FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/
NEWSLETTER
September 2011
CONTENTS:
Meeting Info
Message From Our President
I am the Franklin Mountains, by Raul F. Amaya
7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
Program of Events for Fiesta
Bird Blind
Horseback rides
Presentations
Rummage Sale
Chili Cook Off
Celebration of Our Mountains
Blog El Paso Naturally
Castner Range
Burrowing Owl Conservation
Borderland Mountain Bike Association
El Paso Museum of Archaeology Events
Exhibits
Zip Tours
Family Workshop: Beginning Pottery-Making
17th Biennial Jornada Mogollon Archaeology Conference
Tom Lea Month Programs
The Mystery of Our Mountains
Lone Star Legacy
FMWC Board
Next Meeting:
WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2011
MEETING LOCATION: Our meeting will be held at The Garden Center, Memorial Park, 3105 Grant St. from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Map:
http://www.cichlidpress.com/elpasocactusclub/graphics/gardencenter.jpg
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, SCOTT CUTLER:
YOUR Actions can make the difference in saving the Transmountain Scenic Corridor in NW El Paso. Here’s what to do:
1. Call and e-mail ALL City Officials listed below.
2. Attend City Council on Tue 20 Sep.
3. Participate in the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta (details attached) where you can see, firsthand, the land that the current NW Master Plan will convert to commercial and residential development.
NOW is the time to preserve the Transmountain Scenic Corridor. No more stalling that leaves our mountains vulnerable. Urge our city officials to support the petition, without modifications. Your actions today determine the course of El Paso’s future.
City Officials: Name, Title, Phone, E-mail
Ann Morgan Lilly, City Rep Dist 1, 541-4151, district#1@elpasotexas.gov
Susie Byrd, City Rep Dist 2, 541-4416, district#2@elpasotexas.gov
Emma Acosta, City Rep Dist 3, 541-4515, district#3@elpasotexas.gov
Carl Robinson, City Rep Dist 4,541-4140, district#4@elpasotexas.gov
Dr. Michiel Noe, City Rep Dist 5, 541-4701, district#5@elpasotexas.gov
Eddie Holguin, Jr., City Rep Dist 6, 541-4182, district#6@elpasotexas.gov
Steve Ortega, City Rep Dist 7, 541-4108, district#7@elpasotexas.gov
Cortney Niland, City Rep Dist 8, 541-4123, district#8@elpasotexas.gov
John Cook, Mayor, 541-4145, mayor@elpasotexas.gov
Joyce Wilson, City Manager, 541-4000, citymanager@elpasotexas.gov.
(Editor’s Note: NW Corridor update below.)
I am the Franklin Mountains, by Raul F. Amaya 8/9/11
I am the Franklin Mountains called by the conquistadors Las Sierras de los Mansos or Las Sierras de los Organos.
I am the outstanding geological feature in the town then city that I tower over & that grew up around me.
I was born about 50 to 70 million years ago from geologic & volcanic activity & have been growing & changing since then.
I am the Franklin Mountains.
I’ve seen many creatures come & go over my life span like dinosaurs as they migrated from Northern Mexico to Colorado, millions of years later Mammoths & giant sloths.
About 50,000 years ago I saw the formation of the Rio Grande below me, and eventually it cut a path, named by the Spaniards who came thousands of years later, El Paso del Norte, between me the Sierras de Juárez forming the Rio Grande Valley.
I am the Franklin Mountains.
Many kinds of plants & animals make their homes in me; plants like barrel cactus & Mexican poppies, & trees like cottonwood, hackberry, oak, and juniper; and animals like rodents, deer, mountain lions, foxes, lizards, snakes, hawks, & many other kids of birds.
About 10,000 to 7,000 BC the Paleo-Indians arrived although it wasn’t until four thousand years ago that I saw the first humans, the Manso, Suma, and Jumano tribes make their homes at my foothills in Keystone Park & up and down the Rio Grand Valley.
I am the Franklin Mountains.
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE TO HOST
7TH ANNUAL CHIHUAHUAN DESERT FIESTA AT FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
El Paso, Texas—Many people living in El Paso are not very familiar with the natural and cultural history of the Chihuahuan Desert including the Franklin Mountains in the heart of the city. At almost 26,000 acres, Franklin Mountains State Park protects prime Chihuahuan Desert habitats within an urban setting. The park is home to numerous species of plants and animals. On September 17, 2011, the park will host the 7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta at the Tom Mays Unit, located 3.5 miles east of I-10 on Trans Mountain Road. The main objective of this Fiesta is to get people outdoors and to help increase awareness of the uniqueness of our desert. This event will not only showcase the natural and cultural resources of the Chihuahuan Desert, but also the recreational and educational opportunities that exist within Franklin Mountains State Parks and other state parks within the region.
The FREE COMMUNITY event will run from 9AM-3PM and will offer various activities, presentations, and exhibits throughout the day. During this event park staff, members of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, and other environmental education groups will be on hand to offer free demonstrations, guided tours, guest speakers, and informational booths designed to introduce the curious to the wonders of our fascinating southwest desert. Drive thru the park where you will find different activities and groups providing information about their conservation efforts in our area. Vendors will be on site to sell food, snacks, and drinks. Visitors can check out the Wildlife Viewing Area and enjoy interpretive programs on plants and animals while spending time watching birds coming back and forth for water and food. Hay and horseback riding will also be available. Franklin Mountains State Park is also hosting a Chili Cook-off sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International. Public tasting will be available around noon. Live music by local group Slackabilly. The entrance fee to the park is waived due to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta joining the celebration of the Franklin Mountains State Park Lone Star Legacy. Donations to Franklin Mountains State Park are accepted. So come and join us for a fun, exciting, and enjoyable outdoors experience and discover more about the Chihuahuan Desert.
Program of Events for the 7th Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta Sponsored by Franklin Mountains State Park, Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition & the El Paso Zoo
9 am to Noon - Audubon Society Members will host the Bird Blind at the nature walk trailhead. 9:30 am - Short guided 20-30 minute walks. Meet at Site 39 (end of loop).
Horseback rides by Serna Ranch Youth Leadership Program (all day)
Special Chihuahuan Desert Fifteen-Minute Presentations at the picnic area 41-42 on the left, right before the end of the loop road:
11:00 Mexican Wolves, Jason Burke, Southwest Environmental Center 11:15 Conservation Efforts on Trans Mountain, Jim Tolbert, El Paso Naturally
11:30 My Top Ten Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, John White, UTEP Centennial Museum and Gardens
11:45 Cacti of the Franklin Mountains, Dr. Gertrud Konings, El Paso Community College
Noon Takota the Golden Eagle and Heather Rivera, El Paso Zoo
12:05 Chili Cookoff Public Tasting, See Schedule Below
12:30 Snakes of the Desert, Rick LoBello, El Paso Zoo
12:45 Preservation of our Poppy Fields, Judy Ackerman, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
1:00 EPCC Transmountain Arid Garden and Sculpture Park, Lisa Miller and Dr. Naomi Waissman, El Paso Community College
1:15 Chihuahaun Desert wildlife and geology at Pancho Villa State Park in Columbus, John Read, Heritage Educator Pancho Villa State Park
Fiesta Rummage Sale The El Paso Sunrise Hikers, Franklin Mountains State Park Volunteers, the El Paso Ridgewalkers and the El Paso Hiking Group are having a rummage sale at this year’s fiesta to benefit the Franklin Mountains State Park.
Chili Cook Off Schedule 9:30 till 12:00pm People’s choice chili cooks preparation. 12:00 Public tasting begins. 12:00 Salsa judges report to judging area.
Exhibitors and Event Partners: Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (UTEP), Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue, Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), El Paso Audubon Society, El Paso Cactus and Rocks Club, El Paso Native Plant Society, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, El Paso Community College, Office of El Paso County Attorney, El Paso Water Utilities, El Paso Zoo, Franklin Mountains State Park, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, Friends of the Rio Bosque, International Boundary and Water Commission, League of Women Voters, New Mexico State Parks Mesilla Valley Bosque and Pancho Villa State Park, Reintroduction of Mexican Wolves, Rio Grande Council of Governments, Serna Ranch Youth Leadership Program, Southwest Expeditions/Eco Tourism, Texas AgriLife Extension El Paso Master Gardeners, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Master Naturalist-Trans Pecos, Texas Parks & Wildlife /Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, UTEP Environmental Advocates.
Learn more about our Chihuahuan Desert and get involved with others by joining the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. Info: http://www.chihuahuandesert.org/ or call 915-217-4233.
Jim Tolbert: Celebration of Our Mountains
Sept. 17- Nov. 19, 2011
Hike the ridge of Mount Franklin, see dinosaur tracks, go deep inside an old tin mine, visit volcanoes . . . The 18th annual fall Celebration of Our Mountains festival hosts numerous events each week and weekend during a period of mild temperatures in the El Paso Southwest. You can also enjoy year-round educational and recreational opportunities. Just visit www.celebmtns.org for more information. New hikes and events are posted throughout the fall festival as well as throughout the year. Activities include hiking, biking, birding, an art show, climbing, photographing, sketching, studying and exploring the natural wonders and history of the Borderland. Theme hikes will include trips to old mining operations, sites of historic plane crashes, geological wonders, plants and wildlife of our region and family and beginners’ hikes.
Best environmental updates in town from Jim Tolbert at his blog El Paso Naturally. Bookmark, sign up for email notifications. You can catch up on the petitions for Transmountain Scenic Corridor NW and many other issues on his blog. Strongly recommend subscribing.
Please visit and bookmark http://www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com/ .
