Catron County Connection

Wood Central

2012-01-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a wood source, or if you are looking for work in the forestry industry, please contact your area's Catron County Economic Development Advisory Board representative (check out the Catron County Economic Development Website for the name of the person nearest you - use your phone book to call or email catronweb @ gmail.com (delete the spaces).

For instance:

Hazardous fuels and taxidermy snags

What do the two have to do with each other? John Clayton of Texas is looking for shaggy bark cedar, large quantities of stumps, roots and snags, dead or alive. He has a crafting and taxidermy market for "tumbled wood". He says that the shaggy bark cedar is particularly valuable if it ages at high altitude and rough climate - like we have here in Catron County.

He is looking for stumps and roots 4-8" in diameter and will buy from a harvester by weight. He is also looking for partnership with ranchers and public land management agencies to do hazardous fuels reduction work (he will take some payment in wood).

John has an immediate need for 3 semi loads full of shaggy bark cedar.
724 561-6530

Invitation to Bid - State Land Office Price Agreements for Forestry / Prescribed Fire

2012-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Subject: Invitation to Bid - State Land Office Price Agreements for Forestry / Prescribed Fire

The New Mexico State Land Office’s Fuels Mitigation and Prescribed Fire Services Price Agreements (PA’s) have been opened for bidding.

Bids are due by February 15, 2012 and the Invitation to Bid (ITB) may be downloaded from HERE. Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who may be interested.

For those not familiar with SLO Price Agreements for Fuel Mitigation and Prescribed Fire Services, here are the basics:

Price Agreements are standing contracts to provide certain services for a set price.
Price Agreements are not for specific projects. They are for various forestry and fire services.
They are divided into the following categories:

Selected tree falling,
Thinning,
Fuel break,
Chipping/slash treatment,
Brush pulling (lop and scatter),
Forest and Fire Management Plan preparation,
Wildland Fire Engines,
Fireline Construction and Maintenance,
Prescribed Fire Burn Plan Preparation,
Pile Burning,
Holding Boss,
Ignition Specialist,
Prescribed Fire Burn Boss

A contractor can bid on any of the categories, but is not required to bid on all of them.
Bids are per hour for work in a particular category.
Being selected for the Price Agreement does not automatically guarantee work. Contractors will be chosen for project work based on their capabilities, cost and time table, and past work experiences with the State Land Office and other land management agencies

Multiple contractors will be accepted for services.
The State Land Office may allow other state agencies, such as State Forestry and Dept of Game & Fish, to utilize (i.e. piggyback) the Price Agreements for their project work.
Contractors will identify what geographical areas they are willing to work in.

If you have any questions about the Invitation to Bid, please contact Natalie Martinez at State Purchasing Division at (505) 827-0251.

If you have any questions about fuels mitigation specifications or prescribed fire services, please feel free to contact me at (505) 827-4453 or Jim Norwick at (505) 827-5095.

Mark K. Meyers
Forester
Field Operations Division
New Mexico State Land Office
P.O. Box 1148
310 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1148
(505) 827-4453 Phone/Voicemail
(505) 827-5873 Fax
mkmeyers@slo.state.nm.us

Scrap metal for $

2012-01-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Have an old vehicle that doesn't run any more that you'd like to get rid of? Other scrap metal too big to take to the dumpster? Call Jake, 520 248-2087 (Arizona). Depending on how far he has to drive and what you've got, he will pay up to $100 for a vehicle and can talk to you about other scrap metal.

Jake also sells firewood by the cord.

Short term job - Springerville

2012-01-12T11:50:00.001-08:00

Temporary Help Wanted at Davis True Value in Springerville

We are needing four hard working individuals to work along-side a merchandiser. Must be able to stand long hours and be physically able to place merchandise as directed. Must be available January 29 through the completion of the project (approx March 31, 2012). Contact the store in person for any additional details.

Catron County Commission meeting date change

2012-01-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Public Notice

The regular scheduled Catron County Commission Meeting for Wednesday, January 18, 2012 has been changed to Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 9:00 AM. Meetings will resume their regular schedule Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 9:00 AM. Meetings will be held in the Commission Meeting room on the 2^nd floor of the Catron County Courthouse. Agendas will be available before the meetings at www.catroncounty.us . For more information, contact Sarah Merklein, County Manager at (575) 533-6423 or by email at ccmanager@gilanet.com.

/s/

Sarah Merklein

Catron County Manager

Publications:

Silver City Daily Press

Thursday, January 5, 2012

El Defensor Chieftain

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Your Tax Dollars at Work (part 2)

2012-01-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Forest Service paid $6.1 million in legal fees to groups that sued it over a six-year period, according to an academic study that casts new light on a politically charged issue.

At issue is the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), which requires the federal government to pay attorneys fees when it loses cases under statutes that do not specifically call for such fees to be paid by the government.

More:
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/07/11/11greenwire-study-forest-service-paid-61m-in-groups-legal-98487.html

Your tax dollars at work.

2012-01-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why environmentalism doesn't make more progress? That's because the environmental groups are into making money, not making a better environment. Read on!

Tucson is the environmental litigation factory capitol of America. Tucson is home to the Center for Biological Diversity which has been spewing out lawsuits over alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act. And the CBD has been raking in millions in legal fees for these lawsuits under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA).

Nationally the CBD has become the poster child of a litigious environmental group...prompting Congress to actually try and reform the Equal Access to Justice Act and cut off the pipeline of taxpayer money to the CBD and other similar environmental litigation factories such as Western Watershed Project and WildEarth Guardians.

CBD engages in what some call the "EAJA racket".

http://www.insidetucsonbusiness.com/news/tucson-the-environmental-litigation-factory-capitol-of-america/article_5dd3355c-a8da-11e0-b279-001cc4c002e0.html

San Augustin Water Grab Hearing Date Set - Feb 7

2011-12-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

The State Engineer has scheduled a hearing on the San Augustin Water Grab for Tuesday, February 7, 2012. PLEASE put this on your calendar and plan to be there. Our numbers are making a difference. It's hard to ignore a crowd!

