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| Wilson Offers Public Comments of Her Own on Otero Canyon Trail Issue |
May 07, 2004 |
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Lawmaker seeks public access to 5,000 acres of public land, alterations to fence line
Read Heather Wilson`s public comments on the Otero Canyon Trail issue
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson went on the record today with her hopes that much of Otero Canyon’s trails will continue to be accessible for nature enthusiasts. Today is the deadline—extended from April 23, 2004—for public comment on an issue that has galvanized hikers, bikers and bird watchers.
Wilson’s public comments pushing for continued public access to miles of backcountry trails came in the form of a letter to KAFB commander Col. Hank Andrews. Wilson expresses her hopes that the proposed fence line be moved as far west as possible, maximizing access to the trail system. She also supports an idea offered by the Friends of Otero organization—that seeks to open access to 5,000 acres in the area that might otherwise become land-locked and inaccessible.
“The proposed fence line will be on what is a rather broad, flat ridge. The placement of that fence will have a significant impact on the existing trial network. Consistent with the safety and security needs of the base, I would ask you to consider adjusting the fence line west as much as possible so as to preserve the trail network as much as possible,” Wilson told KAFB officials today.
“While I was on my hike in Otero Canyon I was made aware of an issue regarding the north eastern boundary. The north eastern boundary of the base abuts a quarry for the Rio Grande Cement plant in Tijeras and may cut off access to 5,000 acres of public land,” says Wilson.
“I believe it is very important to align the fences in such a way that access to these 5,000 areas be opened for public use. Linking these 5,000 areas to the public land east of the proposed fence would provide a unique recreation area.”
“We are very appreciative of Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s direct involvement in the Otero Canyon issue,” said Matt Turgeon, a local mountain biker and member of Friends of Otero (FOO). FOO is a not-for-profit, multi-use group that opposes closing any part of the Otero Trail System. Turgeon and several other trail users joined Wilson to hike the Otero Canyon trail system last month.
“Heather was the first major official who truly listened to us and supported our efforts, and we hope that she will continue her efforts to ensure that the full trail system remains open to the public,” says Turgeon.
Early last June, Wilson asked officials at Kirtland Air Force Base to take a balanced approach based on Otero Canyon’s unique aspects, as well as the Base’s needs. At Wilson’s request, the public comment period at the time was then extended. Wilson also requested in April that the second public comment period be extended.
Base officials have proposed building a fence along Kirtland’s eastern boundary in the Manzanita Mountains. The area, known as Otero Canyon, is heavily used by nature enthusiasts who hike and bike in the area. The Canyon has also been featured in outdoor magazines that have touted its trails as some of the best in the nation.
Wilson serves on the House Armed Services Committee where she has consistently worked to keep Kirtland Air Force Base strong before the next Base Realignment and Closure Commission starts its work. She has also worked to preserve New Mexico’s natural beauty, most notably through the federal purchase of the Baca Ranch in northern New Mexico and the Tres Pistolas nature area in the East Mountains.
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