Just for starters: Richarda Duffy Momsen, Municipal Clerk of the City of El Paso, Texas, has certified our petition to save the Scenic Transmountain Corridor! El Paso Times published predictable articles and editorials. Here’s Jim’s response:
http://elpasonaturally.blogspot.com/2011/08/dont-ease-up.html
September update:
http://elpasonaturally.blogspot.com/2011/09/where-we-are-on-petition-ordinance.html
REMEMBER: CITY COUNCIL, TUESDAY, SEPT. 20TH!
CASTNER RANGE CONSERVATION KEEPS A ROLLING ALONG!
Richard Teschner’s recent report to Castner Conservation Conveyance Committee, concerning his education efforts on the Hill and at the Pentagon, Aug. 1-2, 2011, in Washington DC, is full of positive news and feedback. Please attend the FMWC Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 21st, for updates on exciting developments on Castner Range.
WANTED!
Burrowing Owl Conservation
Have you seen any burrowing owls in El Paso County?
Texas Parks and Wildlife is conducting a long-term research project starting Sept. 2011 to examine the survival of adult and juvenile burrowing owls, determine their residency status, site fidelity, and compare breeding success of burrowing owls between natural and artificial burrows.
Please report all owl sightings and locations to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Wildlife Biologist at
915-774-9603 or lois.balin@tpwd.state.tx.us Thanks,
Lois Balin, Urban Wildlife Biologist
Borderland Mountain Bike Association
Check out http://bmba.wordpress.com/ for the latest.
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Sept/Oct Calendar
Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North: Through October 9, 2011, Free Admission
The exhibit tells the dramatic story of the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into today’s sister cities, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez.
We hope you’ll take some time to explore this accurate account of what happened to the Indians who were living here when the Spanish arrived (the Manso and Suma) along with what happened to the Indians who were brought here (the Tigua, Piro, and Tompiro) as a result of the Pueblo Revolt.
The exhibit was created by Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, who has conducted historical research for the Tigua Indians, created exhibits for museums and cultural centers, and has worked with over 36 Native American communities in the American Southwest and Latin America.
Nick Houser will give the final lecture for this exhibit in conjunction with Tom Lea Month on Sunday, October 9, at 2:00 pm, Free Admission, details below.
Zip Tour of the exhibit: Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North September 24, 2011, 2:00 pm, Free Admission
This tour introduces the exhibit about the historic Indian occupation of the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region to the public through a casual conversation during which those attending may ask questions and share their knowledge.
Family Workshop: Beginning Pottery-Making, Dates to be Announced. Enrollment limited, advance registration required, call the museum for dates, times, ages, materials, and fees: 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov
The 17th Biennial Jornada Mogollon Archaeology Conference Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2011 9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day
El Paso is at the geographic center of the prehistoric culture area archaeologists call the Jornada Mogollon. The public is welcome to hear archaeologists working in this area present their recent research during this conference being held at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. The conference is jointly hosted by the museum and the El Paso Archaeological Society; it is held in conjunction with Texas Archaeology Month
Cost: $30 Pre-registration - paid before September 16th
$40 Registration from Sept. 16 to Oct. 8
You can also register at the door, one or both days
$25 Student registration, with valid ID
The registration form is on the museum’s website www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum or call (915) 755-4332 for a copy.
Geographically, the Jornada Mogollon extends from Carrizozo, New Mexico in the north to just south of Villa
Ahumada, Chihuahua, México in the south, and from east of Deming, New Mexico in the west to the Pecos River in the east.
TOM LEA MONTH PROGRAMS
Free Admission for All Programs
Sunday, October 2, 2011, 2:00 pm
Desert Plants in the Art of Tom Lea
by Artist and Master Gardener Jan Dreher
Tom Lea had a reverence for the world around him and used his skills as an artist to capture the “Almighty’s majestic handiwork” in “portrait likeness.” Jan Dreher will share slides of Lea’s paintings with details of a variety of high Chihuahuan Desert plants before taking visitors onto the slopes of Mount Franklin to discover them for themselves.
Sunday, October 9, 2011, 2:00 pm
Tom Lea and the Indian People of the Southwest
by Nick Houser, Anthropologist and Guest Curator
When Tom Lea first visited the Grand Canyon as a little boy, he was most fascinated with the Hopi House on its rim. Throughout his life, Lea studied the ways of Southwest Indians, resulting in paintings like Snake Dancers in the Santa Fe Museum of Fine Arts, Ghost at Noon Came Riding at the El Paso Museum of Art, Comancheros in the Seymour Texas Post Office and Sitting Bull in the Texas Capitol. While showing slides of Tom Lea’s work, Nick Houser will analyze their details and what they tell viewers about of the lives of Native Americans in the Southwest.
Saturday, October 15, 2011, 3:00 pm
The Mystery of Our Mountains:
How the Franklin and Sierra de Juarez Were Formed by Phil Goodell, Ph.D., UTEP Geologist
The Franklin Mountains and Sierra de Juarez stand silent and majestic against the sky. Our knowledge has developed from mystery to a reasonable understanding of a sequence of evolutionary events, from the catastrophic to the monotonous. Observations and interpretations of events will be discussed by UTEP professor and native El Pasoan Dr. Phil Goodell who has loved rocks from the time he was a little boy.
Sunday, October 16, 2011, 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Student Artists: In the Footsteps of Tom Lea
Chapin High School Student Presentations and Reception
Just as Tom Lea loved exploring the world around him, Chapin High School Student Artists do, too. Advanced art, studio advanced placement, and art history students will study the work of Tom Lea under the direction of art teacher Elisa Barton, creating works of their own. At a public reception, these students will present their winning creations at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology.
Sunday, October 23, 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Family Workshop: Tom Lea Landscapes
Free Admission with Pre-Registration
Attendance Limited
Families will be inspired to create their own landscapes just as Tom Lea did. The Franklin Mountains, with their dramatic canyons, jagged peaks, and ever-changing light are a stunning backdrop to the Museum of Archaeology. Participants can imagine the landscape as it was in prehistoric times - and how the ancients lived. With professional staff to help, participants will learn how to observe elements in the landscape - the place, time of day, and weather. They will also learn placement of figures in the foreground, middle ground and background, describing the expanse of space. Families will work as a group using a variety of materials to create a landscape collage populated with Chihuahuan Desert plants, animals and people. Families will share their landscapes with each other at the end. Maximum number of participants: 25
Ages: mixed, children and adults
Día de los Muertos Ofrenda/Display
By Artist Lizzie Ochoa
Zip Tours
Sunday, October 30, 2:00 pm, Free Admission
Sunday, November 6, 2:00 pm, Free Admission
Call the museum – 915-755-4332 – for dates of the display
~~~El Paso Museum of Archaeology
4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso Texas 79924;
915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexs.gov; www.elpasotexas.gov/arch_museum/
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 12 to 5 pm
Closed Mondays and City Holiday
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 BOARD
President: Scott Cutler
Vice President: Jane Fowler
Secretary: Judy Ackerman
Treasurer: Pat White
At Large Members: Raul Amaya and Nick Havlik
Friday, September 16, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 2011
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS COALITION
http://www.franklinmountains.org/
NEWSLETTER
July 2011
CONTENTS:
Meeting Info
Message From Our President
Genevieve Coonly
Castner Range
Retention Dam
Photo Op, Aug 16th
NEWS
Golden Eagle at the Zoo
Eco-Tourism
Franklin Mountains State Park
Child Activist Stands Up to Orogrande Mine
Mark Your Calendars
N.E. El Paso Civic Association Meeting
El Paso Museum Of Archaeology
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist
Lone Star Legacy
FMWC Board
FMWC In Cyberspace
NO JULY MEETING
Next Meeting: WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2011
Meeting Place and Time To Be Announced in September Newsletter.
Message From Our President, Scott Cutler
Within this edition you will find a number of issues that the Coalition is working on, some of them of great concern such as the idea of a new retention dam and ponding area on Castner Range. Your input on these and participation in talking to officials about these is critical to protecting our mountains. Please consider becoming actively involved in one form or another.
As we are in the summer hiking season I thought I would pass on to all of you a website I came across that describes a number of great hikes in the Franklin Mountains as well as other locations. It was assembled by Mr. Michael Olbrisch and can be accessed on the web at the following address (all one line):
http://www.localhikes.com/getHikes.asp?Search=1&getreporter=Desert_Warrior&getHikebyReporter=Yes
I hope you will be able to enjoy some of these either this summer or in the cool of the fall and winter.
Have a great summer. And as always your interest and support of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is very much appreciated.
Genevieve Coonly
Genevieve Coonly was a long-time supporter of our organization and made many generous donations to FMWC through the years. She passed away on June 1, 2011. In remembrance of Mrs. Coonly's love of the Franklin Mountains, her family has asked that donations in her memory be made to the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition among other organizations.
Support for the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition comes in many forms, from volunteer hours to financial support. Genevieve Coonly's financial gifts have strengthened the Coalition's ability to support conservation efforts related to the Franklin Mountains, especially Castner Range. Some donations (including one that totaled $1,000) have already been made in her memory. Any amount you give will go towards protecting the Franklin Mountains which Mrs. Coonly cherished, and all of us strive to preserve. Your gift in Genevieve Coonly's name can be mailed to the Coalition's Treasurer: Pat White, 10525 Texwood, El Paso, Texas, 79925.
CASTNER RANGE
Proposed Sun Valley Water Retention Dam on Castner Range:
You have probably already heard about initial scoping efforts by the Corps of Engineers to investigate the feasibility of (and public concern about) a water impoundment structure on Castner Range just west of Sun Valley Drive and Highway 54. The Corps of Engineers is actively seeking input from the Coalition as well as any other interested individuals and organizations. The Coalition is getting ideas for alternatives from a number of different sources and will be providing input to the Corps by the end of July as well as at the meeting of the RAB (Restoration Advisory Board) in the BLM’s conference room, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13. We encourage you to attend the meeting.
