Risa
First Congressional District of New Mexico
GO

Home

About Heather

District Profile

Constituent Services

News Center

Issues

E-News

Student Corner

Contact Heather

White Line Space
Default Image
Bottom Shadow
Left Space Hot Topics Left Space
Hot Topics Lines Welcome Home Hot Topics Lines

Hot Topics Lines Economic Stimulus Hot Topics Lines

Hot Topics Lines Social Security Debit Cards Hot Topics Lines

 

Left Space
Contact
Left Space


ask.heather@mail.house.gov

In Washington DC
442 Cannon House
Office Building
Washington, DC
20515
202-225-6316 Phone
202-225-4975 Fax
In Albuquerque
20 First Plaza NW
Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM
87102
505-346-6781 Phone
505-346-6723 Fax

White Line Space
Green Home Tour
White Line Space
E-news Submit Button
Printer Friendly
White Line Space

Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico


Releases
space
Wilson Hikes Up Attention on Otero Canyon Fencing Issue June 05, 2003
 
Lawmaker Requests Expanded Public Comment Opportunities


Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson weighed in today on the Otero Canyon fencing issue and asked Kirtland Air Force Base officials to find a way to improve security while allowing people continued access to trails in the area.

“I understand the fencing project is a security measure for Kirtland Air Force Base. I certainly understand and support the need for security at the base,” Wilson told base commander Col. Kathie Close today. “I also believe there is a call for a balanced approach based upon the unique aspects of Otero Canyon and Kirtland Air Force Base.”

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 expressed her concern today that the public comment process has not allowed for sufficient input from constituents opposed to the fencing plan. Wilson asked base officials to refine their public comment mechanism by extending the comment period and including a public hearing to assure that people can be heard.

“We’ve known for a long time that a fence like this was a possibility,” says Charlie Ervin, owner of the Two Wheel Drive bicycle shop in Albuquerque and New Mexico’s representative for the International Mountain Bicycling Association. “We’re simply looking for a balanced approach that assures security for the Base while keeping those trails open to the recreational community.”

Wilson expressed to base officials her belief that an alternative plan, presented by a coalition of hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and others who utilize the nature area, should be seriously considered. Wilson thinks the issue is not a “zero sum game” and that the Base’s security needs could be met while still allowing access to trails in the area.

“By working together, I believe we can find a way to improve security at the base and allow people to continue to have access to Otero Canyon,” says the New Mexico lawmaker.

“It’s clear the Congresswoman Wilson is listening to folks from this area and we appreciate her involvement,” said Ervin. “This area has become a national destination for hikers and bikers, and we don’t want to lose this treasure and the increased tourism the area attracts to New Mexico.”

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.



—END—
space



Privacy Statement
| Toolbox | Hablas Español?