John Whitmire (512-463-0115, john.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Tommy Williams (512-463-0104, tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Robert Duncan (512-463-0128, robert.duncan@senate.state.tx.us)
KEEP EL PASO WILD
by John Sproul
On March 23, Sen. Eliot Shapleigh announced his “Keep El Paso Wild” legislative initiative, a package of six measures aimed at protecting natural landscapes and scenic beauty in El Paso and beyond. Included are two measures specific to Franklin Mountains State Park. The first involves lands adjacent to the Park that were identified for protection as open space in the master plans prepared for Public Service Board lands in northeast and northwest El Paso. Approximately 1,800 acres are involved, 1,600 in the northeast and 200 in the northwest. The Public Service Board wants to convey these lands to the State of Texas for inclusion in the State Park, and Sen. Shapleigh is working to make the conveyance happen.
The second measure is to pursue appropriation of $500,000 for a visitor center for the Park. In the Park management plan, the TPWD proposed a visitor center/headquarters on the east side of the mountains next to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. This site takes advantage of the Museum’s location at the eastern gateway to the mountains, is well known and easily accessible, and promises a productive synergy between the Museum and the visitor center. Reportedly, however, there are advocates within City Hall for another site elsewhere in northeast El Paso.
Prospects for both the land conveyance and the visitor center will improve greatly if the Texas Legislature removes the current cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used for parks and appropriates to the TPWD the full amount of sales-tax revenue available to it.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES CELEBRATION
by Scott Cutler
The culmination of the petition campaign to save Castner Range happened on March 17th with the inaugural Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration at Castner Range. While this was not a year for a major bloom, roughly 2,400 people attended the event which ended with the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition presenting to Congressman Silvestre Reyes the petitions signed by over 5,000 people. City Council members, County Commissioners, and State Senator Eliot Shapleigh were also present.
There was great support for the idea of having Castner Range preserved, but there was no commitment to getting the job done. Still, the event provided an opportunity to introduce government officials to the use of Conservation Conveyances as a means of setting aside Castner Range and protecting it from development. In the coming year, FMWC will continue making contact with influential officials and pursue getting the range set aside.
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition was an invaluable partner in making this event happen. Thank you! To all those who helped with setting up and taking down, we couldn't have done it without you. And to those who worked so hard gathering petition signatures, your efforts made the event a success – conveying to our elected officials how important it is to El Pasoans to preserve all of Castner Range - forever!
A RELATED NOTE…
by judy Ackerman
Walter Christensen was the guest speaker at City Representative Melina Castro’s breakfast meeting Thursday, May 10th. Mr. Christensen works for Fort Bliss Directorate of Environment as their National Environmental Policy Act Planner and spoke about the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that the U.S. Army Installation Management Command recently approved concerning the Fort Bliss Mission and Master Plan. The SEIS deals with the increased number of troops (due to BRAC) in El Paso and with training areas (i.e. McGregor Range).
Representative Castro and several attendees had questions about Castner Range (which was NOT included in the SEIS). Mr. Christensen said that Fort Bliss has no plans to do anything, or to even think about doing anything, with Castner Range. He indicated that Fort Bliss has two main concerns with regard to Castner: Financial – there is no money for cleaning up any unexploded ordnance (UXO); and Liability – there are hazardous UXO on Castner.
It was heartening to see that Castner Range is on the minds of many active citizens and to hear Rep. Castro reiterate her commitment to preserving Castner. Rep. Castro reminded me that with any correspondence we have with Fort Bliss, we should request it be put “in the record” so that Fort Bliss maintains the information.
Castner Range remains vulnerable to development and becomes dramatically more so with increasing population. (Mr. Christensen said the SEIS considered a possible increase of 180,000 people in the area!) We need to keep the pressure on to preserve Castner. Let’s keep Castner Range on the minds of El Pasoans, our elected officials and Fort Bliss personnel.
FUN AT FEATHERFEST 2007
by judy Ackerman
On Saturday, April 28th, FMWC had a booth at FeatherFest 2007 at Keystone Heritage Park. Thanks to Nora Butler, we had a dynamic display with historical information, coalition members, and photographs. The wind was whipping, but thanks to Sal Quintanilla’s ingenuity and yards of clear packing tape, our display stayed upright for easy viewing. Friends of the Rio Bosque joined FMWC a few days before FeatherFest, and I brought their display and brochures to add to our FMWC booth. We had a chance to chat with and give information to dozens of FeatherFest participants. Our handouts included: FMWC brochures, Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, and Franklin Mountains State Park brochures and maps. FeatherFest is a fun and effective way to spread information on FMWC. Thanks also to Joe and Inga Groff who helped “man” the booth. Recommendations: Participate again next year. Acquire a professional display board. Co-locate with any coalition member booths and/or Franklin Mountains State Park personnel.