If you can’t attend the meeting, please DO comment. Your participation demonstrates the importance of Castner Range to this community. Please emphasize the need to minimize impact on the native ecosystem and the scenic view shed of the Castner Range while ensuring public safety. Send your comments to Dana Price at dana.m.price@usace.army.mil.
Photo Op to Mark El Paso Delegation’s Support of Castner Range Resolutions:
The unanimous April 2011 vote by the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives in favor of resolutions strongly supporting the conservation of Castner Range will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16th at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Museum of Archaeology on East Transmountain Road with a rescheduled "photo op" in honor of El Paso's delegation to Austin--State Senator José Rodríguez and State Representative Marisa Márquez (who both sponsored the resolutions) along with Representatives Naomi González, Dee Margo, Joe Pickett and Chente Quintanilla, who spoke and voted in favor of it. Also invited to participate in the photo opportunity are Congressman Silvestre Reyes, Mayor John Cook, and District Four City Representative Carl Robinson, along with Dr. Julia Bussinger, director of the museum. Members of the Castner Conservation Conveyance Committee ("4-C's") Judy Ackerman, Scott Cutler, Doug Echlin, Mike Gaglio, John Moses, Richard Teschner, Kevin von Finger, Charlie Wakeem and Pat White will be present, along with other members of the boards of directors of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition and the Frontera Land Alliance. All persons active in El Paso-area conservation are also invited to attend the photo op, at which the guests of honor will be asked to say a few words to the media. The event is being organized by the 4-C's and the offices of Senator Rodríguez and Representative Márquez. (Richard Teschner, For the 4-C's)
NEWS
EL PASO ZOO: Golden Eagle at the Zoo is an “Ambassador for Conservation”
In March 2010, Takota began visiting with guests during public programs and since then has made appearances at regularly scheduled El Paso Zoo programs as well as several off grounds programs. Some notable appearances have been at the Franklin Mountains Poppy Celebration, Music Under the Stars and at An Evening with Jack Hanna at the Plaza Theater where he was one of the featured animals on stage.
Takota is a nearly 6 year-old Golden Eagle who was found in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces in November 2007. After examination by veterinarians, Takota was found to have West Nile Virus, as well as, gunshot wounds which had already healed. He was given housing at the El Paso Zoo during his long recovery. Unfortunately, Takota's eyesight was permanently damaged due to the virus and it was decided that he would never have the ability to see well enough to live on his own. Several people at the El Paso Zoo took an interest in the eagle, seeing his potential as an ambassador for his wild counterparts through educational programs. A raptor consultant came to the El Paso Zoo in November 2009 to evaluate the eagle and he was so positive of Takota's potential that training with the eagle began immediately. Just a few months later in March 2010, Takota made his public debut. Since then he has helped represent Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife by encountering thousands of El Paso area residents both at the El Paso Zoo and around the city at special events. To date, over 34,000 people have seen Takota.
Takota is at the El Paso Zoo under permit from US Fish and Wildlife. The zoo was also awarded a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to hire a raptor consultant, a raptor presenter to show Takota to the public and have a new aviary built in an area behind the scenes.
Takota can be seen at the El Paso Zoo at scheduled appearances. For more information on Takota programs at the El Paso Zoo, please visit www.elpasozoo.org. To follow Takota on Twitter got to twitter.com/takotagolden.
The El Paso Zoo opens daily at 9:30 am and the ticket booth closes at 4:00pm. For more information call (915) 521-1850. (Rick LoBello, Education Curator)
Eco-Tourism In El Paso:
One of the main goals for our Eco-tourism committee was to provide our community and eco-enthusiasts everywhere a website that would allow for a more comprehensive overview of outdoor activities in El Paso County. I’m happy to report back that after months of work with the CVB and a generous financial donation by Dr. Richard Teschner, our idea has become a reality. The website was recently unveiled at the Convention and Visitors Bureau Spirit of Amigo Travel Luncheon.
You can now view this website by going to www.outdoorelpaso.com. The page hosts an interactive map which provides the locations for various activities, attractions and businesses which sell/rent the equipment needed to partake in the wealth of outdoor activities. You can click on certain tabs to isolate your search of activities on the map or by utilizing the menu of activities on the left hand side of the site.
For example, if you wanted information on the 1953 B-36D Crash Site Hike, you can locate it on the interactive map and click “More info” or by clicking “Hiking, Walking & Running Trails” on the left hand column to have a list of the various hikes. Once there you can click on the “1953 B-36D Crash Site Hike” which will then take you to detailed information such as hike time, trail condition, difficulty, etc and a trail map.
This is an evolving website and can be made better with your input. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated. (Ruben John Vogt, Director of Public Policy)
Franklin Mountains State Park:
First, we would like to mention that Park Ranger II Alvaro Garcia has accepted a Park Police Officer position at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Alvaro began his work at Big Bend in June. We wish him well with his new job!
This summer has been a busy one here at Franklin Mountain State Park. Park staff and volunteers have been leading guided tours throughout the park. School groups, summer camps and military youth groups have been out to the park to take advantage of the many tours we have to offer. For many of our guests, it is their first time visiting the park. All of us here use this as a way to encourage first time visitors to come back and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Park volunteer Robert Newman has been given the green light to begin work on the extension of the Sotol Forest Trail from Sotol Canyon north to Hitt Canyon. We appreciate all of Robert’s hard work since he has been out there almost every day since the beginning of June. Due to shortage of staff, we have not had much of an opportunity to work alongside with Robert.
Park staff have been busy with several work projects throughout the park involving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice trustees. Some of the projects include working on the interpretive panels located at the park headquarters and at the Ron Coleman Trailheads. Work was completed as of July 7, 2011. We have used the help of the TDCJ work crew in up-grading the grills at the group picnic site # 39. We will continue to use their help with re-painting all the picnic and camp sites as well as with all the other daily maintenance at the park.
TxDOT will begin working on painting the stripes on the park roadways this month. Work will begin within the next several days.
Park volunteers Richard Love and George Murray have been keeping up with the daily maintenance of our wildlife viewing area. Lately, Richard installed a stealth camera to photograph overnight activity at the viewing area. Park staff and volunteers have noticed that some of the wildlife have been rummaging through the vegetation and causing quite a mess. Through the use of the stealth camera, Richard determined that the culprit was a coyote, which he later spotted on the Nature Trail.
Hot, Hot, Hot! With the severe heat, all park staff continues to encourage all park visitors to hike safely and be as prepared as possible for hiking in this heat. We encourage at least a gallon of water per person and double that per dog. Unfortunately, some hikers have not followed our recommendations. Just a few weeks ago, a hiker on the Directissimo trail encountered some problems due to lack of preparedness. Unfortunately his dog did not survive the hike. All park staff can do is continue to encourage hikers to be prepared.
Speaking of heat, park volunteer George Murray was driving up Trans Mountain Road one Saturday afternoon when he noticed a brush fire alongside the roadway. Thankfully George stopped and did all he could to help put out the fire. Three motorists also stopped and assisted George with dousing the fire with whatever tools they had. George used his fire extinguisher and floor mats from his truck and the three motorists used their floor mats as well. Luckily, El Paso Fire Department Pumper 2 arrived on the scene and successfully finished putting out the fire. If it wasn’t for George and the three good Samaritans, that fire could have easily spread and could have been disastrous! Thank you George for your quick action! It is speculated that the fire was caused by some inconsiderate motorist who threw out a lit cigarette butt.
In summary, we encourage all visitors to be safe when out and about in the park during this dry, hot summer. Remember the basics, plenty of water, sun-screen, wide brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants, and sturdy shoes when out hiking in the summer. Also, it is advisable to take advantage of the park’s early hours of operation on the weekend and hike early to avoid the heat. (John Nunez, FMSP)
Child Activist Stands Up to Orogrande Mine:
When 10-year-old Caitlyn Larson and her family heard there was activity and large equipment moving near the old Cinco de Mayo mine in the Jarilla Mountains, they became concerned.
"(People) told us someone tore a big hole into the Cinco de Mayo," Caitlyn said.
As the family drove out to see it for themselves and take a hike in the area, the Larsons saw the landscape they knew had changed. Roads had been widened and pathways expanded, leaving many plants torn up and burms in the way of regular roadways.
Large-scale mine-related equipment sat at the bottom of the mountain containing the Cinco de Mayo, Iron Duke, Barbara and Virginia mining claims.
The Larsons found, according to a press release issued by the Iron Mining Group, the company is purchasing 180,000 metric tons of iron ore from OroGrande Iron Ore Co., LLC. The first delivery of 60,000 metric tons is to be made to IMG by July 31.
According to the press release, the group also plans to take 5.98 million metric tons of iron ore from the area over the next three years.
The release also says the low-grade iron ore, once extracted, will be taken by train to Sonora, Mexico, where it will then be shipped to China.
Caitlyn, seeing the machines and the changes in the landscape, became concerned for the plants, wildlife and history of the area. Not only have many varieties of plants, including rare cactus, been disturbed by the activity at the mine, but a couple of golden eagle nests are situated in the area.
"Eagles, owl, bighorn sheep and mountain lions have been seen in this area," said Guy Larson, Caitlyn's father. "It's amazing what's up here."
The Larsons are a mining family and want to make it clear they are not against mining, Guy said.
"We just want to see everything considered," Guy said. "What about the history? What are they going to do about the eagles?"
At the very least, Guy said, the mining company is required to have its permit posted at the site.
Orogrande was a bustling mining community in 1915 when the mines in question were active, Guy said. There were three bustling towns in the area at the time
Orogrande, Brice and Oyasi.