Date of the hearing: February 7, 2012
Place: Socorro District Courthouse,

200 Church Street, Socorro
Courtroom 1, second floor

Time: 10AM

The hearing is on the motions to dismiss the application.

Catron County Gears Up For Fire Season

2011-12-02T09:50:00.001-08:00

Contact: Zina McGuire, Catron County Fire Marshal

PO Box 507, Reserve NM 87830

(575) 533-6470

catronfire@gilanet.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATRON COUNTY GEARS UP FOR FIRE SEASON

Are we ready for catastrophic wildfires like the Wallow Fire?

By Lif C Strand, Catron County CWPP Contractor

RESERVE, N.M. November 30, 2011. La Niña conditions, an ongoing drought, buildup of hazardous fuels conditions in the National Forests and bad memories of this year’s catastrophic Wallow Fire have prompted the Catron County Commission to take aggressive action to protect lives and property within its borders as the 2012 fire season approaches.

La Niña is a periodic and predictable weather pattern that brings warm, dry conditions to the southwest. Catron County currently is experiencing drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extremely dry, within the southern part of the county – the heart of the Gila National Forest – experiencing the worst drought conditions (e.g. a 13.4” precipitation deficit for the first 10 months of 2011 in Glenwood).

“We can expect to see wildfires before spring, due to these dangerous conditions, if nothing changes” said Zina McGuire, Catron County Fire Marshal. “If we learned anything from the Wallow Fire, it is that we can’t wait until we see the smoke to protect our people and property – we have to act now.”

“Catron County has been dealing with concerns of our citizens regarding hazardous fuel reductions and potential catastrophic wildland fires for a long time now,” McGuire said. “We still receive calls, emails and visits by citizens who remain concerned even after the end of the Wallow Fire, and our citizens are very worried about the upcoming fire season.”

Catron County began addressing the issues of catastrophic wildfires after the passage of Catron County’s Disaster Declaration Resolution in 2001, which is still in effect. Following the guidance of the Federal Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, the County worked in partnership with NM State Forestry, the US Bureau of Land Management and the US Forest Service to create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for the 7000 square miles within its borders. Catron County additionally created CWPPs for eleven major Wildland/Urban Interface (WUI) areas.

The CWPPs assessed the state of the forest and woodlands and the risk to WUI areas in order to know what work needed to be done to reduce the risk of wildfire.

“The point of the CWPPs is protection of human life and property” McGuire said. “To be useful tools, the CWPPs must be reviewed and updated immediately.” The Catron County Commissioners agrees.

Accomplishment reports, of the work done by public land management agencies to implement CWPP goals to date, have been submitted to the County by these agencies and will be used to reassess fire prevention priorities.

Additionally, the County has contracted with a Fire Wise/Bio Mass contractor and obtained two chippers and a grapple truck (using all Federal funds) to help residents implement the Fire Wise program.

“Our goal is to analyze the submitted data to see if the fire risk for our communities has changed. Once analyzed, we can make a push to help protect the highest risk communities prior to fire season” McGuire said.

For more information see http://www.catronfireprevention.org/

# # #

Catron County Commission meeting date change

2011-11-11T07:10:00.001-08:00

Note that due to deadline needs, the regularly scheduled second monthly meeting of the Catron County Commission has been changed to Monday, November 14, 2011 at 9 a.m.

Among other agenda items, various federal and state land management agencies will be reporting on Catron County Wildfire Protection Plan Wildland-Urban Interface forest management goals achievements.

Catron County Economic Development Advisory Board members

2011-10-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2011 RESERVE NM. The Catron County Commission has approved the following people to sit on the Catron County Economic Development Advisory Board:
District 1: Ken Bostick
District 2: Ann Menges
District 3: Beth Menczer
At Large: Linda Cooke
At Large: Sally Blum
Arts subcommittee: Jennifer Swenson
Also on the board:
Catron County Manager Sarah Merklein
Catron County Fire Marshall Zina McGuire
Catron County Economic Developer Lif Strand
County Commissioner Glyn Griffin

The Board's first task will be to begin work on an updated economic development plan. Catron County residents and businesses are invited to participate in this process. Please submit your ideas to: Lif Strand, Catron County Economic Developer. Note that the best and/or most popular ideas may be posted on this blog.

Western Legacy Alliance Takes Tax-Payer Fight To Congress

2011-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Provided by Caren Cowen, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association

Western Legacy Alliance (WLA) Chairman Jennifer Ellis, Blackfoot Idaho, joined by Lowell Baier, Boone & Crockett, and others exposed the reality of tax payer funded “environmental” litigation before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law, October 11, 2011, held a hearing on H.R. 1966, the Government Savings Litigation Act.

H.R. 1966, which was introduced by Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), will prohibit non-profit organizations with a net worth exceeding $7 million from filing for EAJA funds; require that EAJA filers show a “direct and personal monetary interest” in the action to be eligible for payment; and cap the attorney fees environmental activists claim to be owed. Despite claims to the contrary, the legislation does not affect the ability of individual citizens and small businesses to utilize EAJA when defending themselves against the federal government, says WLA attorney Karen Budd-Falen, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

It was Budd-Falen’s research on behalf of WLA that uncovered the literally tens of millions of dollars that have been pouring into the coffers of multi-millionaire groups like the Sierra Club, the Defenders of Wildlife and countless others.

The current Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) allows plaintiffs to recover attorney fees and other expenses from the federal government when they prevail or settle cases against the government.

“Government funding of groups suing the federal government has literally become a cottage industry in the so-called environmental community,” according to Ellis, who traveled to Capitol Hill to testify on behalf of natural resources users. Budd-Falen’s research indicates that over the past decade, just 12 environmental groups have filed more than 3,300 lawsuits, recovering more than $37 million in EAJA funds.

“Because the federal government stopped keeping records on these payments in 1995,” Budd-Falen explained, “this is just the tip of the iceberg in payments. There are hundreds of groups who are using the courts to remove productive use of lands and getting paid for their actions, often regardless of whether they win or not. The mere filing of a suit often results in payments.