TRANSMOUNTAIN CLEANUP
by Scott Cutler
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition maintains a section of Transmountain Rd. as part of the Adopt-a-Highway program. On April 14th, six Coalition members participated in our first cleanup since entering the program. The weather was great and 30 bags of trash were removed from our part of the roadway. Thanks to Jane Fowler, judy and Jamie Ackerman, Miki and Andrew Cutler for helping out. Another cleanup will be held soon. If you’re interested in helping, contact me at 581-6071 and I’ll put you on the list to be informed of the next cleanup.
LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund, c/o Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Celebration of Our Mountains * Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue * El Paso Archaeological Society * El Paso Cactus and Rock Club * El Paso Native Plant Society * El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club * El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society * El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee * El Paso Women's Political Caucus * Friends of the Franklins * League of Women Voters of El Paso * Mesilla Valley Audubon Society * Mountain Park Community Association * Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.iloveparks.com/fmwc/
NEXT MEETING: May 16, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411 Burges Hall on the UTEP campus. Burges Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door to let you in, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information, contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
PARK FUNDING AND THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE
by John Sproul
The 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature is moving into its final weeks. There has been progress securing adequate funding for Texas state parks, but the work is far from done. Two key bills are still under consideration.
The first is H.B. 12. At the beginning of the session, Rep. Harvey Hilderbran of Kerrville introduced 3 bills related to state parks and park funding. The first, H.B. 6, would remove the existing $32 million cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used for state and local parks. The second, H.B. 7, provided for transfer of certain state historic sites (including Magoffin Home) from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The third, H.B. 12, combined both these actions in a single bill. The House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism (which Rep. Hilderbran chairs) reported all three bills favorably. The House Calendars Committee brought H.B. 12 forward for consideration by the full House.
As amended, H.B. 12 directs that 94% of the sporting-goods tax revenues go to state and local parks and 6% go to the THC. Based on estimates from the Comptroller’s Office, that 94% would equal approximately $106 million in Fiscal Year 2008. H.B. 12 passed the House on May 3. On May 4, it was sent to the Senate, where it is now awaiting action.
The second key bill is the general appropriations bill. Different versions have passed the House (C.S.H.B. 1) and Senate (S.C.S.H.B. 1), and a House-Senate conference committee is working to resolve the differences. This is the bill that determines the state’s budget for the next 2 years. Even if H.B. 12 becomes law and the funding cap for parks is removed, the Legislature might choose not to appropriate to the TPWD the full amount potentially available for parks.
The House conferees are advocating an appropriation for parks of $100 million for each of the next 2 years. We do not know the position of the Senate conferees at this time, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who serves as president of the Senate, has expressed reservations about providing funding at this level. Let the Senate conferees know your views about funding for parks. They are:
Sen. Steve Ogden (512-463-0105, steve.ogden@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (512-463-0121, judith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. John Whitmire (512-463-0115, john.whitmire@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Tommy Williams (512-463-0104, tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us)
Sen. Robert Duncan (512-463-0128, robert.duncan@senate.state.tx.us)
KEEP EL PASO WILD
by John Sproul
On March 23, Sen. Eliot Shapleigh announced his “Keep El Paso Wild” legislative initiative, a package of six measures aimed at protecting natural landscapes and scenic beauty in El Paso and beyond. Included are two measures specific to Franklin Mountains State Park. The first involves lands adjacent to the Park that were identified for protection as open space in the master plans prepared for Public Service Board lands in northeast and northwest El Paso. Approximately 1,800 acres are involved, 1,600 in the northeast and 200 in the northwest. The Public Service Board wants to convey these lands to the State of Texas for inclusion in the State Park, and Sen. Shapleigh is working to make the conveyance happen.
The second measure is to pursue appropriation of $500,000 for a visitor center for the Park. In the Park management plan, the TPWD proposed a visitor center/headquarters on the east side of the mountains next to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. This site takes advantage of the Museum’s location at the eastern gateway to the mountains, is well known and easily accessible, and promises a productive synergy between the Museum and the visitor center. Reportedly, however, there are advocates within City Hall for another site elsewhere in northeast El Paso.
Prospects for both the land conveyance and the visitor center will improve greatly if the Texas Legislature removes the current cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used for parks and appropriates to the TPWD the full amount of sales-tax revenue available to it.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES CELEBRATION
by Scott Cutler
The culmination of the petition campaign to save Castner Range happened on March 17th with the inaugural Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration at Castner Range. While this was not a year for a major bloom, roughly 2,400 people attended the event which ended with the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition presenting to Congressman Silvestre Reyes the petitions signed by over 5,000 people. City Council members, County Commissioners, and State Senator Eliot Shapleigh were also present.