Caitlyn's concern about the wildlife and history turned her into an activist. She created a press release and sent letters to the Bureau of Land Management, President Barack Obama, Gov. Susana Martinez and others.
"If the destruction created in the last seven days is any indication of the work they plan to do in the next 90 days (and possibly the next three years, as reported by IMG), there will be no mountains left," Caitlyn wrote June 6 in her release. "They will have been completely destroyed, pulverized and sent to China." (Elva K. Osterreich, Alamogordo Daily News, 6/20/11)
Update: The mining company is under a "cease and desist" order from BLM. The company does not have a mining permit from the State of New Mexico and they have not conducted an environmental assessment. Most importantly they did not have permission from BLM to conduct mining operations on BLM land. Talk about arrogance! The mining company stated they were unaware they needed permits. Per BLM, it will take about a year to conduct an "evaluation".
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JULY 14th: N.E. El Paso Civic Association Meeting with guest speakers, Texas State Representatives Dee Margo and Joe Pickett. 7 – 9 pm at Community Center, Transmountain Apartments, 5317 Transmountain Rd.
El Paso Museum Of Archaeology:
Enrollment Still Open for Archaeology Summer Day Camps
Spaces are still available in the following camps:
July 12 through 15, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children ages 10 to 12 years, entering 5th through 7th grade
July 26 through 29, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children 7 to 9 years, entering 2nd through 4th grade
August 9 through 12, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children ages 10 to 12 years, entering 5th through 7th grade
The camp registration fee is $55 for El Paso Museum of Archaeology members and $70 for non-members. Registration is accepted on a first-come first-served basis as attendance is limited to twelve students per camp. For information and the camp registration form contact the museum at 915-755-4332 or guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.
Archaeology Summer Day Camp is an interactive, hands-on course held on the museum’s grounds and in the galleries with a field trip. The program is designed to educate participants about the science of archaeology, its tools, and American Indians of the El Paso-Juárez region from prehistory to today. Campers will learn respect and appreciation for prehistoric, historic and contemporary Indian people.
Continuing Exhibit extended through October 9, 2011: Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North
Free Admission
Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, local anthropologist and historian, tells the dramatic story of the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into today’s sister cities, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez.
War, Women, and Religion: The Spread of Salado Polychrome in the North American Southwest by Todd VanPool, Ph.D.
July 23, 2011, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Free Admission
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Salado religion spread across the US Southwest. It was associated with distinctive pottery, also found in El Paso, that was part of a new religious system developed during massive migration into the area. Many of the immigrants were female war refugees and their children fleeing intense violence to the north. The influx of refugees into pre-existing communities created intense competition among females for economic resources and mates. In this presentation, Dr VanPool suggests that the Salado religion reflects religious innovation by females aimed at mitigating this conflict.
Todd L. VanPool is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Missouri--Columbia. He earned his BA at Eastern New Mexico University and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. He has conducted archaeological field work throughout New Mexico and northern Chihuahua, and is currently leading the excavation of the 76 Draw site near Deming with his colleagues, Christine S. VanPool and Gordon F.M. Rakita.
Exploring the Music of the Americas: A Family Workshop by the musical group Ceiba
August 13, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm,
Free Admission
Families with children age six years and up are invited to participate in a creative, interactive exploration of music and art inspired by ancient and modern Latin America from México to the Andes led by the El Paso musical group Ceiba.
Adults and children will listen and respond to music and create together, speaking and writing in small groups and making art in response to the music they hear. Ceiba will play a variety of musical pieces and ask participants to respond to questions such as what did you hear, where did you go in your mind while listening, what did you feel, and how would you draw that music. Children will take home the art they make. Both English and Spanish will be spoken during this workshop.
Ceiba musicians perform on a variety of instruments from indigenous cultures of Latin America such as the charango, rain stick, various flutes of wood, ceramic, and bamboo, percussion instruments made of turtle shell and gourd, as well as well as a variety of other percussion and stringed instruments such as the jarana, guitarra de golpe, vihuela, tiple, cuatro, and guitar. Information: Marilyn Guida, 915-755-4332, guidamr@elpasotexas.gov
AUGUST 13, 10:00 AM:
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist Speaker Dr. Corral, Fort Bliss Plant Biologist
Free Admission
AUGUST 21, 2:00 PM: Sue Sitton, Fort Bliss Archaeologist
Free Admission
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: 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.
FMWC Board
President: Scott Cutler
Vice President: Jane Fowler
Secretary: Judy Ackerman
Treasurer: Pat White
At Large Members:
Raul Amaya and Nick Havelick
http://www.franklinmountains.org/
NEWSLETTER
July 2011
CONTENTS:
Meeting Info
Message From Our President
Genevieve Coonly
Castner Range
Retention Dam
Photo Op, Aug 16th
NEWS
Golden Eagle at the Zoo
Eco-Tourism
Franklin Mountains State Park
Child Activist Stands Up to Orogrande Mine
Mark Your Calendars
N.E. El Paso Civic Association Meeting
El Paso Museum Of Archaeology
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist
Lone Star Legacy
FMWC Board
FMWC In Cyberspace
NO JULY MEETING
Next Meeting: WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2011
Meeting Place and Time To Be Announced in September Newsletter.
Message From Our President, Scott Cutler
Within this edition you will find a number of issues that the Coalition is working on, some of them of great concern such as the idea of a new retention dam and ponding area on Castner Range. Your input on these and participation in talking to officials about these is critical to protecting our mountains. Please consider becoming actively involved in one form or another.
As we are in the summer hiking season I thought I would pass on to all of you a website I came across that describes a number of great hikes in the Franklin Mountains as well as other locations. It was assembled by Mr. Michael Olbrisch and can be accessed on the web at the following address (all one line):
http://www.localhikes.com/getHikes.asp?Search=1&getreporter=Desert_Warrior&getHikebyReporter=Yes
I hope you will be able to enjoy some of these either this summer or in the cool of the fall and winter.
Have a great summer. And as always your interest and support of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition is very much appreciated.
Genevieve Coonly
Genevieve Coonly was a long-time supporter of our organization and made many generous donations to FMWC through the years. She passed away on June 1, 2011. In remembrance of Mrs. Coonly's love of the Franklin Mountains, her family has asked that donations in her memory be made to the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition among other organizations.
Support for the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition comes in many forms, from volunteer hours to financial support. Genevieve Coonly's financial gifts have strengthened the Coalition's ability to support conservation efforts related to the Franklin Mountains, especially Castner Range. Some donations (including one that totaled $1,000) have already been made in her memory. Any amount you give will go towards protecting the Franklin Mountains which Mrs. Coonly cherished, and all of us strive to preserve. Your gift in Genevieve Coonly's name can be mailed to the Coalition's Treasurer: Pat White, 10525 Texwood, El Paso, Texas, 79925.
CASTNER RANGE
Proposed Sun Valley Water Retention Dam on Castner Range:
You have probably already heard about initial scoping efforts by the Corps of Engineers to investigate the feasibility of (and public concern about) a water impoundment structure on Castner Range just west of Sun Valley Drive and Highway 54. The Corps of Engineers is actively seeking input from the Coalition as well as any other interested individuals and organizations. The Coalition is getting ideas for alternatives from a number of different sources and will be providing input to the Corps by the end of July as well as at the meeting of the RAB (Restoration Advisory Board) in the BLM’s conference room, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13. We encourage you to attend the meeting.
If you can’t attend the meeting, please DO comment. Your participation demonstrates the importance of Castner Range to this community. Please emphasize the need to minimize impact on the native ecosystem and the scenic view shed of the Castner Range while ensuring public safety. Send your comments to Dana Price at dana.m.price@usace.army.mil.
Photo Op to Mark El Paso Delegation’s Support of Castner Range Resolutions:
The unanimous April 2011 vote by the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives in favor of resolutions strongly supporting the conservation of Castner Range will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16th at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Museum of Archaeology on East Transmountain Road with a rescheduled "photo op" in honor of El Paso's delegation to Austin--State Senator José Rodríguez and State Representative Marisa Márquez (who both sponsored the resolutions) along with Representatives Naomi González, Dee Margo, Joe Pickett and Chente Quintanilla, who spoke and voted in favor of it. Also invited to participate in the photo opportunity are Congressman Silvestre Reyes, Mayor John Cook, and District Four City Representative Carl Robinson, along with Dr. Julia Bussinger, director of the museum. Members of the Castner Conservation Conveyance Committee ("4-C's") Judy Ackerman, Scott Cutler, Doug Echlin, Mike Gaglio, John Moses, Richard Teschner, Kevin von Finger, Charlie Wakeem and Pat White will be present, along with other members of the boards of directors of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition and the Frontera Land Alliance. All persons active in El Paso-area conservation are also invited to attend the photo op, at which the guests of honor will be asked to say a few words to the media. The event is being organized by the 4-C's and the offices of Senator Rodríguez and Representative Márquez. (Richard Teschner, For the 4-C's)
NEWS
EL PASO ZOO: Golden Eagle at the Zoo is an “Ambassador for Conservation”
In March 2010, Takota began visiting with guests during public programs and since then has made appearances at regularly scheduled El Paso Zoo programs as well as several off grounds programs. Some notable appearances have been at the Franklin Mountains Poppy Celebration, Music Under the Stars and at An Evening with Jack Hanna at the Plaza Theater where he was one of the featured animals on stage.
Takota is a nearly 6 year-old Golden Eagle who was found in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces in November 2007. After examination by veterinarians, Takota was found to have West Nile Virus, as well as, gunshot wounds which had already healed. He was given housing at the El Paso Zoo during his long recovery. Unfortunately, Takota's eyesight was permanently damaged due to the virus and it was decided that he would never have the ability to see well enough to live on his own. Several people at the El Paso Zoo took an interest in the eagle, seeing his potential as an ambassador for his wild counterparts through educational programs. A raptor consultant came to the El Paso Zoo in November 2009 to evaluate the eagle and he was so positive of Takota's potential that training with the eagle began immediately. Just a few months later in March 2010, Takota made his public debut. Since then he has helped represent Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife by encountering thousands of El Paso area residents both at the El Paso Zoo and around the city at special events. To date, over 34,000 people have seen Takota.