“As a rancher, I pay for this litigation three times,” Ellis told the Committee. “My tax dollars fund the federal lawyers and agencies to participate in this litigation; I am forced to hire an attorney to protect my own interests, and my tax dollars fund those using the courts to drive my family from the land.”

The October 11, 2011 hearing is just a small step in correcting a problem that has not only been costly for every American, but has been devastating to those who utilize and enjoy natural resources including energy production, mineral production, livestock production and recreation, said Budd-Falen. A similar measure has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. A measure must clear both houses and gain the signature of the President before the problem will be solved.

H.R. 1966 is supported by numerous state and national organizations including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Sheep Industry Association, the Public Lands Council, the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, the New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. and the New Mexico Federal Lands Council.

Catron County could lose Tripp in redistricting

2011-09-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.dchieftain.com/dc/index.php/news/3936-courts-to-determine-redistricting-maps.html

The House plan would have a greater impact on the constituency of District 49, represented by Rep. Don Tripp of Socorro. Tripp said in an interview last week he would lose all of Catron County and Alamo, Magdalena and San Antonio in Socorro County.

Wallow Fire Today

2011-09-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

Recent photos of the Wallow Fire.

Erosion on mild slope south of Alpine, AZ.

Erosion from even the slightest rains not only destroys watersheds, but the resulting flooding when water isn't slowed down and absorbed at higher levels means flooding downstream.

The pink line shows the level of flood waters, well above the road height near Sprucedale Ranch.

Many areas of the forest still looks OK, many are just black sticks.

There is only a narrow window of opportunity for salvage. Trees that aren't removed will simply rot in place, and/or fall down, making these areas of the forest unsafe to move around in.

If there was any doubt about keeping forest roads open, just check out how successfully this forest road worked as a fire block.

Coming soon: Economic Development info

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Catron County Commission, in partnership with the NM Economic Development Department, is promoting local economic development via a NM EDD Certified Community Initiative grant. Info about business and economic development opportunities in Catron County, New Mexico will be posted on the new Catron County economic development website, www.CatronED.net, which is currently under development.

You can subscribe to this blog to receive the posts via email - click on the SUBSCRIBE link in the right-hand column.

Quemado Independence Day Celebration

2011-06-26T08:04:00.001-07:00

QUEMADO

INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION

SATURDAY JULY 2, 2011

· 11 a.m. ParadeTheme: Thank You Fire Fighters

· 11 a.m. Senior Bake Sale

· Noon BBQ(Quemado Fire Department)

· All Day Vendors around town

SPONSORED BY AG COUNTRY PROPANE

BBQ meat by Matthew Massey

www.catroncounty.net/quemado

NM Game Commission Meeting June 9th in Las Cruces

2011-05-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

You may be anti-wolf or you may be pro-wolf, but one thing is for sure: The Mexican wolf program is a failure. It is harmful for humans and wolves. It hasn't made any progress because it's not about "wolf recovery" but about money and power.

The Mexican wolf program is rotten at the core and is beyond fixing. It needs to be done away with. All the people, government agencies and non-profits who are making money on this program at the expense of the public and the wolves themselves need to be cut off from the flow of money.

The following is an email from Jess Carey, Catron County's Wolf Incident Investigator.

---------------

Hi everyone. There will be a meeting in Las Cruces on June 9th, starting at 0900am. It is very important for you to attend and bring as many people as you can to this meeting. The N.M. Game Commission and Governor Martinez has received a letter and documentation from the Catron County Commission with a request to remove the State of New Mexico from participation in Mexican Wolf Recovery and to protect our children and family ranchers in future wolf interactions.

There will be pro-wolf supporters/orgs at this meeting, which means we need to car pool every person we can to attend this meeting. We have a chance to change things at this moment in time, we may never have this same chance again, so, it is up to each and everyone of us to take action as one. We also need to flood the Game Commission and Governor Martinez with emails and letters to "Remove the State" from Mexican Wolf Recovery and take an active positive stance to protect our children from Habituated wolves that have cause Psychological Trauma (post traumatic stress disorder) in our children and the loss of livestock that has caused the loss of ranch after ranch due to wolf depredations. Call everyone you know and get the word out as we have little time, bring as many people as you can to the meeting. Thank you....Jess Carey, CWII if you have any questions please call 575-533-6668

Read the agenda;

AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Update on Department Involvement in the Mexican Wolf Re-Introduction Program.

Presented by R.J. Kirkpatrick and Tod Stevenson - The Department will provide the Commission with an update regarding the Department’s involvement in the Mexican Wolf Re-Introduction Program, and seek Commission direction or guidance.

A G E N D A

NEW MEXICO STATE GAME COMMISSION

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum – Tortugas Room

4100 Dripping Springs Road

Las Cruces, NM 88011

June 9, 2011

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Public testimony and comment: All those interested in providing oral comments are encouraged to prepare a “Speaker’s Card” for each item on which they will comment. These cards assist the Commission Chair to manage more effective public communication. Comments will be allowed on each item, regardless of card completion.

Those who desire to address the Commission and who claim to represent an organization must provide the following information: The number of members in the organization, frequency of the organization’s meeting and either a signed statement from that organization’s president that states the organization has discussed the topic and approved the position that the representative is presenting, or proof that they are a registered lobbyist for the organization.

AT THEIR DISCRETION, THE COMMISSION MAY TAKE ACTION ON ANY AGENDA ITEM

AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Meeting Called to Order.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Roll Call.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Approval of Agenda.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Introduction of Guests.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Approval of Minutes (May 5, 2011 – Albuquerque, NM).

NEW BUSINESS:

AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Revocations.

Presented by Dan Brooks – The Department will present a list of individuals to the Commission that meet established criteria for revocation of hunting, fishing and trapping license privileges.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Revision of Commission Policy Regarding Rule Development.

Presented by R.J. Kirkpatrick – The Department will provide the Commission with proposed adjustments to the Commission’s Rule Making Policy. The Commission will adopt a new policy for rule making.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Proposed Amendments to the Hunting and Fishing Application Rule, 19.31.3, NMAC.

