September 2008

{FMWC} E-Newsletter -- September 2008
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/


NEXT MEETING: September 17, 2008

The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, 9/17 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).

We are honored to have a guest speaker at Wednesday’s meeting: Shamori Rose Whitt, Open Space Coordinator of the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department. Her topic will be the department’s Carpe Viridus (Seize the Green) initiatives which are now in the conceptual stage.

The first initiative is geared towards informing the general public about the ratio of publicly owned vs. privately owned portions of the Franklin Mountains; formulating a strategy to acquire privately owned acreage, and generating revenue for possible purchases. This initiative will link to major projects currently in the planning stage: the Mountain to River Trail Corridor and the Scenic-Arroyo Park Extension.

The Green Infill initiative focuses on maximizing the recreational utility of existing properties such as utility corridors, drainage canals and detention ponds. The Healthy Risk-Taking initiative promotes the opportunity for citizens of El Paso to take healthy risks through physical challenges. This would include the “Mowad Outdoor Adventure Park” and development of a comprehensive natural surface trail system which would be built and maintained by a Parks and Recreation trail group. Please plan to “seize” the opportunity to hear more about these promising proposals and to provide feedback to Ms. Whitt. We hope to see you there!


4TH ANNUAL CHIHUAHUAN DESERT FIESTA
Saturday, September 20
9 AM – 3 PM

The Fiesta is a FREE community event at the end of the Loop (Site 38) in the Tom Mays section of Franklin Mountains State Park (western base of Transmountain Rd.) and part of the Celebration of the Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy. Entrance fees to the park will be waived as part of the Celebration. Members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition will be on hand to offer free presentations and demonstrations introducing the wonders of our fascinating Northern Chihuahuan Desert: its plants and animals, terrain and geology. Informational booths of area organizations, such as FMWC, will be up and running along with an exciting program of guest speakers. Not to mention the First Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted by the Park; raffles for artwork; guided walks and wagon and horse rides, courtesy of the Serna Ranch. More details about this fantastic FREE event available at http://www.chihuahuandesert.org/. Make plans now to pack up family and friends for a day’s worth of fun, learning, catching up with old friends and making new ones on the awesome green-splashed, wildflower- dotted slopes of our own Franklin mountains.

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN: THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR MOUNTAINS, A MONTHLONG CORNUCOPIA OF ACTIVITIES AND FESTIVITIES: http://www.celebrationofourmountains.org/ FOR ALL THE EXCITING DETAILS!

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU…

FMWC member organization, The Borderland Mountain Bike Association, is holding two days of trail building on October 18 and 25 to finish the new trail that passes west of Bowen’s Ranch on the east side of the mountain. Trailblazing sponsor is New Belgium Brewery and there will be a New Trail Celebration October 25 with free admission for all session participants. Please sign up to volunteer by October 1 (so lunch can be provided on the trail) by calling David Wilson at 471-9232; email bmbaelpaso@hotmail.com. Find the mountain bikers wonderful website at http://www.bmba.wordpress.com/.


FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS

Great news from John Moses, General Superintendent, El Paso Parks, Texas Parks and Wildlife (Franklin Mountains State Park, Hueco Tanks State Historic Site and the Wyler Aerial Tramway), concerning the recent “deeding ceremony” of El Paso Electric Co. acreage to the Franklin Mountains State Park. John says that the ceremony, photographed by Cesar Mendez and Richard Love, was attended by County Commissioner Escobar, TV 14 and 7 and an El Paso Inc. reporter. The deed transfer effectively legalizes some of the existing trails and the park will be looking for volunteers to help Mike Olbrisch with a cleanup of the old right-of-way.

Excerpt from September 5th TPWD Press Release:
“Hikers and mountain bikers will have more of FMSP to explore thanks to a donation from El Paso Electric Co. to the TPWD. The donation of approximately 63 acres of the utility company’s 150-foot right-of-way, which crosses the width of the Franklin Mountains in the southernmost reaches of the state park, will create expanded recreational opportunities for park users. The donated land adds roughly 18,000 feet of trail to the 24,000-acre park’s more than 100 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails….El Paso Electric’s donation is in keeping with the company’s intent to work with the community when circumstances arise to improve the quality of life for El Pasoans. ‘FMSP is just one of the attractions that makes El Paso such a great place to live and work,’ said Frank Bates, EP Electric’s interim president and CEO. ‘With this donation, EP Electric is proud to make it easier for more people to enjoy this beautiful park.’ FMSP is the largest urban park in the continental U.S. and lies entirely within the El Paso city limits…At the recent El Paso Media Group’s Best of El Paso Awards ceremony, the state park received the award for the city’s Best Hiking Trail.”