There was great support for the idea of having Castner Range preserved, but there was no commitment to getting the job done. Still, the event provided an opportunity to introduce government officials to the use of Conservation Conveyances as a means of setting aside Castner Range and protecting it from development. In the coming year, FMWC will continue making contact with influential officials and pursue getting the range set aside.
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition was an invaluable partner in making this event happen. Thank you! To all those who helped with setting up and taking down, we couldn't have done it without you. And to those who worked so hard gathering petition signatures, your efforts made the event a success – conveying to our elected officials how important it is to El Pasoans to preserve all of Castner Range - forever!
A RELATED NOTE…
by judy Ackerman
Walter Christensen was the guest speaker at City Representative Melina Castro’s breakfast meeting Thursday, May 10th. Mr. Christensen works for Fort Bliss Directorate of Environment as their National Environmental Policy Act Planner and spoke about the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) that the U.S. Army Installation Management Command recently approved concerning the Fort Bliss Mission and Master Plan. The SEIS deals with the increased number of troops (due to BRAC) in El Paso and with training areas (i.e. McGregor Range).
Representative Castro and several attendees had questions about Castner Range (which was NOT included in the SEIS). Mr. Christensen said that Fort Bliss has no plans to do anything, or to even think about doing anything, with Castner Range. He indicated that Fort Bliss has two main concerns with regard to Castner: Financial – there is no money for cleaning up any unexploded ordnance (UXO); and Liability – there are hazardous UXO on Castner.
It was heartening to see that Castner Range is on the minds of many active citizens and to hear Rep. Castro reiterate her commitment to preserving Castner. Rep. Castro reminded me that with any correspondence we have with Fort Bliss, we should request it be put “in the record” so that Fort Bliss maintains the information.
Castner Range remains vulnerable to development and becomes dramatically more so with increasing population. (Mr. Christensen said the SEIS considered a possible increase of 180,000 people in the area!) We need to keep the pressure on to preserve Castner. Let’s keep Castner Range on the minds of El Pasoans, our elected officials and Fort Bliss personnel.
FUN AT FEATHERFEST 2007
by judy Ackerman
On Saturday, April 28th, FMWC had a booth at FeatherFest 2007 at Keystone Heritage Park. Thanks to Nora Butler, we had a dynamic display with historical information, coalition members, and photographs. The wind was whipping, but thanks to Sal Quintanilla’s ingenuity and yards of clear packing tape, our display stayed upright for easy viewing. Friends of the Rio Bosque joined FMWC a few days before FeatherFest, and I brought their display and brochures to add to our FMWC booth. We had a chance to chat with and give information to dozens of FeatherFest participants. Our handouts included: FMWC brochures, Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, and Franklin Mountains State Park brochures and maps. FeatherFest is a fun and effective way to spread information on FMWC. Thanks also to Joe and Inga Groff who helped “man” the booth. Recommendations: Participate again next year. Acquire a professional display board. Co-locate with any coalition member booths and/or Franklin Mountains State Park personnel.
TRANSMOUNTAIN CLEANUP
by Scott Cutler
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition maintains a section of Transmountain Rd. as part of the Adopt-a-Highway program. On April 14th, six Coalition members participated in our first cleanup since entering the program. The weather was great and 30 bags of trash were removed from our part of the roadway. Thanks to Jane Fowler, judy and Jamie Ackerman, Miki and Andrew Cutler for helping out. Another cleanup will be held soon. If you’re interested in helping, contact me at 581-6071 and I’ll put you on the list to be informed of the next cleanup.
LONE STAR LEGACY
You can make a lasting contribution to the future of Franklin Mountains State Park with your tax-deductible donation to the Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund. Checks, payable to "Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation" can be sent to: Lone Star Legacy Endowment Fund, c/o Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 191207, Dallas, TX, 75219. Mark your donation to the endowment fund for Franklin Mountains State Park.
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
This is the electronic version of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition newsletter. To be added to or removed from the distribution list, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
Many of you also receive the paper version of this newsletter. If you wish to help us save paper and postage by receiving the e-newsletter only, contact: jsproul@utep.edu.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Celebration of Our Mountains * Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue * El Paso Archaeological Society * El Paso Cactus and Rock Club * El Paso Native Plant Society * El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club * El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society * El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee * El Paso Women's Political Caucus * Friends of the Franklins * League of Women Voters of El Paso * Mesilla Valley Audubon Society * Mountain Park Community Association * Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
Thursday, March 1, 2007
March 2007
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS NOTES
Newsletter of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
March 2007
Next Meeting: March 21, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, March 21st at 7 p.m. This meeting will take place at a different location than usual: the Centennial Museum on the UTEP campus. Parking will be available in the museum’s parking lot and on the street. Please be prompt. If you arrive late and are unable to enter the building, please call Scott Cutler at 747-6668.