Presented by Alexa Sandoval and Patrick Block – The Department will provide an overview of proposed amendments to the Hunting and Fishing Application Rule, 19.31.3, NMAC. Changes to the rule are necessary due to statutory changes regarding public hunt draw resident/nonresident quotas that will go into effect on April 1, 2012, the upcoming license year. The proposed draft will include a proposal to refund the game hunting license fee to unsuccessful applicants. The Department will seek Commission guidance to develop final proposal for adoption.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Review of Habitat Stamp Program (“Sikes Act”) and Establishment of Guidelines for FY ’13 Budget Preparation.

Presented by Dale Hall and Matt Wunder – The Department will provide an overview of the Habitat Stamp Program including proposals to use one-third (1/3) of the grants portion of the budget for statewide landscape habitat work and other possible program modifications along with concerns that have been identified. The Department will ask for Commission guidance regarding the program including development of the FY13 budget request. 2

AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Proposed Amendments to the Falconry Rule, 19.35.1, NMAC.

Presented by Dan Brooks and Chris Chadwick – The Department will provide an overview of proposed amendments to the Falconry Rule, 19 35.1, NMAC, and seek Commission comments to be included in proposed rule.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: State Land Easement for Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Proposal for July, 2011 through June, 2012.

Presented by R.J. Kirkpatrick - The Department will present a draft State Land Easement that would be effective for a one- year period from July, 2011 through June 30, 2012. The Department will seek comments on potential changes from the Commission in order to develop final easement for approval at the July Commission meeting.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Update on Department Involvement in the Mexican Wolf Re-Introduction Program.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: Management of the Artesia/Karr Farm and 7 Rivers/Brantley Wildlife Management Areas.

Presented by Michael Gustin and Matt Wunder - The Department will provide a proposal for management of Game Commission- owned and Bureau of Reclamation-owned properties in the lower Pecos River Areas. The Department currently manages the Karr Farm, 7 Rivers Farms, and Brantley Wildlife Areas in cooperation with the United States Bureau of Land Management. The Department also manages the Commission-owned

Artesia Farm.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 14: Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request Development.

Presented by Alexa Sandoval and Patrick Block - The Department will provide a short presentation on FY2013 Budget development, and seek initial Commission input into the budget development process.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 15: Open Gate Program Review and Approval of FY 2012 Fee Schedule.

Presented by Aaron Roberts and Jim Lane - The Department will provide an overview of the Open Gate (Private Land Access) Program and proposed program goals for FY 2012 and a proposed fee schedule for Commission comment and concurrences/approval.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 16: General Public Comments (Comments Limited to 3 Minutes).

AGENDA ITEM NO. 17: Closed Executive Session.

The State Game Commission will adjourn into Closed Executive Session, pursuant to Section 10-15-1(H), NMSA, 1978, to discuss litigation, personnel, and acquisition or disposal of real property or water rights.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 18: Update on H Bar V Conservation Easement Purchase.

Presented by Jim Karp and Matt Wunder - The Department will provide an update on the purchase of a Conservation Easement on the H Bar V Ranch using conservation easement purchase funding available through a legislative appropriation to the NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, and the State Wildlife Grant Program.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 19: Adjourn.

NOTE: The meeting will be adjourned upon completion of the agenda or up to those items that time allows. Any items not discussed will be on the following meeting’s agenda.

The Agenda is subject to change up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date and time as deemed necessary by the Chairman. To inquire about agenda changes, please contact the Office of the Director at (505) 476-8008.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Ms. Sonya Quintana at (505) 476-8029 at least 3 working days before the meeting date. Public documents, including the Agenda and Minutes can be provided in various accessible forms. Please contact Ms. Quintana if a summary or other type of accessible form is needed.

My Docs\Agenda Comm Mtg\2011 Comm Agendas\Agenda6/9/11(LasCruces)

AWSA New Mexican water for New Mexicans

2011-05-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

This is a call for help. Please pass it on if you agree! Please act if you are willing!

The Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 allows for an additional average of 14,000 acre feet of water to be developed in New Mexico from the Gila and San Francisco Rivers as well as $66M up to $128M for project development. People have been working since 2004 to develop plans for use of the water and money in the four county region of Catron, Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties. The Interstate Stream Commission has developed a two tier application procedure for projects (actually Tier II is still under development).

It is important to understand that by law this additional water use cannot impact the downstream water rights. Since the water cannot cut into the downstream flow so as to reduce what people downstream are entitled to, it is obvious that the only way to get the water is to trap it during times of extreme flow, such as during flood or snow melt.

The problem is that the environmental community objects to dams and diversions on the Gila or San Francisco River. The result would be that there is no way to keep water in New Mexico and the water continues on to Arizona. This is not water that would be taken from wildlife habitat or farmers downstream - it is water that is flooding away to either just evaporate or end up in the ocean. Environmental groups are urging their members to send letters to the State Engineer, the Interstate Stream Commission and others to promote their cause. I probably don’t need to tell you the importance of keeping the water here, but suffice it to say that water = life.

If we are to live here in Southwest NM, we must have water, too. Why should only people downstream of us have it to fill swimming pools, wash cars and water lawns while many of us are not even allowed to have faucets outside our houses to fill a dog's dish? If we let this opportunity go now, it will probably never recur.

Without going into the Act any deeper at this time, I am simply asking to you to send an email letter to Mr. Estevan Lopez, Director of the Interstate Stream Commission, Mr. Jim Dunlap, Chairman of the Interstate Stream Commission, to Mr. John D’Antonio, State Engineer, and/or to Governor Susana Martinez. I am pasting an example letter you can work from or develop your own. Note: this letter was supplied by Vance Lee, Chairman of the Gila/San Francisco Water Commission. More info can be obtained at http://www.awsaplanning.com/AWSA_Home.html

Mr. Lopez: estevan.lopez@state.nm.us

Mr. Dunlap: Waterjim1@live.com (email address corrected 05/20/11)

Mr. D’Antonio: john.dantonio@state.nm.us

Governor Martinez: Susana.martinez2@state.nm.us

-------------------- sample email letter ---------------

May 19, 2011

Mr. Estevan Lopez, Director

New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

Dear Mr. Lopez:

In regards to the Arizona Water Settlements Act and the effort of the Interstate Stream Commission to determine use of the additional water and money, please consider this as a request for the Commission to make every effort to base its decisions on keeping the additional water in Southwest New Mexico. It is unacceptable to continue to allow water that can be made available for use in New Mexico to continue to flow downstream into Arizona. I am confident that there will be acceptable proposals via the application procedure in place to develop the additional water and to put it to beneficial use.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[address]

Catron County Commission Demands Wolf Incident Investigation

2011-04-11T16:44:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESERVE, NM. “The wolf issue is one of the biggest problems the county has faced,” said Catron County Commission Chairman Hugh B. McKeen to Tod Stevenson, Director of New Mexico Department of Game & Fish at a regularly scheduled public meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2011. With Mr. Stevenson were RJ Kirkpatrick, Assistant Director NM Game & Fish; Jim McClintic, Chairman New Mexico State Game Commission; and Dick Salopek, New Mexico State Game Commission. An audience of nearly 100 people attended the meeting.

In late January a formal complaint was filed by the county with NM Governor Martinez regarding a wolf depredation investigation that occurred on January 18, 2011. Catron County contends that NM Game & Fish wolf biologists Ellen Heilhecke and Mischa Larisch allegedly sought to influence or change the official investigation findings of Sterling Simpson and Armando Orona of US Wildlife Services during an on-site investigation as to the cause of death of a cow.

“Influencing or attempting to influence the findings of another agency’s official investigation brings up a lot of problems,” said Catron County’s Wolf Incident Investigator, Jess Carey. “The credibility of the game department wolf biologist is now lost.” Simpson and Orona did confirm that the cow was killed by wolves, with Carey concurring.

“Other findings of confirmed wolf kill have been changed to probable in the past,” Carey said. “How can you change documented evidence?”

Stevenson confirmed that Larisch did call and relay a message from Heilhecke to the Wildlife Services personnel while the investigation was in progress, but denied that any impropriety occurred.

“My staff said they did not say that Wildlife Services should modify the finding from confirmed to probable,” Stevenson said. “My folks called and said there were feral dogs in the area to take into consideration.”

“There were no feral dogs on this ranch,” Carey said. “Last year, several miles away, a neighbor was letting his house dogs run loose, but that problem was resolved. Mr. Simpson concurred: There are no feral dogs out there”.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Catron County Attorney Ron Shortes stated that he agreed with the Commissioners’ and Carey’s call for an independent, third party investigation of the incident.

“I think you have a conflict of interest when you say you have an obligation to facilitate this Mexican wolf recovery program vs. your constitutional obligation to the people of NM to protect wildlife,” Shortes said.

“While an independent investigation is needed, my ultimate feeling is that you have a bunch of good people with the New Mexico Game Commission and NM Game & Fish trying to do their best, but I’m wondering if they’re trying to do too much,” Shortes said. “They’re assisting the recovery program on one hand, trying to protect wildlife on the other – is there any possibility of trust while that’s going on?”

After a show of hands to see how people in the audience felt, the Catron County Commissioners voted unanimously to go ahead with their request of Governor Martinez for a full, independent investigation of the incident. Director Stevenson volunteered to provide a synopsis of the progress of the investigation by April 15, 2011.

“Catron County has taken a no-wolf stand,” McKeen said. “I’m requesting that you take a no-wolf stance, too. It’ll do us all good – we’re not only concerned about livestock but wildlife, too.”

Contact:

Bill Aymar, Catron County Manager

PO Box 507

Reserve NM 87830

(575) 533-6423

ccmanager@gilanet.com

# # #

Quemado Christmas Tree lighting photos

2010-12-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

More photos at http://www.catroncounty.net/quemado/xmas.htm

New San Augustin Water Grab Resource

2010-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Forwarded from San Augustin Water Coalition (SAWC):

There is a new website that you will find interesting. Our friends and supporters up north are helping to spread the word around the state about our water grab fight and about other serious water issues. newmexicowaterandpolitics.wordpress.com

Christmas Tree Permits - Gila National Forest

2010-11-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

Silver City, NM; November 17, 2010—Permits for cutting Christmas trees on the Gila National Forest will be available at all ranger district offices on Monday, November 22, 2010. Permits sell for $5.00 each with a limit of one permit per household. Any tree species up to 10 feet high may be cut. Free permits for piñon trees will also be available.
   As an additional service to families who cut their family Christmas tree on the Forest, permits can be purchased 4 days earlier this year! By providing this additional service, families have an opportunity to obtain their family Christmas tree during the Thanksgiving holiday with visiting family or friends and avoid the after Thanksgiving Day rush. In the past, permits were sold the day after Thanksgiving.
   Christmas tree permits include the tree tag, an information sheet on cutting regulations, and maps of the designated cutting areas. Tree cutting activities are NOT allowed within wilderness areas, river and stream (riparian) areas, and areas within 200 feet of paved roads and developed recreation sites.
   Before starting on the hunt for the family Christmas tree, it is advisable to check with ranger district offices for road and weather conditions. During this time of year, dirt roads may be muddy, snow packed, and impassable. Forest visitors are asked to respect forest and private lands, keep the Forest free of all litter by disposing of it in trashcans or packing it out, and close all gates after passing through them.
   For purchasing of permits by mail, please contact the ranger district offices or the Supervisor’s Office in Silver City. Office hours are Monday through Friday (except on holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Note: In the Village of Reserve, Christmas tree permits are available at the Black Gold Emporium Store, 7 days a week during their normal business hours, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

San Augustin Water Grab meeting Nov 9 - y'all come!

2010-11-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

As you are hopefully aware, the Office of the State Engineer has scheduled a pre-hearing conference for the San Augustin water grab on November 9. The conference will be at 1:30 in the Macey Center on the campus of New Mexico Tech.

Carol Pittman is organizing carpools so IF YOU ARE WILLING TO DRIVE, let her know and send your phone number and location. IF YOU NEED A RIDE, let Carol know and send your phone number and location. She will put people together so that not everyone has to drive to Socorro. Email Carol at pittray @ gilanet.com [remove spaces in the email address!]

PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING, WHETHER YOU'VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE OR NOT! It is important to have a good turnout. If we fill up the Macey Center the OSE will know that we are serious about this protest. It is in our best interests to show up!!

Directions to Macey Center. From California Street (the main drag in Socorro) take College Avenue (the street that runs by Smith's Grocery Store, with the store on your right) and go to the end. That will be Leroy. Turn right on Leroy then left on Bullock (into the campus) and proceed to Macey Center, number 29 on the map.

San Augustin Scheduling Conference

2010-09-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

San Augustin Plains Ranch LLC scheduling conference is set for November 9, 1:30 PM at the Macey Conference Center, NM Tech. The purpose is to describe the OSE hearing process, to clarify issues in dispute and establish a schedule for the hearing.

Missing Dog - Fence Lake NM area 07/09/10

2010-07-09T08:28:00.000-07:00

MISSING DOG - Fence Lake NM

A light red feathered female Saluki, name CLARICE. Owner has been searching for her for three days now.

If you have seen this dog, please call Denise (505) 788-2325, or Linda (505) 788-2242

June 3 wildfire update

2010-06-03T08:52:00.001-07:00

http://catronfire.blogspot.com/

Unofficial election results

2010-06-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Democratic Party

Magistrate Judge
Clay Atwood

Commissioner - Dist 1
Monika Helbling

Assessor
Lille Laney

Republican Party

Magistrate Judge
John Swenson

Commissioner - Dist 1
Richard McGuire

Commissioner - Dist 2
Glyn Griffin

Assessor
Susan (Johni) Griffin

Sheriff
Shawn Menges

Endurance Horse Races

2010-05-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thurs. May 27-Sun. May 30
Second Annual Ride the Divide Horse Endurance Ride

Enjoy riding either a 35 or 50 mile trail any or all of 4 days. Riders will start from base camp at the private El Caso Campgrounds east of the USFS campgrounds. These races are sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and horses are monitored throughout the races by AERC qualified veterinarians.

Location: 3 miles east of Quemado Lake. For entry information go to www.discovercatron.com

Bucky's Birthday Bash

2010-05-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Dinner and Dance
Fun for the whole family!

Saturday June 12, 2010
Glenwood Community Park
Glenwood, NM

Music by Bucky Allred, Joe Delk, Dee Ford, Ty Martin and Friends

Cowboy Dinner: 6 PM
(dessert will be potluck - please bring a dessert dish!)

Dance: 8 PM - 12 AM

THIS IS A FUNDRAISING EFFORT!
All Are Welcome
Your contribution will be your admission to the dinner and dance (make checks payable to GLGA). Contributions will be directed to Americans for Preservation of Western Environment (www.amprowest.org) and the Gila Livestock Grower's Association to support their litigation efforts to require the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the NM Department of Game & Fish to follow their own rules and terminate their pursuit of developing ad hoc management practices and procedures for dealing with depredations and removal of livestock-killing wolves.

Please Support APWE and GLGA!

County Commission meeting date change

2010-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Public Notice

The regular scheduled Catron County Commission Meeting for Wednesday, May 19, 2010 has been changed to Monday, May 17, 2010. The next regular scheduled meeting will be Friday, June 4, 2010. Meetings will resume their regular schedule Wednesday, June 16, 2010. All meetings will begin at 9:00 AM. Meetings will be held in the Commission Meeting room on the 2nd floor of the Catron County Courthouse. Agendas will be available before the meetings at https://www.mylocalgov.com/CatronCountyNM . For more information, contact Bill Aymar at (575) 533-6423 or by email at ccmanager@gilanet.com .

/s/
Bill Aymar
County Manager
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
CATRON COUNTY
RESERVE, NEW MEXICO 87830

SAWC Annual meeting May 22

2010-05-04T15:57:00.001-07:00

The annual meeting of the San Augustin Water Coalition will be May 22 and we expect to discuss the OSE Docketing Letter. Location: Datil Elementary School gym, 6PM. There will be a brief business meeting followed by a candidates forum.

Northern Catron County Health Expo May 15

2010-04-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Northern Catron County Health Council HEALTH EXPO May 15th, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Datil Elementary School gym (Hwy 12, about 1/8 of a mile south of Hwy 60, in Datil).

We are looking forward to a great time of information sharing, testing and screenings. The format will be similar to last year's, with participants setting up tables, and having a few moments at the mike to explain their organizations during the EXPO. This year we are having a Silent Auction - individuals or organizations may wish to donate an item for that. As always, there is no charge to your group for setting up your table.

RSVP: jenks@gilanet.com by May 5th, so we can arrange for enough space and tables for your organization. Thank you for your consideration to participate in the 3rd Annual Health EXPO in northern Catron County. We appreciate the services you provide.

Ann Jenkerson

Program Developer

USFS planning meeting Abq. April 28

2010-03-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

In the coming weeks, officials from the U.S. Forest Service will be sweeping the country to hear from the American people as they come up with new rules for how the vast network of public lands will be managed in the future. The Obama administration is developing a new set of regulations that will dictate how our national forests will be managed in the future.

There will be a meeting in Albuquerque for the Southwestern Region (Region 3) on April 28, 2010 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM. Check the planning rule website for more info: http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule

To encourage widespread participation the Forest Service is using new media tools in conjunction with the public meetings. Webcasting may also be available for selected meetings. To participate in the planning rule blog, go to http://blogs.usda.gov/usdablogs/planningrule.

Datil Food Pantry Auction Seeking Consignments

2010-03-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

CONSIGNMENTS WANTED FOR AN AUCTION

The Datil Community Food Pantry is seeking consignments from individuals and non-profit organizations.

The AUCTION is to be held on June 12, 2010, located at the Datil School & Church parking lot.

All classifications of items are needed.

The Datil Community Food Pantry serves needy families in and around Datil and will use all commissions from this AUCTION to fund the commodities and food fair programs.

You may donate items to the Datil Food Pantry or a community non-profit organization of your choice to help raise funds for those charities or bring items to sell for your own profit.

This will be a LIVE AUCTION with auctioneer
David Brown calling the sale.