A big West Texas sized thank you to El Paso Electric!

For more of the latest news and information about upcoming events at the Park, visit their great website:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/franklin/


EL PASO ZOO ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

Rick Lobello, EP Zoo Education Curator, writes to let us know that September kicks off EP Zoo Adventure Programs created by Zoo Education Specialists to provide a “perfect mix of animals, experiences and excitement…for every age group, from toddlers and schoolchildren to adults and seniors. Each program features an environment rich in discovery opportunities including special animal encounters. Some programs are seasonal while others are offered throughout the year.” From Adventure Teen Camps to Grandma or Grandpa Special Mornings to Teacher Workshops to Asia Sleepovers, Night Prowls and Toddler Treks, these programs offer fantastic opportunities for all of us “to discover the natural world we share with the rest of the planet.” For more information, program descriptions and fees or to register online visit http://www.elpasozoo.org/



EAGLES ROCK UPDATE

FMWC is a Stakeholder in the Eagles Rock Team, a group formed by Canutillo Independent School District to develop outdoors educational programs. Pauline Dow, Associate Superintendent at CISD, provided a recent update, paraphrased as follows:

Members of the Eagles Rock Team met with Coach Scott Johnson from the Saint Clements Outdoor Program (an original model for the programs being developed at CISD). Coach Johnson agreed to join the Team and to work with the core group (representatives from each CISD campus as well as other key district members) to develop training (perhaps in a wild retreat) to lead groups of kids in various outdoor experiences. Cate Bradley from NPS-RTCA is helping the Team explore a “Safe Routes to Schools” program and providing technical assistance from her project, the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program. Eagles Rock core group is working on the logistics for the training event with Coach Johnson; working on plans to launch Eagles Rock with one or two grade levels in Spring 2009; submitting grant applications to secure funding for program staff and operating expenses; and setting a date for the Stakeholder Team to meet in July of 2009 for a report on the launch and expansion of Eagles Rock.

FMWC is proud to participate in this innovative approach to educating public school students about “The Great Outdoors”. We hope that the Canutillo Eagles Rock program will provide inspiration and encouragement to other area school districts to include outdoor education and appreciation of natural area environments in everyday public school curriculum. This type of initiative bodes very well for future caretaking of our mountain, river, wetland, and desert habitats. For more information please contact Ms. Dow at 915-877-7475.


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A gentle reminder to Coalition members: FMWC dues should be paid each January. If you misplaced your membership application, you can find one on our website. Please get those dues in.

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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.
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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.

The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Border Toasters of 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 * Trans-Pecos Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists

July 2008

{FMWC} E-Newsletter -- July 2008
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/
NEWSLETTER JULY 2008

There will be no meeting this month.

TRANSMOUNTAIN ROAD

FMWC is custodian for cleaning a two-mile portion of Transmountain Road. Scott Cutler coordinated with the Master Gardeners and the Texas Master Naturalists (FMWC organization members) to assist us since their portion of Transmountain is nearly spotless.

Please join us for our clean-up on Saturday, August 9th. Meet at the entrance to the Tom Mays Park at 7:30 AM for the required safety briefing. We will work down the hill, on both sides of the road. The event usually lasts about 1.5 hours and it is fun to chat with new and old friends as we help beautify our mountain. Bring your own water, gloves, hat and sunscreen.

As an added treat, the Master Gardeners invite us to join their advanced training at the Museum of Archaeology, starting at 9:30 AM. Virginia Morris will give a presentation on the creation of the Research Center Cactus Garden. Susan Petty is coordinating this project. For more information, contact her at 915-525-7723, 915-857-0232 or suspetty@yahoo.com.

SAVE THE DATE!

The October 11, 2008 clean-up will be part of the Celebration of the Mountains. We plan to partner with other Adopt-A-Highway groups to clean the entire mountain (Both Sides! All 18 Miles!) We are in the process of contacting as many groups as possible to participate, including KFOX News, the El Paso Times and Keep El Paso Beautiful! If you belong to another organization, please invite them to participate!