The Poppies Celebration will be a Free Family Fun Day on March 17th from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology on Transmountain Road. The event is hosted by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. There will be a full program of nature walks and talks, educational exhibits, children’s activities, Plein art painting, demonstrations and a photography workshop. Free parking will be available down the road at the National Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Transmountain Road.
A highlight of the event is something we have all been working hard on and looking forward to: the presentation of our Castner Range Preservation Letter and petitions to Representative Silvestre Reyes at 2:30 P.M. on the grounds of the Museum of Archaeology. Hard to believe, folks, that the day has finally arrived! We need to gather any remaining petitions by Sunday, March 11 so call Kathy McConaghie at 227-5330 to arrange drop-off or pick-up. We will be making copies for our archives and binding the originals early next week so it’s important we have all of them by Sunday. Thank you again to all of you who worked so tirelessly to gather signatures and to the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition for helping to make this event a reality.
We hope to see all FMWC members, families, and friends at the Celebration. We will have an art project at our table for all ages to participate in – paper “Poppy Bricks” on which we invite you to write your thoughts, memories, dreams, wishes, or beliefs about and for the poppies and Castner Range. These “bricks” will become a “wall” which will reflect desert fields of golden poppies imprinted with the heartfelt words of the men, women and children who believe in the preservation of the Range. Be sure to stop by to see us and be prepared to express your feelings poetically, philosophically, reflectively, plainly… See you there!
MAKE IT A CONSERVATION WEEKEND!
by Rick LoBello
For all those wanting to make it a conservation weekend, the Zoo is having a Habitat for Wildlife Weekend on March 17th and 18th. So you can go to the Poppies Celebration on Saturday and go to the Zoo on Sunday. From 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day, the Zoo’s volunteers and staff will be encouraging Zoo visitors to learn more about and get involved with habitat conservation using 15 new computers donated by the West El Paso and Juarez Industrial Rotary Clubs.
There is also a new website we should all check out at http://www.chihuahuandesert.org/. The
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition is looking for volunteers to help build the website into a premier resource center on the Chihuahuan Desert.
Franklins to be Prominent at March 13th
El Paso City Council Meeting
by John Sproul
When El Paso’s City Council meets on Tuesday, March 13, there will be two items on the agenda of great interest to friends of the Franklin Mountains.
First up will be a Mayor’s Proclamation supporting the Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration. Supporters of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition and the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, and all who are enthusiastic about the poppies and the Celebration, are invited to attend the meeting and come forward when the proclamation is presented. The two coalitions will in turn present each council member and the Mayor with a T-shirt commemorating the event and a packet of Mexican gold poppy seeds.
Next, on the Regular Agenda, will be discussion and action on incorporating the City’s new open space plan – Towards a Bright Future: A Green Infrastructure Plan for El Paso, Texas – into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The open-space plan addresses open space throughout the City and includes a number of important recommendations relating to the Franklins, including protection of arroyos and protection of Castner Range. You can view the plan at:
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/green_infrastructure/ .
The meeting starts at 9 A.M. in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall. The Mayor’s Proclamation on the Poppies Celebration will be presented early in the meeting. Free public parking is available in a lot on the corner of S. Durango Street and W. Franklin Avenue, or on the street at W. Franklin Avenue. For those who cannot attend in person, the meeting will be broadcast over the Internet through the City’s website http://www.elpasotexas.gov/realplayer.asp
At the Texas Legislature
by John Sproul
A number of bills have been introduced in the current Regular Session of the Texas Legislature relating to funding for Texas State Parks. Most notable is H.B. 6, introduced by Rep. Harvey Hilderbran of Kerrville, which would eliminate the current $32 million cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used to fund state and local parks. An identical companion bill – S.B. 252 – has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Craig Estes of Wichita Falls.
H.B. 6 currently has 124 co-sponsors (our of 150 House members), including Reps. Chavez, Haggerty and Quintanilla of El Paso. The House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee heard the bill on Feb. 20, and it is currently pending in the committee.
S.B. 252 currently has 22 co-sponsors (out of 31 Senate members), including Sen. Shapleigh of El Paso. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on Jan. 30 and has not yet had a hearing.
Franklin Mountains State Park Update by Danny Contreras will return next time.