Takota is at the El Paso Zoo under permit from US Fish and Wildlife. The zoo was also awarded a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to hire a raptor consultant, a raptor presenter to show Takota to the public and have a new aviary built in an area behind the scenes.
Takota can be seen at the El Paso Zoo at scheduled appearances. For more information on Takota programs at the El Paso Zoo, please visit www.elpasozoo.org. To follow Takota on Twitter got to twitter.com/takotagolden.
The El Paso Zoo opens daily at 9:30 am and the ticket booth closes at 4:00pm. For more information call (915) 521-1850. (Rick LoBello, Education Curator)
Eco-Tourism In El Paso:
One of the main goals for our Eco-tourism committee was to provide our community and eco-enthusiasts everywhere a website that would allow for a more comprehensive overview of outdoor activities in El Paso County. I’m happy to report back that after months of work with the CVB and a generous financial donation by Dr. Richard Teschner, our idea has become a reality. The website was recently unveiled at the Convention and Visitors Bureau Spirit of Amigo Travel Luncheon.
You can now view this website by going to www.outdoorelpaso.com. The page hosts an interactive map which provides the locations for various activities, attractions and businesses which sell/rent the equipment needed to partake in the wealth of outdoor activities. You can click on certain tabs to isolate your search of activities on the map or by utilizing the menu of activities on the left hand side of the site.
For example, if you wanted information on the 1953 B-36D Crash Site Hike, you can locate it on the interactive map and click “More info” or by clicking “Hiking, Walking & Running Trails” on the left hand column to have a list of the various hikes. Once there you can click on the “1953 B-36D Crash Site Hike” which will then take you to detailed information such as hike time, trail condition, difficulty, etc and a trail map.
This is an evolving website and can be made better with your input. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated. (Ruben John Vogt, Director of Public Policy)
Franklin Mountains State Park:
First, we would like to mention that Park Ranger II Alvaro Garcia has accepted a Park Police Officer position at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Alvaro began his work at Big Bend in June. We wish him well with his new job!
This summer has been a busy one here at Franklin Mountain State Park. Park staff and volunteers have been leading guided tours throughout the park. School groups, summer camps and military youth groups have been out to the park to take advantage of the many tours we have to offer. For many of our guests, it is their first time visiting the park. All of us here use this as a way to encourage first time visitors to come back and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Park volunteer Robert Newman has been given the green light to begin work on the extension of the Sotol Forest Trail from Sotol Canyon north to Hitt Canyon. We appreciate all of Robert’s hard work since he has been out there almost every day since the beginning of June. Due to shortage of staff, we have not had much of an opportunity to work alongside with Robert.
Park staff have been busy with several work projects throughout the park involving the Texas Department of Criminal Justice trustees. Some of the projects include working on the interpretive panels located at the park headquarters and at the Ron Coleman Trailheads. Work was completed as of July 7, 2011. We have used the help of the TDCJ work crew in up-grading the grills at the group picnic site # 39. We will continue to use their help with re-painting all the picnic and camp sites as well as with all the other daily maintenance at the park.
TxDOT will begin working on painting the stripes on the park roadways this month. Work will begin within the next several days.
Park volunteers Richard Love and George Murray have been keeping up with the daily maintenance of our wildlife viewing area. Lately, Richard installed a stealth camera to photograph overnight activity at the viewing area. Park staff and volunteers have noticed that some of the wildlife have been rummaging through the vegetation and causing quite a mess. Through the use of the stealth camera, Richard determined that the culprit was a coyote, which he later spotted on the Nature Trail.
Hot, Hot, Hot! With the severe heat, all park staff continues to encourage all park visitors to hike safely and be as prepared as possible for hiking in this heat. We encourage at least a gallon of water per person and double that per dog. Unfortunately, some hikers have not followed our recommendations. Just a few weeks ago, a hiker on the Directissimo trail encountered some problems due to lack of preparedness. Unfortunately his dog did not survive the hike. All park staff can do is continue to encourage hikers to be prepared.
Speaking of heat, park volunteer George Murray was driving up Trans Mountain Road one Saturday afternoon when he noticed a brush fire alongside the roadway. Thankfully George stopped and did all he could to help put out the fire. Three motorists also stopped and assisted George with dousing the fire with whatever tools they had. George used his fire extinguisher and floor mats from his truck and the three motorists used their floor mats as well. Luckily, El Paso Fire Department Pumper 2 arrived on the scene and successfully finished putting out the fire. If it wasn’t for George and the three good Samaritans, that fire could have easily spread and could have been disastrous! Thank you George for your quick action! It is speculated that the fire was caused by some inconsiderate motorist who threw out a lit cigarette butt.
In summary, we encourage all visitors to be safe when out and about in the park during this dry, hot summer. Remember the basics, plenty of water, sun-screen, wide brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants, and sturdy shoes when out hiking in the summer. Also, it is advisable to take advantage of the park’s early hours of operation on the weekend and hike early to avoid the heat. (John Nunez, FMSP)
Child Activist Stands Up to Orogrande Mine:
When 10-year-old Caitlyn Larson and her family heard there was activity and large equipment moving near the old Cinco de Mayo mine in the Jarilla Mountains, they became concerned.
"(People) told us someone tore a big hole into the Cinco de Mayo," Caitlyn said.
As the family drove out to see it for themselves and take a hike in the area, the Larsons saw the landscape they knew had changed. Roads had been widened and pathways expanded, leaving many plants torn up and burms in the way of regular roadways.
Large-scale mine-related equipment sat at the bottom of the mountain containing the Cinco de Mayo, Iron Duke, Barbara and Virginia mining claims.
The Larsons found, according to a press release issued by the Iron Mining Group, the company is purchasing 180,000 metric tons of iron ore from OroGrande Iron Ore Co., LLC. The first delivery of 60,000 metric tons is to be made to IMG by July 31.
According to the press release, the group also plans to take 5.98 million metric tons of iron ore from the area over the next three years.
The release also says the low-grade iron ore, once extracted, will be taken by train to Sonora, Mexico, where it will then be shipped to China.
Caitlyn, seeing the machines and the changes in the landscape, became concerned for the plants, wildlife and history of the area. Not only have many varieties of plants, including rare cactus, been disturbed by the activity at the mine, but a couple of golden eagle nests are situated in the area.
"Eagles, owl, bighorn sheep and mountain lions have been seen in this area," said Guy Larson, Caitlyn's father. "It's amazing what's up here."
The Larsons are a mining family and want to make it clear they are not against mining, Guy said.
"We just want to see everything considered," Guy said. "What about the history? What are they going to do about the eagles?"
At the very least, Guy said, the mining company is required to have its permit posted at the site.
Orogrande was a bustling mining community in 1915 when the mines in question were active, Guy said. There were three bustling towns in the area at the time
Orogrande, Brice and Oyasi.
Caitlyn's concern about the wildlife and history turned her into an activist. She created a press release and sent letters to the Bureau of Land Management, President Barack Obama, Gov. Susana Martinez and others.
"If the destruction created in the last seven days is any indication of the work they plan to do in the next 90 days (and possibly the next three years, as reported by IMG), there will be no mountains left," Caitlyn wrote June 6 in her release. "They will have been completely destroyed, pulverized and sent to China." (Elva K. Osterreich, Alamogordo Daily News, 6/20/11)
Update: The mining company is under a "cease and desist" order from BLM. The company does not have a mining permit from the State of New Mexico and they have not conducted an environmental assessment. Most importantly they did not have permission from BLM to conduct mining operations on BLM land. Talk about arrogance! The mining company stated they were unaware they needed permits. Per BLM, it will take about a year to conduct an "evaluation".
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JULY 14th: N.E. El Paso Civic Association Meeting with guest speakers, Texas State Representatives Dee Margo and Joe Pickett. 7 – 9 pm at Community Center, Transmountain Apartments, 5317 Transmountain Rd.
El Paso Museum Of Archaeology:
Enrollment Still Open for Archaeology Summer Day Camps
Spaces are still available in the following camps:
July 12 through 15, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children ages 10 to 12 years, entering 5th through 7th grade
July 26 through 29, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children 7 to 9 years, entering 2nd through 4th grade
August 9 through 12, 2011, 9 am to Noon, for children ages 10 to 12 years, entering 5th through 7th grade
The camp registration fee is $55 for El Paso Museum of Archaeology members and $70 for non-members. Registration is accepted on a first-come first-served basis as attendance is limited to twelve students per camp. For information and the camp registration form contact the museum at 915-755-4332 or guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.
Archaeology Summer Day Camp is an interactive, hands-on course held on the museum’s grounds and in the galleries with a field trip. The program is designed to educate participants about the science of archaeology, its tools, and American Indians of the El Paso-Juárez region from prehistory to today. Campers will learn respect and appreciation for prehistoric, historic and contemporary Indian people.
Continuing Exhibit extended through October 9, 2011: Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North
Free Admission
Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, local anthropologist and historian, tells the dramatic story of the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into today’s sister cities, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez.
War, Women, and Religion: The Spread of Salado Polychrome in the North American Southwest by Todd VanPool, Ph.D.
July 23, 2011, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
Free Admission
During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Salado religion spread across the US Southwest. It was associated with distinctive pottery, also found in El Paso, that was part of a new religious system developed during massive migration into the area. Many of the immigrants were female war refugees and their children fleeing intense violence to the north. The influx of refugees into pre-existing communities created intense competition among females for economic resources and mates. In this presentation, Dr VanPool suggests that the Salado religion reflects religious innovation by females aimed at mitigating this conflict.