EAGLES ROCK

Senator Elliott Shapleigh contacted FMWC in late June to ask for our participation in a new program called “Eagles Rock” which he is working on with the Canutillo Independent School District. Judy Ackerman agreed to attend the meeting on July 1. Following is her report.

“Eagles Rock is an innovative new Outdoor Program for the Canutillo Independent School District. Senator Shapleigh’s office is actively involved and he invited FMWC to participate as a stakeholder. I attended the second planning meeting on July 1 and was thoroughly impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants.

The Eagles Rock program will give students in grades 1 through 12 exciting outdoor experiences and link them to lessons in History, Natural Science, Social Studies and other subjects. In first grade they start with a hike in Tom Mays that focuses on natural surrounding plant life. Activities in other grades include Hueco Tanks Ranger Tour, Gran Quivara Overnight, Rock Climbing, McKittrick Canyon hike, Rafting the Rio, and trips to Big Bend, Lincoln County, White Sands, Bonita Lake and more.

Pam Padilla, Superintendent for CISD, stressed the importance not only of Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic, but the fourth R for Respect. Students need to respect themselves, respect their surroundings, and respect each other to be good citizens. School outdoor activities will improve fitness, encourage environmental stewardship, and link classroom lessons to practical applications.

Their love for learning and for their students was evident as teachers explained their plans and linked environmental activities to curriculum goals. Participants felt the excitement of the concept of educating our children about the natural environment and attendees eagerly added their ideas and suggested resources. In addition to CISD and Senator Shapleigh’s office, current stakeholders include: Texas Parks and Wildlife, National Parks Service, Sierra Club, AT&T El Paso, Fort Bliss, El Paso County Historical Commission, Groundworks and FMWC. If you or your organization would like to be included in the next meeting, contact CISD Associate Superintendent Pauline Dow, 915-877-7400 or pdow@canutillo-isd.org.

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A gentle reminder to Coalition members: FMWC dues should be paid each January. If you misplaced your membership application, you can find one on our website. Please get those dues in.

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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.
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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.

The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Borderland Mountain Bike Association * Border Toasters of 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 * Trans-Pecos Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists

May 2008

From: Sproul, John [jsproul@utep.edu]Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:17 AMSubject: {FMWC} E-Newsletter -- May 2008
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/

NEXT MEETING: May 21, 2008
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. 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 ACTIVITIES UPDATE

Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition members have been meeting with our elected officials and key community leaders, including candidates for State Representative District 78 Dee Margo and Joseph Moody, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner Robert Brown, and City Council Representative Rachel Quintana. Rachel joined FMWC as an individual member! All of our community leaders have been supportive of preserving Castner Range and ask us how they can help. These meetings are fun and informative. If you would like to attend, please let us know.

We enjoyed perfect weather for the Keystone Heritage Park’s Feather Fest where Nora Butler and judy Ackerman set up our FMWC display, sold postcards and T-shirts, distributed literature, and received great response from the public. The grand opening of El Paso Water Utilities’ new Carlos M. Ramirez TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center gave us another opportunity to talk about FMWC and make contacts for future outreach.

Our newest organizational member is the Jolly Elders, a non-denominational group that meets at Trinity First United Methodist Church. Judy Ackerman gave a presentation at their March meeting where she made many new friends, sold postcards and had a great lunch in the bargain.

We continue to look for venues to expand our membership and spread the word about preserving Castner Range. If you know of an organization that might be interested in a guest speaker, please contact judy Ackerman, 755-7371, j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.


FORT BLISS RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD

We had a wonderful show of public support to preserve Castner Range at the Fort Bliss Restoration Advisory Board meeting on 23 April 2008. About 50 people attended (maybe 10 Fort Bliss employees) – a GREAT turnout. Prioritization for cleaning Castner Range was the topic, and Travis R. McCoun gave a PowerPoint presentation on how Fort Bliss has applied the Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol (MRSPP), particularly at Castner Range. On a scale of 1 to 8 (1 is highest priority), Castner is a 3 priority for clean-up, and the 2007 report is available to the public. They expect to do a detailed Site Inventory in FY08 and a Remedial Investigation in FY10. They have 10,000 trespassers on Castner every year and plan to put up fences in response.

Travis mentioned $2 billion as possible cost for clean-up. There was a question on how to get the money for the clean-up and how to let Fort Bliss leadership know El Pasoans want Castner preserved. Answer: Contact Fort Bliss Public Affairs and your elected officials.