Castner Range Poppies
Black and White Rendition
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association - - Celebration of Our Mountains - - Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue - - El Paso Archeological Society - - El Paso Cactus and Rock Club - - El Paso Native Plant Society - - El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club - - El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society - - El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee - - El Paso Women’s Political Caucus - - Friends of the Franklins - - League of Women Voters of El Paso - - Mesilla Valley Audubon Society - - Mountain Park Community Association - - Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso - - Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://iloveparks.com/fmwc/
Newsletter of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
March 2007
Next Meeting: March 21, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, March 21st at 7 p.m. This meeting will take place at a different location than usual: the Centennial Museum on the UTEP campus. Parking will be available in the museum’s parking lot and on the street. Please be prompt. If you arrive late and are unable to enter the building, please call Scott Cutler at 747-6668.
The Poppies Celebration will be a Free Family Fun Day on March 17th from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology on Transmountain Road. The event is hosted by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. There will be a full program of nature walks and talks, educational exhibits, children’s activities, Plein art painting, demonstrations and a photography workshop. Free parking will be available down the road at the National Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Transmountain Road.
A highlight of the event is something we have all been working hard on and looking forward to: the presentation of our Castner Range Preservation Letter and petitions to Representative Silvestre Reyes at 2:30 P.M. on the grounds of the Museum of Archaeology. Hard to believe, folks, that the day has finally arrived! We need to gather any remaining petitions by Sunday, March 11 so call Kathy McConaghie at 227-5330 to arrange drop-off or pick-up. We will be making copies for our archives and binding the originals early next week so it’s important we have all of them by Sunday. Thank you again to all of you who worked so tirelessly to gather signatures and to the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition for helping to make this event a reality.
We hope to see all FMWC members, families, and friends at the Celebration. We will have an art project at our table for all ages to participate in – paper “Poppy Bricks” on which we invite you to write your thoughts, memories, dreams, wishes, or beliefs about and for the poppies and Castner Range. These “bricks” will become a “wall” which will reflect desert fields of golden poppies imprinted with the heartfelt words of the men, women and children who believe in the preservation of the Range. Be sure to stop by to see us and be prepared to express your feelings poetically, philosophically, reflectively, plainly… See you there!
MAKE IT A CONSERVATION WEEKEND!
by Rick LoBello
For all those wanting to make it a conservation weekend, the Zoo is having a Habitat for Wildlife Weekend on March 17th and 18th. So you can go to the Poppies Celebration on Saturday and go to the Zoo on Sunday. From 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. each day, the Zoo’s volunteers and staff will be encouraging Zoo visitors to learn more about and get involved with habitat conservation using 15 new computers donated by the West El Paso and Juarez Industrial Rotary Clubs.
There is also a new website we should all check out at http://www.chihuahuandesert.org/. The
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition is looking for volunteers to help build the website into a premier resource center on the Chihuahuan Desert.
Franklins to be Prominent at March 13th
El Paso City Council Meeting
by John Sproul
When El Paso’s City Council meets on Tuesday, March 13, there will be two items on the agenda of great interest to friends of the Franklin Mountains.
First up will be a Mayor’s Proclamation supporting the Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration. Supporters of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition and the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, and all who are enthusiastic about the poppies and the Celebration, are invited to attend the meeting and come forward when the proclamation is presented. The two coalitions will in turn present each council member and the Mayor with a T-shirt commemorating the event and a packet of Mexican gold poppy seeds.
Next, on the Regular Agenda, will be discussion and action on incorporating the City’s new open space plan – Towards a Bright Future: A Green Infrastructure Plan for El Paso, Texas – into the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The open-space plan addresses open space throughout the City and includes a number of important recommendations relating to the Franklins, including protection of arroyos and protection of Castner Range. You can view the plan at:
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/green_infrastructure/ .
The meeting starts at 9 A.M. in City Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of City Hall. The Mayor’s Proclamation on the Poppies Celebration will be presented early in the meeting. Free public parking is available in a lot on the corner of S. Durango Street and W. Franklin Avenue, or on the street at W. Franklin Avenue. For those who cannot attend in person, the meeting will be broadcast over the Internet through the City’s website http://www.elpasotexas.gov/realplayer.asp
At the Texas Legislature
by John Sproul
A number of bills have been introduced in the current Regular Session of the Texas Legislature relating to funding for Texas State Parks. Most notable is H.B. 6, introduced by Rep. Harvey Hilderbran of Kerrville, which would eliminate the current $32 million cap on the amount of sporting-goods sales-tax revenue that can be used to fund state and local parks. An identical companion bill – S.B. 252 – has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Craig Estes of Wichita Falls.
H.B. 6 currently has 124 co-sponsors (our of 150 House members), including Reps. Chavez, Haggerty and Quintanilla of El Paso. The House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee heard the bill on Feb. 20, and it is currently pending in the committee.