Todd L. VanPool is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Missouri--Columbia. He earned his BA at Eastern New Mexico University and his Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. He has conducted archaeological field work throughout New Mexico and northern Chihuahua, and is currently leading the excavation of the 76 Draw site near Deming with his colleagues, Christine S. VanPool and Gordon F.M. Rakita.
Exploring the Music of the Americas: A Family Workshop by the musical group Ceiba
August 13, 2011, 2:00 to 4:00 pm,
Free Admission
Families with children age six years and up are invited to participate in a creative, interactive exploration of music and art inspired by ancient and modern Latin America from México to the Andes led by the El Paso musical group Ceiba.
Adults and children will listen and respond to music and create together, speaking and writing in small groups and making art in response to the music they hear. Ceiba will play a variety of musical pieces and ask participants to respond to questions such as what did you hear, where did you go in your mind while listening, what did you feel, and how would you draw that music. Children will take home the art they make. Both English and Spanish will be spoken during this workshop.
Ceiba musicians perform on a variety of instruments from indigenous cultures of Latin America such as the charango, rain stick, various flutes of wood, ceramic, and bamboo, percussion instruments made of turtle shell and gourd, as well as well as a variety of other percussion and stringed instruments such as the jarana, guitarra de golpe, vihuela, tiple, cuatro, and guitar. Information: Marilyn Guida, 915-755-4332, guidamr@elpasotexas.gov
AUGUST 13, 10:00 AM:
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist Speaker Dr. Corral, Fort Bliss Plant Biologist
Free Admission
AUGUST 21, 2:00 PM: Sue Sitton, Fort Bliss Archaeologist
Free Admission
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: 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.
FMWC Board
President: Scott Cutler
Vice President: Jane Fowler
Secretary: Judy Ackerman
Treasurer: Pat White
At Large Members:
Raul Amaya and Nick Havelick
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 2011
Contents:
FMWC Next Meeting
NEWS
Transmountain Corridor
Petitions
Castner Range
FMSP NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Ardovino’s Dessert Crossing Farmers’ Market
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Free Tours of the Museum
2011 Summer Archaeology Day Camps
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance:
Track Your Wild Path:
Organ Mountains Plein Air Painting Workshop:
LONE STAR LEGACY
FMWC IN CYBERSPACE
FMWC BOARD
Next Meeting: WEDNESDAY, May 18, 2011
MEETING LOCATION: Our meeting will be held at The Garden Center, Memorial Park, 3105 Grant St. from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Map:
http://www.cichlidpress.com/elpasocactusclub/graphics/gardencenter.jpg
NEWS
Transmountain Corridor:
Austin law firm of Loweree, Frederick, Perales, Allmon & Rockwell submitted comments on behalf of the El Paso Regional Group (Rio Grande Chapter) of the Sierra Club on April 1, 2011, to TxDOT regarding TxDOT’s recently submitted Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed Transmountain Freeway Project. The law firm noted that the EA failed to adequately analyze the noise, visual, vegetation, wildlife, and cumulative urbanization-inducing impacts of the proposed Project. The EA also did not take a “hard look” at the impacts to Franklin Mountain State Park which “Section 4(f)” of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regarding “parkland” requires. These failings, viewed individually or, especially, in sum, result in an EA that cannot justify the “will not impact” conclusion the TxDOT EA reaches and cannot be accepted because it is unsupported. A full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared.
The law firm comments were prepared in collaboration with David Simon, who served as the Director of the New Mexico State Park System from 2003 through 2010 and is a recognized authority on the impacts of urbanization on high-desert terrains and, especially, on parks in those terrains.
Word from Jim Tolbert on the petitions to preserve land in the Transmountain Corridor: “Keep collecting and asking others to collect. We are over 1548 – but those have not been checked and we can bet that many are not valid. Please get me petitions as you can so we can check them and not have to rush through them all at once. “ Petitions are available for downloading at our website.
Castner Range (Richard Teschner, Castner Conservation Conveyance Committee):
Texas House, Senate Pass FMWC/Frontera “4-C’s”-Sponsored Resolution Supporting Conservation of Castner Range
Thursday, May 5, 2011. Austin, Texas. Today the Texas State Senate unanimously passed a resolution which expressed its support for the conservation of El Paso’s eleven-square-mile/7,000-plus-acre Castner Range, a “closed” U.S. Army property between the eastern boundary of the Franklin Mountain State Park and the U.S. 54 Patriot Freeway. And two days earlier the Texas House of Representatives passed—also unanimously—an identical resolution supporting the conservation of Castner Range.
The resolution was written and promoted by the members of the joint Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition/Frontera Land Alliance “Castner Conservation Conveyance Committee” (aka “the 4-C’s”)—members Judy Ackerman, Steve Bonner (SONRI Corporation), Scott Cutler, Doug Echlin, Mike Gaglio, John Moses, Richard Teschner, Kevin Von Finger and Pat White. In the House, the resolution was sponsored by District 77 Representative Marisa Márquez (D-El Paso, ably assisted by her Chief of Staff Haley Greer); in the Senate the resolution was moved forward by State Senator José Rodríguez (D-El Paso), his Chief of Staff Corinne Chacón and his office’s Communications Director Emily Amps Mora. The 4-C’s greatly appreciate the support and hard work of Representative Márquez and Senator Rodríguez and their staffs. Ongoing efforts toward our common goals are being aided by a $300,000 Office of Economic Adjustment/Department of Defense grant to collect data concerning the application of a conservation conveyance onto the area. The grant was obtained for the 4-C’s in 2009 by U.S. Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-El Paso), who was honored with Frontera’s “Rock Solid” award at its annual “Taste of Frontera” celebration in February 2010.
The joint resolution runs to over two pages and makes points that the readers of this newsletter have long been familiar with: that under the stewardship of the U.S. Army, Castner has been allowed to rest in its natural state since 1971, when munitions operations ceased; that since 1995 (and in particular recently) the Army has been clearing old artillery rounds from Castner’s surface; that the range contains “some of the most geologically complex and visually striking parts of the Franklins and is prized for its Mexican gold poppy”; that Castner is “the only known site in Texas where several rare plants can be found” as well as “the greatest concentration of springs in the Franklins”; that the El Paso City Council and the El Paso County
Commissioners Court have unanimously passed resolutions in recent years advocating that Castner be left undeveloped and conserved for recreational use; and that “the Franklin Mountains State Park management plan takes the range into account, envisioning a network of trails in the canyons and lower elevations.”
The joint resolution stipulated that the chief clerk of the House and of the Senate “forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to the commanding general of Fort Bliss, to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense, to the president of the [U.S.] Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives … and to all the members of the Texas delegation to Congress.”
FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS STATE PARK NEWS (John Nunez)
Greetings all from the crown jewel of El Paso: Franklin Mtns. State Park!
The latest news obviously at the park and all state parks is the issue regarding the state budget crisis. All park staff are waiting to hear how each park will be affected by the budget crisis. There have been rumours of park closures, but there will be no speculation till the park managers get the official word by June 1st to see how exactly the parks will be affected. We are hoping for the best.
Business as usual at the park. Park staff have been kept busy with the steady flow of people coming out to enjoy all the wonders the park has to offer. With increased visitation, however, there can be some negative consequences. After the crowd left on Easter, there was a great deal of trash that needed to be cleaned and picked up. Park Ranger Felipe Camacho was busy doing cleanup all day after Easter.
A major problem we are facing is the destruction of the Ron Coleman trail and the overall destruction of Smuggler's
Another target area is the newly opened trailhead at North Hills. Park staff and volunteers have witnessed first hand people coming through parts of the fence that have been cut. Others have been seen walking right past the kiosk and pay station making rude comments about paying. What people don't realize is that area was set to be developed. The majority of the park's funding comes from the entrance fees.
All of us at Franklin have been working with each other to help improve the signage all around the park. Park rangers have been finishing up the trailhead kiosks and are near completion. Also new park trail signage will be installed in the Northeast side and all the signs at Tom Mays are currently being repaired.
It is that time of the year where all of us are busy with tours. Lately there have been large school groups attending the tours that we offer at Franklin. Tours are an excellent opportunity to teach people of all ages the many benefits that await them when they come out and hike in the Franklin Mountains. For many, it is the first time they have ever hiked in the Franklins. All park staff take pride in teaching people all that they can do to enjoy nature in their backyard.
With so much going on at the park and across the state, we are always busy and rarely is there ever a dull moment. Every day is different with many challenges ahead, but all of us at Franklin Mtn. State Park will continue working hard and take advantage of the fact that we leave the at the end of the day feeling a sense of great accomplishment.
*Photos available in our e-newsletter.
More 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!!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Starting 28 May, Every Saturday, 7am - Noon
Ardovino’s Dessert Crossing Farmers’ Market
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition has had great success with our booth at Ardovino’s Dessert Crossing Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings from 7am to noon. This year we will team with The Frontera Land Alliance to share the booth. You can join in the fun by helping to staff the booth. FMWC President Scott Cutler is working with Richard Teschner of the Frontera Board to coordinate volunteering activities. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Richard at teschner@utep.edu. He will send you the sign-up sheet which indicates the dates that are still open.
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Exhibit, Programs, Tours
May – August 2011
El Paso Museum of Archaeology Continuing Exhibit extended through October 9, 2011:
Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North
Free Admission
Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, local anthropologist and historian, tells the dramatic story of the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into today’s sister cities, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Dr. Mario Garza speaking on the Coahuiltecans: The Struggle for Legitimacy in a Hispanic World
This lecture is presented by the El Paso Archaeological Society in partnership with the El Paso Museum of Archaeology and is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Specifically, the award has been drawn from a federal grant made available through We the People, an initiative designed by the National Endowment for the Humanities to strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture.