FMWC’s priority for Castner Range is FIRST to ensure preservation in its natural state with a Conservation Conveyance. Our end goal is for Castner Range to become part of Franklin Mountains State Park – which cannot happen until it is clean of unexploded ordnance. We appreciate your support for these efforts.


DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN/EIS RELEASED FOR GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

As large natural areas covering West Texas mountain ranges, Guadalupe Mountains National Park (GMNP) and Franklin Mountains State Park have much in common. The National Park Service recently released a Draft General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for GMNP. Aimed at guiding management of GMNP for the next 15-20 years, the draft document looks at 4 different alternatives for future management and use of the park. You can download the document and submit comments on it at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. The 60-day comment period ends June 16.

The National Park Service has scheduled a series of public meetings to introduce the public to the planning process and the draft plan, to answer questions and to receive comments. One of these meetings will take place in El Paso on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial Street. Questions? Contact Park Superintendent John Lujan at 915-828-3251 or GUMO_Superintendent@nps.gov.


JUST SAY “NO!” TO THE BORDER FENCE

Adam Guss of FMWC member organization Southwest Environmental Center has provided us with an alert mailed to SWEC members concerning the proposed border fence. This may seem like a peripheral issue to our Franklin Mountains mission but there are compelling reasons to be wary of the fence -- the disastrous effect it will have on border wildlife and ecosystems and the extraordinary precedent being set by far-reaching waivers of environmental and public safety laws.

On April 1, for the 4th time in the past 2 years, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff waived more than 30 environmental laws (including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act) to expedite building 370 miles worth of new fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, including 57 miles of continuous wire mesh fencing and 21 miles of high-powered lighting from El Paso downstream along the Rio Grande. DHS is hurriedly proceeding on this path despite growing and unexpectedly fierce opposition from private landowners, towns, cities and environmental organizations.

If DHS moves forward with fence construction before proper environmental analysis is completed, there will be serious impacts to wildlife and their habitats in the borderland region, including areas such as Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Rio Bosque Wetlands Park and the Rio Grande itself. Within these areas live a number of endangered and threatened species, including jaguar, ocelot, Gila monster, and Sonoran pronghorn. The Rio Grande is an extraordinarily important area for wildlife in the Chihuahuan Desert and an important migratory flyway for birds. The proposed fence will block wildlife access and passage, and the proposed lights could adversely affect migratory birds.

It would be ideal if DHS would come up with a comprehensive approach to border security that addresses root causes, is effective, and does not harm border wildlife and ecosystems. But a change in course by DHS or significant action by Congress in an election year do not seem likely to happen without significant outside pressure. Construction of a border fence is also a states’ rights issue. No matter how one feels about illegal immigration, it cannot hurt to slow down and properly assess the probable impact, in all its complexity, of this wall on our borderland. Contacting our governors is a crucial first step.

Please take the time to call your governor and urge him/her to call on Congress to implement a moratorium on additional fence building along the U.S./Mexico border until DHS conducts proper environmental analysis and allows for orderly public input.

NM Governor Bill Richardson at 505-476-2200
TX Governor Rick Perry at 512-463-1782
AZ Governor Janet Napolitano at 602-542-1318
CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at 916-445-2841


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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.
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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.

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 * Jolly Elders * 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 * Trans-Pecos Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists

March 2008

FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/

NEXT MEETING: March 19, 2008
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. 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).
A gentle reminder to Coalition members: FMWC dues should be paid each January. If you misplaced your membership application, you can find one on our website. Please get those dues in.

2008 POPPIES CELEBRATION

It's time for the Second Annual Poppies Celebration, and it looks like the poppies are going to grace the mountain slopes for this year's event. Be sure to come out on Saturday, March 15th, from 10 AM to 6 PM at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road. Free Admission, Family Fun! The program includes nature talks and walks, wildlife displays, educational exhibits, and demonstrations from 10 AM to 3 PM; live music, tequila tasting, and dancing from 3 PM to 6 PM. Invited guests include Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Silvestre Reyes, and local elected officials.

For safety reasons, please spread the word: park at Cohen Stadium (space donated by Diablos) and take the handicapped accessible shuttle (donated by Sunwest Transportation Systems). That way, people will not have to do a dangerous U-turn when they get to the Museum of Archaeology and find there is no parking available.
FMWC will have a booth set up at the event, and we are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help. It's easy and fun to meet and greet visitors. Please contact Scott Cutler at 581-6071 if you have some time to help staff the booth.