S.B. 252 currently has 22 co-sponsors (out of 31 Senate members), including Sen. Shapleigh of El Paso. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on Jan. 30 and has not yet had a hearing.
Franklin Mountains State Park Update by Danny Contreras will return next time.
Castner Range Poppies
Black and White Rendition
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association - - Celebration of Our Mountains - - Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue - - El Paso Archeological Society - - El Paso Cactus and Rock Club - - El Paso Native Plant Society - - El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club - - El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society - - El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee - - El Paso Women’s Political Caucus - - Friends of the Franklins - - League of Women Voters of El Paso - - Mesilla Valley Audubon Society - - Mountain Park Community Association - - Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso - - Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://iloveparks.com/fmwc/
Monday, January 1, 2007
January 2007
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS NOTES
Newsletter of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
January 2007
Next Meeting: January 17, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, January 17th at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411, Burgess Hall on the UTEP campus. Burgess Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of the campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
PREVIEW OF CASTNER RANGE PRESS RELEASE:
THOUSANDS SIGN CASTNER RANGE PRESERVATION LETTER
PETITIONS WILL BE PRESENTED TO
SILVESTRE REYES AT THE “FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES CELEBRATION AT CASTNER RANGE”
Over 5,000 people have signed a letter to Representative Silvestre Reyes asking him to help protect Castner Range, the site of breathtaking poppy blooms on the east side of the Franklin Mountains. The letter and hundreds of pages of attached signatures will be presented to the congressman on Saturday, March 17th, at 2:30 PM on the grounds of the Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road, in the heart of Castner Range. The presentation will be the highlight of a free, outdoor family event that day, the “Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration,” featuring dozens of educational exhibits, and wildlife demonstrations.
The letter states support for a resolution unanimously passed by El Paso City Council on March 14th, 2006, in favor of permanent preservation for the range. Signers ask Congressman Reyes “to work actively with Congress and the Department of the Army to achieve the preservation of all of Castner Range in its natural state for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans forever.” Signatures were collected over the past nine months by members of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition (FMWC), a federation of local civic pride groups, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and wildlife preservation organizations.
FMWC acting president Scott Cutler stated, “The enthusiasm of the public for protecting Castner Range from development is inspirational. The thousands who signed the petition are from all walks of life and political persuasions. To El Pasoans, Castner Range is a special place.” The “Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration” will kick off at 10 AM on March 17th with a full program of nature talks, wildlife demonstrations, educational exhibits and photography workshops. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the poppies during this free event which will last until 3 PM. The celebration is organized by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC). CDEC President Rick LoBello noted, “This will be a festive day and a wonderful opportunity for us to help educate our community about both the wonders and threats to our Chihuahuan Desert.”
The above paragraphs are only the beginning of a fantastic press release concerning an event we have all been waiting for and working towards. The release includes a glorious photo of the poppies spreading across Castner Range and the text (which space limitations do not allow us to reproduce here) continues with information about Castner Range, FMWC and CDEC. We hope to see all FMWC members, families and friends at the Celebration.
Franklin Mountains State Park Update
By Danny Contreras, PRII, ADSO
Greetings, from the staff of The Franklin Mountains State Park. Visitation for December was down in comparison to this time last year. This was probably due to some very cold weather. The Franklins have seen snow flurries, some precipitation, and some very cold winds this month.
On December 20, 2006 interviews were held for the Park Ranger II/ ADSO position at the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin Mountains State Park. In all four applicants were interviewed, and as of yet, there has been no word from Austin as to who was selected.
On December 18th, Jordan Construction Services was contracted by Texas Department of Transportation to repair the road in the Tom Mays Unit that was destroyed by the heavy rains we received this year. Repairs to the road were completed on December 19th.
Work Continues on the trails with the help from Volunteers and Volunteer Organizations.
On March 17, 2007 from 10:00am to 3:00pm The Franklin Mountains Poppy Celebration at Castner Range will be held at the El Paso Museum of Archeology. Any organizations interested in setting up a booth can contact myself, Danny Contreras Texas Parks and Wildlife at (915) 566-6441 or Diane Perez of the El Paso Water Utilities at (915) 594-5615. Either way come out and join us.
As always we would like to thank our wonderful staff of Volunteers at the Franklin Mountains State Park and the Franklin Mountain Wilderness Coalition for their continuous and added support.
*FRONTERA LAND ALLIANCE INVITATION*
Everyone is invited to The Frontera Land Alliance’s reception and annual meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park, NM (map and directions available at www.ardovinos.com/map.html). Casual reception with an hors d’oeuvres buffet and cash bar begin at 6 PM, with the meeting following at 7. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our local land trust from the Board of Directors and to enjoy Ardovino’s relaxed atmosphere and delicious food alongside friends and neighbors who share a commitment to El Paso’s natural environment and quality of life. Please come out and learn more about the land trust’s work over the past year.