Free Tours of the Museum
Saturday, May 14, 2011, 1:00 pm
Museum Tour for Adults
Saturday, May 21, 2011, 1:00 pm
Museum Tour for Families with Elementary-School Age Children
Sunday, May 22, 2011, 2:00 pm, Free Admission
Zip Tour of the Settlement Legacy exhibit
Free Lecture with Sign Language interpreters for the hearing impaired at 2:00 pm in conjunction with the exhibit:
2011 Summer Archaeology Day Camps
9 am to 12 pm, Tuesday through Friday
For ages 7 to 9 years/Grades 2-4 (must have completed first grade)
June 28 to July 1 or July 26 to 29
For ages 10 to 12 years/Grades 5-7, July 12-15 or August 9-12
An interactive, hands-on course about the science of archaeology and the prehistory of the Americas held on the museum’s grounds and in the galleries with a field trip (to be announced). Cost $70 for non-members, $55 for museum members per child. Space is limited to 12 students per camp. Registration taken on a first come, first served basis. For information and registration form: 915-755-4332 or guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.
June 11, 10:00 am
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalists Speaker To Be Announced, Free Admission.
June 19, 2:00 pm
El Paso Archaeological Society, speaker, Dr. Arthur Harris, Professor of Biology, UTEP, Free Admission
August 13, 10:00 am,
Master Gardeners/Master Naturalists, speaker Dr. Corral, Free Admission
August 13, 2:00 pm,
Family Workshop with Ceiba, Exploring the Music of the Americas, Free Admission
August 21, 2:00 pm,
El Paso Archaeological Society, speaker to be announced
Year Round:
Teachers and Group Leaders: Schedule a Free Tour of the museum for your School or Group with two weeks advance reservation, call 915-755-4332
New Mexico Wilderness Alliance:
If you haven't already picked up a copy of the 2011 Wild Guide, now's the time. Don't miss out on any more action! Order your guide online or contact craig@nmwild.org because just a few of these fun-packed, beautifully designed books are left!
Track Your Wild Path:
May 22 in Santa Fe - This free family event at Santa Fe's Museum Hill features interactive art projects with local artist Daniel Richmond. Get to know the endangered animals that inhabit our state's wild lands. Plus get free admission to Santa Fe museums! Learn more online or contact demis@nmwild.org
Organ Mountains Plein Air Painting Workshop:
May 20-21
Student art show to follow May 22 -
Let yourself be inspired by the stunning backdrop of the Organ Mountains at this outdoor painting workshop taught by critically acclaimed local artists Bonnie Mandoe and Nancy Begin. Beginning to intermediate painters of all ages encouraged to attend. The class will be held at beautiful Aguirre Springs Recreation Area outside Las Cruces; lunch will be provided Friday and Saturday.
Learn more & get registration info online or email Bonnie at bdmandoe@gmail.com
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.
FMWC BOARD
President: Scott Cutler
Vice President: Jane Fowler
Secretary: Judy Ackerman
Treasurer: Pat White
At Large Members:
Raul Amaya
Nick Havlik
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March 2011
NEWSLETTER
March 2011
Contents:
FMWC Next Meeting
Message From Our President
Petition Drive And North West Open Space
5th Annual Poppies Celebration 2011
Poppies Schedule Of Events
Volunteer For Poppies!
Borderland Mountain Bike Association
Teaming With Wildlife
Park News
Mark Your Calendars
Poppies Day Proclamation
TXDOT Public Hearing Transmountain Rd
El Paso Museum Of Archaeology:
Earth Day Celebrations
FMWC Board
Lone Star Legacy
FMWC In Cyberspace
NEXT MEETING: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. THURSDAY, March 17, 2011
MEETING LOCATION: The Garden Center, Memorial Park, 3105 Grant Map:
http://www.cichlidpress.com/elpasocactusclub/graphics/gardencenter.jpg
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, Scott Cutler
First, I would like to thank all who were able to attend the annual meeting in January. It was one of the largest crowds we have had in quite a few years and I hope everyone enjoyed the company and the presentation by Steve Bonner. He updated us on the current status of the federal grant to study how a conservation conveyance can be applied to surplus military properties. It is hoped this will translate to a mechanism that will permit Castner Range to be preserved as open space.
I would like to take this opportunity thank our out-going at-large board members Jim Tolbert and Matt Carroll for their service to the group and participation in the board meetings. Their help is much appreciated.
Please welcome our two new at-large members: Raul Amaya and Nick Havelick. We greatly appreciate their willingness to attend the bi-monthly board meetings and participate in the board’s decision making processes and look forward to working with them in the coming year.
It is hard to believe but the 5th annual Poppies celebration is fast approaching. Please see the information below about how you can help make this event a success. It is a huge undertaking and volunteers are always needed. If you have time to help out, please do. In any case, I hope you will be able to come and enjoy this important event that keeps the idea of preserving Castner Range as open space at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
PETITION DRIVE AND NORTH WEST OPEN SPACE
For the latest information on this topic, check Jim Tolbert’s Blog, elpasonaturally.
5TH ANNUAL POPPIES CELEBRATION 2011
Franklin Mountains Poppies Preservation Celebration, takes place on Saturday, March 26, 2011at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road. Free parking is at EPCC NE Campus on Gateway North. NO parking for the public at the museum or on Transmountain Road! We have ADA Free Shuttle service from EPCC NE Campus to Museum 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.2011 marks the fifth year for the Franklin Mountains Poppies Preservation Celebration – a FREE Family Fun Event that will include a full day of programming with Children’s Activity Center, nature talks and walks, wildlife displays and visits with a real wolf and a Golden Eagle, educational exhibits, demonstrations, art vendors, film festival, live music and food. El Pasoans care deeply about the Franklin Mountains – one of our area’s greatest assets. We are frequently blessed with a stunning wildflower display over particular parts of the Franklin Mountains when the Mexican golden poppies burst forth on Castner Range. In addition to the poppies, the Festival is an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and all our mountains have to offer. The grounds of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology boast examples of more than 200 native plants. Witness unparalleled views of the Franklin Mountains, the Hueco Bolson that stretches from the Franklin east to the Hueco Mountains, and on clear days, Mt. Sierra Blanca.
This spectacular event is made possible by our sponsors: El Paso Electric, El Paso Natural Gas, El Paso Regional Economic Development Corporation (REDCo), El Paso Community College, El Paso Times, El Paso Natural Gas, Bowen Ranch, COSTCO, Slakabilly, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.
Organizing sponsors include Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, El Paso Archaeological Society, El Paso Cactus and Rock Club, El Paso County Master Gardeners, El Paso Museum and Cultural Affairs Department, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, El Paso Native Plant Society, El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society, El Paso Water Utilities, El Paso Zoo, Environmental Protection Agency, Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, Friends Of The Rio Bosque, League Of Women Voters Of El Paso, Rio Grande Council of Governments, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Trans Pecos Chapter Of The Texas Master Naturalists, United Inter-Tribal Nations.Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the poppies during this FREE Family Fun event. For more information, please call the El Paso Museum of Archaeology at (915) 755-4332. Check http://www.franklinmountains.org/ for the latest information.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2011 FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS POPPIES PRESERVATION CELEBRATION:
Outside Activities:
10am-4pm Information Exhibitors10am-6pm Art VendorsLeyton Cougar with Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Ramah, New Mexico will have a socialized live wolf from his sanctuary at the celebration.
At the Bandstand (under the carport):
10am-10:30am Welcome Presentations from Event Committee and Public Officials
10:30am United Inter Tribal Nations morning blessing with traditional drum and dance
11 am Special Presentation by the Southwest Environmental Education Center
Noon Ysleta del Sur Pueblo traditional drum and dance1pm Ceiba, Native Folk Music
2pm Cheryl Garing, Plants of the Franklin Mountains
2:30pm Katherine Palafox, Keep El Paso Beautiful
3pm Rick LoBello and Meet Takota, The El Paso Zoo's new Golden Eagle Ambassador for Conservation of the Chihuahuan Desert, Why we need to save the Castner Range and how you can help.
4pm-6pm Slackabilly (Band)
Children’s Activity Center (Gazebo) 11 – 4:
Continuous fun, educational activates for children of all ages including sand art, potato stamps and beanbag toss. Face painting all day in the Exhibit area.
Feature Activities:
11:00am – Journal Making
1:00pm – Basket Making
Tours - All tours will be on the Museum grounds and last less than an hour. The start point - the gazebo.
10:00am Indian Uses of our Desert sponsored by the Museum of Archaeology
11:00am Identification of Native Plants sponsored by the El Paso Native Plant Society
12:00pm Indian Uses of our Desert sponsored by the Museum of Archaeology
1:00pm West TX Cacti Tour El Paso sponsored by the Cactus and Rock Club
2:00pm Indian Uses of our Desert sponsored by the Museum of Archaeology
3:00pm Identification of Native Plants sponsored by the El Paso Native Plant Society
4:00pm Indian Uses of our Desert sponsored by the Museum of Archaeology
5:00pm West TX Cacti Tour sponsored by the El Paso Cactus and Rock Club
Inside Film Activities:
10 am–11am - Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators, Green Fire Productions 11am-noon – Legends of El Paso Mountains, CAPSTONE PRODUCTIONS INC.
Noon –1pm – What is the Future for Castner Range? By FMWC.
1pm-2pm – El Paso’s Mount Cristo Rey, CAPSTONE PRODUCTIONS INC.