Exhibitors/vendors interested in participating please contact Marc Thompson, at 755-4332 or thompsonmx@elpasotexas.gov

POPPIES PROCLAMATION

City Council Representative Melina Castro will propose the FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES DAY Proclamation in honor of the Celebration at the El Paso City Council Meeting at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, March 11th. FMWC President Scott Cutler will accept the proclamation, and FMWC members will present poppies postcards to council members.

SPEAKING OF POPPIES…

The El Paso Times featured a great article by Nathan Coleman in Sunday's paper promoting the Poppy Photo Contest hosted by the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The deadline for entries is 5:00 PM on April 1, 2008. Entries should be mailed or delivered to the Archaeology Museum at 4301 Transmountain Road. Contest rules state that photos must be taken on the grounds of the museum; entries should be 8X10 images; and participants must include name, address and phone number. The cost to enter is $5.00 per photo. All entries will be displayed at the museum between April 1 and May 3. Winners will be announced April 8. The first prize winner will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to the museum store; second prize will be a $50 gift certificate, and the third prize will be a $25 gift certificate. The winners, including honorable mention, will be recognized in the museum and on the museum's web site. So, you photog buffs out there, what better time to scout for poppy photo ops than the Poppies Celebration! See you there!

EL PASO ZOO VOLUNTEERS
Rick LoBello

The El Paso Zoo is holding monthly Volunteer Training for people interested in volunteering at the Zoo on either weekdays or weekends. Volunteers will be learning about the exciting new education stations that the El Paso Zoo will be setting up for the general public featuring interactive activities, live animals, bio-facts and other facets of the animal world.
WHAT: El Paso Zoo Volunteer Training (No Cost)
WHEN: Saturdays as scheduled below, 10 AM to Noon
March 8 Animal Handling Training (need TB test completed), Instructor: Rick LoBello
April 5 Discovery Station Training, Instructor: Antonia Alvarado
May 10 Introduction to the Asian Animals at the Zoo, Instructor: Rick LoBello
June 7 Animal Handling Training (need TB test completed), Instructor: Valerie Hearn
July 12 Introduction to the Americas Animals at the Zoo, Instructor: Rick LoBello
August 9 Behind the Scenes at the Zoo, Instructor: Rose Janice
WHERE: Meet at Zoo's Front gate ticket office by 9:45 AM - Training ends at 12:00 pm.
EL PASO ZOO LOCATION: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano, El Paso, Texas 79905-4223
CONTACT: For more information and to RSVP call Anne Langenfeld: 351-5340. Complete and bring with you the volunteer application found on the zoo's website. For the sessions on March 8 and June 7, bring proof of current TB test (taken within past 12 months).

PARTY FOR THE PLANET AT THE EL PASO ZOO – EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Rose Janice

Dear Friends,
Greetings from your El Paso Zoo. Recently we met and discussed our upcoming special event, "Party for the Planet" to be held here at the Zoo on April 19th from 9:30am to 4:00pm. We would appreciate your ideas and overall input on how we can make this year's Earth Day celebration better than ever.

Please take a moment to let us know about how you feel we can best reach people about our 'Mother Earth' and show them how to treat her right. Please help us make "Party for the Planet" a fun, educational, and hands-on experience for our zoo guests.

This year our emphasis will focus on recycling, different ways people can save energy, and how people can get involved in protecting habitats.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor this year all you have to do is e-mail us back with a few lines describing what you would like to do at the zoo as a participating organization. Since we have a gift shop at the Zoo that helps support our operating expenses, give-a-ways with monetary value are not permitted, but informative brochures are OK. Tell us what kind of activities or demonstrations you would like to have during the event. We will also need to know the number of presenters, their names and number of tables/chairs needed by April 1.
If you know of someone who would be a great presenter or an exhibitor, please forward this message on. We are also looking for experts who can help present different ways people can save energy with their personal vehicles and restaurant owners who use sustainable seafood to help maintain healthy oceans. Please also let us know if you have any suggestions.
Rose Janice
El Paso Zoo Education Specialist
915-521-1861
JaniceRA@elpasotexas.gov

OTERO MESA

Adam Guss, Southwest Environmental Center
Recently I had the pleasure of exploring the wildness of one North America's largest remaining desert grasslands with several concerned elected officials and citizens from around the region. I think they would agree that the endless view of grassland on Otero Mesa is something that must be witnessed first-hand to truly understand the raw power that the area possesses. From the herds of pronghorn antelope that race across the thick blades of grass, to the endangered Aplomado Falcons who soar overhead, Otero Mesa truly is the wildest grassland left in the Southwest.

