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Conservation |
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Conservation issues and events involving the southwest - for information call
Nancy Kaminski: 575-956-5832, or email kaminskinancy@hotmail.com |
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THE GILA MEXICAN WOLF CENTER
Mexican wolves in the Gila National Forest could lead to a better economic future for Grant County. The Southwest Environmental Center, SWEC, is working to establish the Gila Mexican Wolf Center, GMWC with this in mind. This center would be modeled after the International Wolf Center, IWC, in Ely, MN. It includes a museum of the natural history of wolves and humans, a gift shop, theater, offices, an auditorium and interactive exhibits geared toward young children. Their mission statement is to teach about wolves and their relationship to wild lands and the human role in their future. Ely, MN is a small village similar to Silver City, with a much colder climate. It is also far from the nearest airport of any size. Yet the IWC contributes an estimated $3 million to the local economy.
The proposed Gila Mexican Wolf Center, GMWC, is finding broad support from the community, Silver City elected officials, Grant County residents and Silver City merchants.
The Governor's office has stated their support and offered suggestions about its funding. The GMWC may use some state funding in the form of Capitol Outlay Funds or acquire funds through NM Cultural Affairs. Private donations, and grants would also be available.
There are few places in the lower forty-eight with both wild lands and wolves. The northern midwest, Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin, along with the Greater Yellowstone area are now home to a growing number of Timber wolves. In Arizona and New Mexico’s Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area we are re-establishing the Mexican wolf. This is a wonderful opportunity to educate and inform our residents and attract more tourists to Silver City.
The New Mexico Game Commission met in Deming on Dec. 4th. Matt Wunder gave a report on the current status of NMDGF support for the Mexican wolves. A resolution was presented to continue support of wolf reintroduction and to draft a new MOU from the Adaptive Management Oversight Committee. Many New Mexicans commented on this issue, both in favor of the resolution and against it. The Commission voted 3 to 2 to continue their support of the Mexican wolf reintroduction. The vote was Simpson, Salmon and Arvas in favor. McClintick and Simms against. Buffet and Montoya were absent. If you believe these wolves belong back in their native land and your Commissioners did not vote for this resolution, you need to contact them and let them know your concerns. |
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THE RIVER OTTER
During the public comment period three New Mexicans spoke about the reintroduction of the River Otter into the Upper Gila River. The commission voted two years ago to reintroduce this playful creature and the citizens wanted to know why we have only had one release of three River Otters into the Upper Rio Grande so far. Dutch Salmon asked why there was no time line for completion of the Bio Assessment of the Gila and if the Department of Game and Fish could get this done by the Fall of 2009. Matt Wunder responded “seems reasonable to me.”
The last meeting of the AWSA included a request from stakeholders, that’s anyone living in Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Catron counties, for their desired conditions. Several interested parties spoke on behalf of our river and the ecosystem of the river. For more info, including the meeting minutes email: info@awsaplanning.com |
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THE TEACHING TRUNK PROGRAM
There have been many opportunities for the GCEC wolf trunk teachings recently. Nancy Kaminski, Conservation chair for SWNM Audubon, spent a day teaching the trunk and trunk teachers at ALHS. On another wonderful day the trunk presentation demonstrated at the "Pennies for Pets" SNAP event. This day was especially productive due to the large number of adults, children and ranchers in attendance. Ranchers were very interested in how to identify Mexican wolves and what they can do to protect their livestock without harming the wolves. If you would like to learn how to demonstrate a trunk to school children or other places, call Nancy at 575-956-5832. |
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