2pm – 3pm – Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators, Green Fire Productions
3pm-4pm - Ghost Stories of El Paso Vol. 2, CAPSTONE PRODUCTIONS INC. (1 hr) w
VOLUNTEER FOR POPPIES!
We are calling for Volunteers for 5th Annual Franklin Mountains Poppies Preservation Celebration on Castner Range. This is a great opportunity to acquire volunteer hours AND be an integral part of this fun filled event. Please fill out volunteer applications available at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology website: http://www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/arch_museum/ and return them to Socorro Diamondstein: diamondsteinsq@elpasotexas.gov or drop-off at: Museums and Cultural Affairs Dept, City Hall, 1st Floor, 2 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, Texas 79901. For more information call Socorro at (915) 541-4481.
Volunteer Duties Include:
• Direct people to the shuttle loading areas
• Parking lot attendants
• Food vendor assistants (helping serve Buffalo Stew, must have a food handler’s card)
• Assist event goers to separate and recycle their trash
• Assist children of all ages with arts and crafts activities
• Help exhibitors to set up and/or tear down their exhibit spaces
• Shuttle bus tour guide as event attendees travel from the parking lot to the event (a script is provided).
BORDERLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION:
The Borderland Mountain Bike Association has been quietly working in the background on a few projects. Our biggest project is about to become a reality as the city has allowed us to construct a parking lot at the end of Redd Rd. near the water tanks. This will be a nice addition to the area as parking at this time is limited to the road or the dentist office. Parking on the road will not be possible when Helen of Troy is completed. The lot will have 27 spaces and the club will be installing signage to the trails and a trail map will be installed next to the water tanks. Financial donors to this project will have their name printed on the map/information kiosk. If you would like to donate, contact Brent Sanders at brentep@yahoo.com.
Geobetty.com, the title sponsor of January's Puzzler race has officially launched their website. It is really cool in that it provides printable and downloadable maps of all the great rides and hikes in El Paso. They are also hosting their first virtual race where anyone can enter for free! Just register at geobetty.com, upload the race file to your gps device, go ride the route as fast as you can, and send your new file back to geobetty between March 7 and April 30. They are giving away a $100 prize to one lucky contestant. Also, if you have a favorite ride that you don't see on their website, upload it from your gps device onto their page and become a contributor to the new site.
The Coyote Classic is coming AGAIN March 20! For 20 something years the Coyote Classic has been the opening event for the New Mexico Off Road Series. The courses are currently available on geobetty. Early registration ends March 14. Register http://www.newmexicosportsonline.com/events/details.aspx?id=213
BMBA Blog: http://bmba.wordpress.com/
TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE:
Fish and wildlife conservation have been on the funding chopping block. Please consider Teaming with Wildlife, a coalition of more than 6,300 organizations supporting increased public funding for wildlife conservation and related education and recreation. Organization membership will help ensure that state wildlife agencies and their conservation partners have the funding they need to fully implement their wildlife action plans, conserving wildlife and natural areas for future generations. Go to https://tex.tpwd.state.tx.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.teaming.com for more details.
PARK NEWS (John Nunez)
Well, it certainly has been busy, yet lots fun here at Franklin Mountains State Park! This last weekend all of us at the park were happy to be a part of the Texas Outdoor Family Program. Hosted by Texas Parks and Wildlife, this event was all about teaching families how to be well prepared for a successful camping trip. Ten local families, (approximately 40 people), participated in the event which included courses on how to cook in the outdoors, set up camp and enjoy nature responsibly. For those that have never had the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of camping, this event was the perfect introduction to camping in the great outdoors. Parks and Wildlife staff Cassie and Lindsey from the Austin and Dallas areas hosted the event and provided tents, lanterns, camp stoves and water to the families that participated. Park volunteers George Murray and Richard Love also helped out with the set up and photography of the event.
In preparation for the event, Park staff has been working for the past month on the conversion of some of the picnic sites near the Aztec Cave trailhead and at the end loop near the Schaeffer Shuffle trailhead into campsites. Ten picnic sites are now set up with tent pads for campers increasing our campsite availability to 15 campsites. Hard work it was, but a great deal of fun and a great workout for all of us that were on the project!
Obviously there is a new look to the park lately with the extra campsites but that has not been the only addition to the park. The Lower Sunset, West Cottonwood, Aztec Cave, Nature Walk, Upper Sunset and Schaeffer Shuffle trailhead kiosks are now complete! Lead ranger Robert Pichardo recently installed the interpretive panels that display information and maps in English and Spanish giving the trailheads a polished look.
Now that the days are starting to warm up, more and more people are coming out to enjoy all that the park has to offer. Lately park volunteers Robert Cosell, George Murray, and Heath Shawhart, have been giving tours on the weekends mostly to folks who have never visited the Franklin Mountains before. Park staff, along with the much appreciated help from dedicated volunteers, has led guided tours to some of the area’s schools.
It is rewarding to see more people come out and enjoy El Paso’s natural wonder for the first time. It is often heard from people who live in El Paso say that they had never visited the park before. It is the goal of all of us that work and volunteer at the park to encourage people to come out and enjoy a hike through their park.
Please see our e-newsletter for photos of the recent activities at the park provided by volunteer Richard Love. Enjoy!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2011:
El Paso City Council will proclaim March 26, 2011 as “Franklin Mountains Poppies Preservation Day”. Join us at City Hall by 9:00 a.m. to show your support for preserving Castner Range, the only place in Texas where Mexican Gold Poppies bloom.
Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2011:
Public Hearing - Loop 375 TransMountain Rd. Project I-10 to east of the Franklin Mountain State Park Entrance. The Open House starts at 6 p.m. and the Public Hearing starts at 7 p.m. The location is Canutillo High School Cafeteria, 6675 South Desert Blvd. El Paso, TX.
Your participation is critical to ensure the Transmountain road expansion meets the needs of El Pasoans. How do YOU want this road to look? TXDOT is asking for your comments.
This is not a Question and Answer session. TXDOT will give a briefing and ask for your comments, verbally or in writing. You do not have to be present to comment. See the TXDOT website http://www.txdot.gov/public_involvement/hearings_meetings/elp_375_032211.htm for more details.
TXDOT: “The purpose of the hearing is to provide information about the proposed improvements to Loop 375 from I-10 to east of the Franklin Mountains State Park entrance, a distance that includes approximately 3.6 miles of main lanes and approximately 2.10 miles of frontage roads (from Northwestern Drive to Paseo Del Norte Drive).
The proposed improvements will consist of expanding the current two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway with two-lane frontage roads. The improvements also include grade separated intersections at Northwestern Drive, Resler Drive, Plexxar Drive and Paseo del Norte Drive as well as two direct connectors from Loop 375 west to I-10 east and from I-10 west to Loop 375 east. As part of this project shared hike-and-bike trail will be constructed separate from the roadways, near the Loop 375 right-of-way line, between the intersections of Northwestern Drive and Paseo del Norte Drive. Access to the LP 375 main lanes and frontage roads will be by means of entrance and exit ramps at various locations between intersections. The right-of-way (ROW) footprint and geometric design provides for expansion to six main lanes from Northwestern Drive to east of Paseo del Norte Drive.”
EL PASO MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY:
Teachers and Group Leaders: Schedule a Free Tour of the museum for your School or Group with two weeks advance reservation, call 915-755-4332
El Paso Museum of Archaeology Continuing Exhibit through August 14, 2011:
Settlement Legacy: Native Americans of the Pass of the North
Free Admission - Guest Curator Nicholas P. Houser, local anthropologist and historian, tells the dramatic story of the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indians who, over four centuries ago, founded the missions and pueblos that evolved into today’s sister cities, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez.
Three Free Lectures at 2:00 pm in conjunction with the exhibit:
Saturday, March 12, 2011, Nicholas P. Houser, Guest Curator, speaking on the Manso, Suma, Piro, and Tigua Indian settlements of El Paso-Ciudad Juárez
Saturday, April 2, 2011, Dr. David Carmichael speaking on the origins and migrations of the Mescalero Apache
Sunday, May 15, 2011, Dr. Mario Garza speaking on the Coahuiltecans: The Struggle for Legitimacy in a Hispanic World
Saturday, March 19, 2011, 1:00 pm, Free Admission
Museum Tour for Adults - These free one-hour, docent-led tours of the El Paso Museum of Archaeology will introduce participants to the people of El Paso’s ancient past from the Paleoindians who lived here 14,000 years ago to the Mescalero Apache people of today. Visitors will also see prehistoric artifacts from several regions of México. To enjoy the gardens, wear suitable clothing, shoes, and sun protection.
Reservations are not necessary but contact the museum if you plan to attend, 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov.
March 15-18, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Spring Archaeology Camp, $70 per child for non-members, $55 per child for members
For children 7 to 12 years old, child must have completed first grade, pottery making and other activities, limited to twelve students, advanced paid registration required, contact for registration form and payment: 915-755-4332; guidamr@elpasotexas.gov
March 20, 2011, 2:00 pm, Free Admission
El Paso Archaeological Society Speaker:
Larry Baron speaking on the Tarahumara/Anasazi Connection
April 2, 2011: The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department is sponsoring a funfilled family day and educational event to kick-off Earth Day Celebrations in El Paso. Our event will be free and open to the general public. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Album Park, 3001 Parkwood Drive in East El Paso. The outdoor event aims to promote recycling, waste reduction and the preservation of the environment and of our natural resources.
FMWC BOARD
President: Scott Cutler
Vice President: Jane Fowler
Secretary: Judy Ackerman
Treasurer: Pat White
At Large Members: Raul Amaya and Nick Havelick
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 *El Paso Youth Symphony * 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 * Southern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club * Southwestern Environmental Center * Skyline Optimist Club of El Paso * Trans Pecos Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists * Vista Hills Rotary Club
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