Unfortunately, the federal government is willing to trade our natural heritage and our environmental future for a small amount of non-renewable natural gas. In 1997 the Harvey E. Yates Company (HEYCO) was allowed to drill two natural gas test wells right in the heart of Otero Mesa's black grama grasslands. One well struck a commercially viable amount of gas and subsequently opened the door for further exploration of this wild and remote landscape. Fortunately, many elected officials, conservation groups, and concerned citizens recognized the extreme dangers of mineral exploration in such an environmentally sensitive area and decided to form a coalition to help advocate for the protection and preservation of Otero Mesa.
Located in south-central New Mexico, Otero Mesa stretches over 1.2 million acres, roughly half of which is grassland. It is home to over 1,000 native wildlife species, including black-tailed prairie dogs, mule deer, mountain lions, golden and bald eagles, over 250 grassland bird species, and what is likely New Mexico's last native pronghorn herd. The area's extraordinary values are unmatched in the region. In addition, lying underneath Otero Mesa is the Salt Basin Aquifer; this aquifer contains the region's largest untapped fresh-water supply. Conservative estimates show that this aquifer could provide water for a population of 1 million people for over 100 years.

The Coalition for Otero Mesa has now been working for over a decade to protect Otero Mesa from oil and gas development. Our efforts thus far have been successful. No drilling has occurred since the initial test wells back in 1997, and every day we're finding new individuals who are willing to advocate for the protection of this special place. As of right now, the coalition is working on a proposal that would protect almost 600,000 acres of Otero Mesa from drilling. The current proposal focuses on protection of Otero Mesa's grasslands and wildlife through what is called an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). An ACEC is best described as an area that receives special recognition because of the quality, uniqueness and significance of its natural and cultural resources. The benefit of ACEC designation is that is can be put into play by local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) personnel, which allows us to by-pass the political boundaries of getting federal legislation passed.

We're currently seeking groups and individuals to sign on in support of the ACEC proposal. We must send a clear message to the BLM that protection of Otero Mesa is a priority for the citizens of New Mexico. If you are interested in joining the fight to protect Otero Mesa or would like more information please contact the Southwest Environmental Center at (575) 522-5552.
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS

Congratulations to Cesar Mendez on his selection as the new superintendent for Franklin Mountains State Park and Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park!

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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.

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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.


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 * Trans-Pecos Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists

January 2008

FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/

NEXT MEETING: January 16, 2008
The next meeting of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is Wednesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. 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).

2008 POPPIES CELEBRATION
judy Ackerman

Mark your calendars for the 2008 Franklin Mountains Poppies Celebration on Castner Range: Saturday, March 15th, from 10 AM to 6 PM at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road. Free Admission Family Fun! The program includes nature talks and walks, wildlife displays, educational exhibits, and demonstrations from 10 AM to 3 PM; live music, tequila tasting, and dancing from 3 PM to 6 PM. Invited guests include Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Silvestre Reyes, and local elected officials. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the poppies during this fun FREE event. Participating organizations: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, El Paso Archaeological Society, and Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. For more information: 755-4332 or www.franklinmountains.org .

Speakers are needed for this event. There will be sixteen 15-minute time slots between 10 AM to 1:45 PM. If you like to talk to people about topics relating to the poppies, the Chihuahuan Desert or Castner Range, this is a great opportunity for you or your organization. Keep in mind that event visitors may not be familiar with the natural and human history of the area so please plan presentations designed for families and general audiences. Suggested topics include animals and plants, history, geology, conservation, etc. Visual aids are encouraged. Contact Rick LoBello at RickLLoBello@cs.com to sign up as a speaker. Provide your name, your organization (if applicable), your topic and your preferred time.