City Plan Commission Endorses Open-Space Plan
At its Dec. 21 meeting, the El Paso City Plan Commission discussed the draft Open Space Plan for El Paso, expressed great enthusiasm for the plan, and recommended unanimously that City Council approve it. The draft plan is now undergoing some final revisions before it goes to City Council. It is expected to be introduced before Council soon, followed by formal discussion and action two weeks later. As always, we'll send out an e-mail alert when it is introduced.
For a look at the draft plan: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/_documents/Openspace.pdf
You can also get a hard copy at the Planning Division offices on the 5th floor of City Hall. For more information: Chuck Kooshian, Lead Planner, 915-541-4632.
At the Texas Legislature
The 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature opened Jan. 9. Legislators appear to be waking up to the fact that the state park system faces serious funding shortfalls, and measures to address those shortfalls should get serious consideration.
Locally, in an unprecedented development, state park issues are included among the City of El Paso's top state legislative priorities. Specific priorities adopted by City Council on Jan. 3 include:
Seek appropriate legislation and/or appropriation to allow the foothills of the Franklin Mountains currently designated as open space on the N.E. Master Plan to be incorporated into the Franklin Mountains State Park.
Seek appropriation for a visitor's center in the Franklin Mountains State Park to be located in the Northeast part of El Paso.
Oppose the transfer control of property such as the Magoffin Home from the State Park System to the Texas Historical Commission without an appropriate funding source to insure the continued maintenance and operation of the facility.
For all of the City's state legislative priorities: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/_documents/kzf05.pdf.
Annual Dues
Annual dues for the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition are due in January each year. Even if you normally get our newsletter only via e-mail, in January you also get this hard copy, along with an annual-renewal form and return envelope. If you are a Coalition member, please use these materials to renew your membership. If you are not a member, now would be an excellent time to join. With your help, 2007 can be a banner year for the Franklin Mountains.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association - - Celebration of Our Mountains - - Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue - - El Paso Archeological Society - - El Paso Cactus and Rock Club - - El Paso Native Plant Society - - El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club - - El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society - - El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee - - El Paso Women’s Political Caucus - - Friends of the Franklins - - League of Women Voters of El Paso - - Mesilla Valley Audubon Society - - Mountain Park Community Association - - Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso - - Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://iloveparks.com/fmwc/
Newsletter of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
January 2007
Next Meeting: January 17, 2007
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, January 17th at 7 p.m. It takes place in Room 411, Burgess Hall on the UTEP campus. Burgess Hall is at the intersection of Sun Bowl Drive and University Ave. on the west side of the campus. Please be prompt. The building entrance locks automatically in the evenings. If you arrive late and no one is at the door, call 861-4361 and someone will come to let you in. For more information contact Scott Cutler (581-6071).
PREVIEW OF CASTNER RANGE PRESS RELEASE:
THOUSANDS SIGN CASTNER RANGE PRESERVATION LETTER
PETITIONS WILL BE PRESENTED TO
SILVESTRE REYES AT THE “FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES CELEBRATION AT CASTNER RANGE”
Over 5,000 people have signed a letter to Representative Silvestre Reyes asking him to help protect Castner Range, the site of breathtaking poppy blooms on the east side of the Franklin Mountains. The letter and hundreds of pages of attached signatures will be presented to the congressman on Saturday, March 17th, at 2:30 PM on the grounds of the Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road, in the heart of Castner Range. The presentation will be the highlight of a free, outdoor family event that day, the “Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration,” featuring dozens of educational exhibits, and wildlife demonstrations.
The letter states support for a resolution unanimously passed by El Paso City Council on March 14th, 2006, in favor of permanent preservation for the range. Signers ask Congressman Reyes “to work actively with Congress and the Department of the Army to achieve the preservation of all of Castner Range in its natural state for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans forever.” Signatures were collected over the past nine months by members of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition (FMWC), a federation of local civic pride groups, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and wildlife preservation organizations.
FMWC acting president Scott Cutler stated, “The enthusiasm of the public for protecting Castner Range from development is inspirational. The thousands who signed the petition are from all walks of life and political persuasions. To El Pasoans, Castner Range is a special place.” The “Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration” will kick off at 10 AM on March 17th with a full program of nature talks, wildlife demonstrations, educational exhibits and photography workshops. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the poppies during this free event which will last until 3 PM. The celebration is organized by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC). CDEC President Rick LoBello noted, “This will be a festive day and a wonderful opportunity for us to help educate our community about both the wonders and threats to our Chihuahuan Desert.”