For further information please contact:

David Brown – 575-772-5646 dntbrown@gilanet.com
Anne Schwebke- 575-772-5602 anneschw@gilanet.com
Nancy Wettach 505-240-1271 nwettach@wildblue.net

-------------
March 8, 2010

The Datil Community Food Pantry is sponsoring our Second Annual Auction fundraiser on June 12, 2010, located at the parking lots of the Datil School and Presbyterian Church on Hwy 12, south of Hwy 60.

The Datil Food Pantry serves over 100 families every month plus emergency food when needed. With today’s economy, it is essential that we raise money to provide supplemental food for local families.

We need your help! We are asking for your participation in this exciting fundraiser.

We are seeking consignments for our Auction. Items could be either a 100% donation to the Datil Food Pantry or auctioned on consignment.

We have three ways for you to participate:
1. You can donate an item or items to our Pantry to be auctioned off and the Pantry keeps all the proceeds.
2. You can donate items to the auction and specify which local charity or organization you wish the proceeds to go to. In this case, the Pantry keeps a 10% commission and we will write a check to your designated organization for the remaining 90%.
3. Any private individual can sell an item or items on consignment, and the Pantry keeps a 15% commission and you get the remaining 85%.

There is no buyer’s premium, and no tax, and all items that are donated are tax deductible. The Datil Community Food Pantry is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.

Please contact David Brown, Auctioneer, at 575-772-5646, DNTBrown@gilanet.com or myself at 505-240-127 nwettach@wildblue.net with your consignments, or with any questions you may have. We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Nancy Wettach
Datil Pantry Auction Coordinator

Go Fly A Kite

2010-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

Save the date and celebrate the Spring winds. Come to Glenwood and fly a kite! Join us for a Whitewater Mesa Fun Kite Flying Picnic, Tailgate too! Free raffle drawing for a kite at 2.30pm. Plenty of space without fences to celebrate the spring winds. Walk a labyrinth too!

TIME: 12 noon – dusk on Saturday 3rd April 2010.

PLACE: Whitewater Mesa Labyrinths, 2nd house on the left after mile marker 3 on Highway 159. [Bursum Road off Highway 180, between Glenwood and Alma.]

BRING: your picnic, your kite, your laughter, your family and friends, and something to sit on. Kites available at your local store or at www.coastalkites.com and on eBay.

HJM 048

2010-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

One more effort from all of you who have been working for more equitable treatment of ranchers in the Mexican wolf fiasco can make a big difference.

New Mexico House Joint Memorial 048 has passed out of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee today and goes to the House floor. Your continued support of this memorial for fair compensation for our ranchers is vital. Call or email your NM congressmen today!

More at www.amprowest.org

2nd Annual Cowboy Dinner and Dance

2010-02-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Grant County/Catron County Cowboy Dinner and Dance

Honoring Rural Families, Rural Traditions & Perserving our Rural Heritage

When: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Where: New Exhibit Building - Grant County Fairgrounds, Cliff, NM
Time: Dinner at 6:00 and Dance at 8:00
Music: The Delk Band, Bucky Allred, Dee Ford, Ty Martin, Roy Garcia and friends
www.thedelkband.com

Admission: This is an important fundraising event. Your contribution will be your admission to the dinner and dance.

Net Proceeds:
10% to New Exhibit Building, Grant County Fairgrounds Purpose: Building Improvements
45% to Gila Livestock Grower's Association
45% to Americans for Preserving Western Heritage (APWE) Purpose: Aid in the fight to Preserve our Rural Heritage (Say "No" to wolves in the Gila and Apache Sitgreaves)

See you there!!!!

Joe Delk and Bucky Allred

NAIS scrapped!

2010-02-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

According to a NY Times article this morning, USDA secretary Tom Vilsack will announce Friday that the Obama administration has decided to scrap NAIS, the controversial program intended to identify and track livestock in the event of an animal disease outbreak.

Catron County Progressive When It Comes To Hazardous Fuels Reduction

2010-01-29T10:57:00.001-08:00

Linda Cooke

January 29, 2010 Reserve, NM. The old saying certainly rings true “that good things come in small packages” in Catron County. Although Catron County is the largest county in the state of New Mexico it is the least populated and least funded. Catron County has taken its small package of grant funding and almost doubled its benefit for fuel reduction. Since 2001 Catron County landowners have treated over 1,600 acres of private land, with an additional 678 acres in the planning progress which includes 60 acres being planned for mitigation in Willow Creek and another 600 acres being targeted for hazardous fuel reduction in the Mangas Divide area.

In 2000, Catron County become a partner in the NM Forestry Division’s 20 Communities program with its focus on hazardous fuel reduction and promoting collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies while concentrating on the treatment of both private and public lands in wildland urban interface (WUI) areas. The implementation group that was created for this program consists of employees from the Forest Service, State Forestry, BLM, county government, and fire departments, as well as local citizens. Funds have not only been provided to private landowners for hazardous fuel reduction but the group has been instrumental in the development of evacuation and structure protection plan for fire districts and the development of the County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Even though Catron County struggled that first year to obtain landowners interested in this new concept of defensible space around rural honesties the program quickly become an overnight success with 371 acres being treated that first year. Since then, funding has continued to be reduced, but Catron County continues to strive to maintain its momentum of landowner treatment projects, most being completed in an average of nine months. In 2003 174 private land acres were treated through the 20 Communities program, these acres directly and/or indirectly affected 800 acres of private land. All though demand for the program remained high in 2004 reduced funding only allowed for 166 private land acres to be treated and 308 private land acres in 2006. The 2008 has treated 118 private land acres and an additional 149 acres will be treated during 2010. Private landowners continue to match nearly two dollars of private money for every dollar of state or federally awarded funds. The program continues to reap great awards for State, BLM, Federal, County, and Private Landowners alike.

Another hazardous fuel reduction program that has been beneficial to Catron County is provided by BLM through the New Mexico Association of Counties, although the program is area specific and will only treat 200 feet, which is approximately 3 acres, around a privately owned structure. In 2008 landowners treated 83 acres or private around structures in the Wild Horse Subdivision area and another 33 acres in 2009. Due to the area residents mostly being part-time the 2010 program a gotten off to a slow start with 7 acres being treated to date.