Exhibitors/vendors interested in participating please contact Marc Thompson, at 755-4332 or thompsonmx@elpasotexas.gov


POSTCARD NOTES – HELP SAVE THE POPPIES & CASTNER RANGE

We continue our postcard project as an appeal to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to become involved in the Castner Range conservation campaign. We have 4 different postcard pictures available in packets of 20 cards (the images are on the attached PDF file). Order your postcards at no charge* by contacting judy or Scott (info below). Write a note right on the front of the postcard about protecting the poppies and preserving Castner Range. You could write, “Save the Poppies” or “Preserve Castner Range” or “El Paso needs open space” or whatever you want to say. Get family and friends to pen their thoughts, too. Postcards must be returned by March 5th. We will put the postcards in a photo book, so if you write on the front of the postcard (the picture side), we can put two postcards, back-to-back, in each photo slot. The books will be presented to Senator Hutchison at the Poppies Celebration.

Order info: judy Ackerman, 3344 Eileen Dr., El Paso, TX 79904 (915-755-737)
Scott Cutler, 112 Colina Alta, El Paso, TX 79912 (915-747-6668 or 915-581-6071)

*Postcards may be kept for personal use for a donation of $1.00 apiece.


MEET YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Elected officials from City Council to U.S. Senate will be invited to attend the Poppies Celebration on Castner Range. Invitations will be hand delivered when possible, providing an opportunity to share more detailed information about how a conservation conveyance could preserve Castner Range from development. Please help by attending a meeting with your elected official – call judy Ackerman at 755-7371.


FRONTERA LAND ALLIANCE
Maria Trunk

We hope you'll join us at Ardovino's Desert Crossing on Wednesday, January 30th, 2008, for the Annual Meeting of The Frontera Land Alliance. This is an opportunity for Frontera's Board of Directors to report to the community what the land trust has been working on over the past year. It's also a chance 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.

A casual reception with an hors d’oeuvres buffet and cash bar will start at 6 p.m., then we'll sit down for the presentation at 7. This is a free event -- please come out and learn more about our local land trust! A map and directions to Ardovino's are available at www.ardovinos.com/map.html . Learn more about Frontera and its projects at www.fronteralandalliance.org/ .


VOLUNTEER AT EL PASO ZOO
Rick LoBello

Where in El Paso can you go and connect with ambassadors from around the world?

Answer: At the El Paso Zoo, where all kinds of animals from the Americas, Asia and soon Africa remind us of our connections with wildlife everywhere and how we all need to get involved in efforts to save them.

The El Paso Zoo invites you to become a Zoo Volunteer. All kinds of exciting things are happening at the Zoo this year including the upcoming completion of a new education center, new African exhibits and a new reptile house.

The Zoo is home to many endangered species including the critically endangered Mexican wolf. Mexican wolves are being reintroduced in the wilds of New Mexico and Arizona and need more public support. Many other endangered species could become extinct in the lifetimes of the children visiting the Zoo today.

We can all finds ways to get involved and becoming a Zoo volunteer is a good way to get started. An all day training session is planned on Saturday, January 19 from 9am to 3pm. There will also be a half day session on Saturday, February 16 from 9am to Noon. For more information contact the Zoo Volunteer Office at 351-5340 or email langenfeldar@elpasotexas.gov .

Learn more about volunteer activities and other zoo news at the Zoo’s colorful website. A special page for staff and volunteers also includes past issues of the Zoo’s volunteer newsletter, The Pachyderm Press.


TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE NEWS
from TPWD news release

Carter Smith was named executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Dec. 5 at a special meeting of the TPW Commission in San Antonio. Smith will be leaving the helm at The Nature Conservancy of Texas to take the top job at TPWD. "Carter Smith is a well-respected conservationist and has proven his ability to develop successful partnerships with landowners and others," said TPW Commission Chairman Peter Holt. "He is a hunter and angler and a seventh generation Texas landowner. He understands the conservation challenges we face in our rapidly growing and changing state and will provide a fresh perspective as we strive to meet our mission." Smith has been with The Nature Conservancy of Texas since 1998 and has been the state director since 2004.

“I am deeply honored to accept this new challenge," said Smith. "I was very fortunate to begin my professional career at Texas Parks and Wildlife, and have had much contact with the professionals at the agency through the years. I look forward to working with people I admire and respect to further TPWD's conservation mission.” Texas Parks and Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing and conserving Texas' natural and cultural resources.


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!!


FMWC 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 a hard copy, along with an annual-renewal form and return envelope. This year, our attractive new rack card serves as the renewal form. (You can also download a renewal form from our website.) 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. The year 2008 promises to be an eventful and important one for the Franklin Mountains.


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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.
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: j.p.ackerman@sbcglobal.net.

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

November 2007

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

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