The above paragraphs are only the beginning of a fantastic press release concerning an event we have all been waiting for and working towards. The release includes a glorious photo of the poppies spreading across Castner Range and the text (which space limitations do not allow us to reproduce here) continues with information about Castner Range, FMWC and CDEC. We hope to see all FMWC members, families and friends at the Celebration.
Franklin Mountains State Park Update
By Danny Contreras, PRII, ADSO
Greetings, from the staff of The Franklin Mountains State Park. Visitation for December was down in comparison to this time last year. This was probably due to some very cold weather. The Franklins have seen snow flurries, some precipitation, and some very cold winds this month.
On December 20, 2006 interviews were held for the Park Ranger II/ ADSO position at the Tom Mays Unit of the Franklin Mountains State Park. In all four applicants were interviewed, and as of yet, there has been no word from Austin as to who was selected.
On December 18th, Jordan Construction Services was contracted by Texas Department of Transportation to repair the road in the Tom Mays Unit that was destroyed by the heavy rains we received this year. Repairs to the road were completed on December 19th.
Work Continues on the trails with the help from Volunteers and Volunteer Organizations.
On March 17, 2007 from 10:00am to 3:00pm The Franklin Mountains Poppy Celebration at Castner Range will be held at the El Paso Museum of Archeology. Any organizations interested in setting up a booth can contact myself, Danny Contreras Texas Parks and Wildlife at (915) 566-6441 or Diane Perez of the El Paso Water Utilities at (915) 594-5615. Either way come out and join us.
As always we would like to thank our wonderful staff of Volunteers at the Franklin Mountains State Park and the Franklin Mountain Wilderness Coalition for their continuous and added support.
*FRONTERA LAND ALLIANCE INVITATION*
Everyone is invited to The Frontera Land Alliance’s reception and annual meeting on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park, NM (map and directions available at www.ardovinos.com/map.html). Casual reception with an hors d’oeuvres buffet and cash bar begin at 6 PM, with the meeting following at 7. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our local land trust from the Board of Directors and to enjoy Ardovino’s relaxed atmosphere and delicious food alongside friends and neighbors who share a commitment to El Paso’s natural environment and quality of life. Please come out and learn more about the land trust’s work over the past year.
City Plan Commission Endorses Open-Space Plan
At its Dec. 21 meeting, the El Paso City Plan Commission discussed the draft Open Space Plan for El Paso, expressed great enthusiasm for the plan, and recommended unanimously that City Council approve it. The draft plan is now undergoing some final revisions before it goes to City Council. It is expected to be introduced before Council soon, followed by formal discussion and action two weeks later. As always, we'll send out an e-mail alert when it is introduced.
For a look at the draft plan: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/_documents/Openspace.pdf
You can also get a hard copy at the Planning Division offices on the 5th floor of City Hall. For more information: Chuck Kooshian, Lead Planner, 915-541-4632.
At the Texas Legislature
The 80th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature opened Jan. 9. Legislators appear to be waking up to the fact that the state park system faces serious funding shortfalls, and measures to address those shortfalls should get serious consideration.
Locally, in an unprecedented development, state park issues are included among the City of El Paso's top state legislative priorities. Specific priorities adopted by City Council on Jan. 3 include:
Seek appropriate legislation and/or appropriation to allow the foothills of the Franklin Mountains currently designated as open space on the N.E. Master Plan to be incorporated into the Franklin Mountains State Park.
Seek appropriation for a visitor's center in the Franklin Mountains State Park to be located in the Northeast part of El Paso.
Oppose the transfer control of property such as the Magoffin Home from the State Park System to the Texas Historical Commission without an appropriate funding source to insure the continued maintenance and operation of the facility.
For all of the City's state legislative priorities: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/_documents/kzf05.pdf.
Annual Dues
Annual dues for the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition are due in January each year. Even if you normally get our newsletter only via e-mail, in January you also get this hard copy, along with an annual-renewal form and return envelope. If you are a Coalition member, please use these materials to renew your membership. If you are not a member, now would be an excellent time to join. With your help, 2007 can be a banner year for the Franklin Mountains.
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association - - Celebration of Our Mountains - - Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue - - El Paso Archeological Society - - El Paso Cactus and Rock Club - - El Paso Native Plant Society - - El Paso Regional Group of the Sierra Club - - El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society - - El Paso Wilderness Preservation Committee - - El Paso Women’s Political Caucus - - Friends of the Franklins - - League of Women Voters of El Paso - - Mesilla Valley Audubon Society - - Mountain Park Community Association - - Photography Enthusiasts of El Paso - - Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://iloveparks.com/fmwc/
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