In 2007 Catron County participated in a demonstration project which was developed to estimate the volume of bio-mass available to industry from hazardous fuel reduction programs and restoration projects. The program treated a total of 37 acres of private land and 28 acres of national forest land throughout the County. Once hazardous fuels were removed and stacked, they were chipped, piled, and measured. Chip piles were measured and tested for moisture, than the data was compiled and made available to the bio-mass industry including electric companies in an effort to bring new industries and jobs to Catron County.

Although we do not have the thousands of acres managed by the Forest Service and BLM, treatment of every 10 acres of private land directly affects the management options of several thousand acres of public land. For example, if the extreme hazardous fuels can be mitigated on private lands through the Willow Creek Hazardous fuels reduction project, it will have a profound effect on the options for management of either a wildfire or a prescribed fire within the adjoin landscape on national forest lands. This is just the latest example of collaborative work taking place in the county.

This is the collaborative approach that was intended when the 20 Communities Program was initiated in 2001, as well as the National Fire Plan and Healthy Forest Restoration Act passed by Congress in 2003. Catron County has made the best of a small package, and with this being a major priority of the Catron County Commission, will continue to be implemented as long as landowners, natural resource professionals, and county officials see it as being beneficial to not only the customs and culture of Catron County, but also the bountiful natural resources that we all appreciate.

Bursum Road Annual Closure

2009-11-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

November 17, 2009

BURSUM ROAD TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY FOR THE WINTER

Glenwood, N.M.—The New Mexico Department of Transportation has announced that N.M. State Highway 159, also known as Bursum Road, is expected to be closed for the winter season on November 25th. If a significant snowfall occurs on this high elevation road before the expected closing date, Bursum Road will be closed immediately.

Bursum Road is closed annually during the winter months due to safety concerns associated with icy road conditions and heavy snow accumulations. The closed area starts approximately one mile east of the town of Mogollon and ends west of the Bearwallow Road.

For further information, please contact the Glenwood Ranger District at (575) 539-2481, or the Reserve Ranger District at (575) 533-6231. The Gila National Forest website http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila can also be accessed for information.

Catron County Offices closed Veteran's Day

2009-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Catron County offices will be closed on November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Normal office hours will resume on Thursday, November 12th.

Missing Dog: White Miniature Schnauzer

2009-11-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Date: Nov 10, 2009
Area: Reserve - Rancho Grande - Hwy 180

Our little white miniature Schnauzer, Sugar, got out of our car at mile marker 23 (the outhouse rest stop) on Hwy 180W near St Rd 12 going to Reserve. She jumped out the only open door in our vehicle and walked to the front of the car while my husband and I walked up from the rear after looking under the car for something. We never saw her and thought she had already settled down in the back seat as is customary! Since there is no cell service, we did not get a message from the Humane Society in Silver until 2 hours later. We rushed back up there (2-hour drive as you know), 7:15 p.m., but no Sugar. She had been left inside the restroom by the first passerby who had stopped and called our Vet from Sugar's tag. But obviously, the next person took her w/o leaving a note and hasn't called our Vet or the Humane Society.

We are just devastated!

She is 10 years old, has congestive heart failure (4 days w/o her meds, now), 16 lbs, barks like crazy at strangers while trying to meet them at the same time. She's a lapdog, friendly once she meets a person. The Vet today told me that it will be only a few more days before her lungs fill up and her heart must struggle to beat. We don't know what a person would do with her at that point.

Is there any way you could publish about our lost dog? We don't have much money to spend on such an ad, and we are praying for her return. I've posted on three online "lost pet" sites today. And who knows where the person(s) who picked her up were going. And the reason I think someone took her is that it is not her "modis operandi" to run from people. Rather, she'd be barking and trying to sniff them looking for us, I'm sure. She would have been easy to pick up and take.

My home phone is 575-388-4143 in Silver City. My email: leanne.tillar@gmail.com

LeAnne Tillar

CCCG meeting Oct 28 Changed to Nov 4

2009-10-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

NOTE: CHANGED CCCG MEETING DATE: due to scheduling conflicts the CCCG meeting has been changed from October 28, 2009 to November 4, 2009, still at 5:30 PM at Reserve School Board meeting room

CCCG meeting Wednesday Oct 28

2009-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Catron County Citizens Group meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 5:30 PM at Reserve School Board Meeting Room, Reserve NM

Agenda:

DRAFT
AGENDA
BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2009
RESERVE SCHOOL BOARD ROOM

Sign in and introductions:

Approval of Agenda:

Approval of Minutes:

Public Comment:

Old Business:
1. Catron County Local Economic Development (LED) Update - (Lif Strand) – Discussion/Action:
2. Approval of Resolution wording and the CCCG’s Roll in Economic Development – (Lif Strand) – Discussion/Action:
3. CCI Update – (Lif Strand) – Discussion/Action:
4. Northern Catron County Industrial Park Update - (Ken Bostick, Lif Strand) – Discussion/Action:
5. Northern Catron County Health Council Update – (Ken Bostick) – Discussion/Action:
6. Grass Roots Movement Update – (Hilda Kellar) – Discussion/Action:
7. Scholarship Program Update – Discussion/Action:
8. Renewal of K & B Lease – Discussion/Action:

Officer Reports:
1. President:
2. Vice-President:
3. Treasurer/Secretary:

New Business:
1. K&B CFRP monitoring - (Lif Strand) - Discussion/Action:

Executive Session:

Goals/Vision Planning:
1. What Does the Citizens Group Want To Achieve In 2010-2011:
2. Direction for 2010 - Discussion/Action (15 minutes):

Set Next Meeting Date, Time, and Location:

Job Openings - Datil (Mary Mac's Cafe & Bakery)

2009-10-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

There will be a number of new job openings at Mary Mac's Cafe & Bakery, just east of Datil (formerly the American West Properties building), in the early part of November. Mary Mac's Cafe & Bakery will be open 7 days a week.

TO APPLY - MAIL OR E-MAIL a resume or written job history along with cover letter. Be sure to include the following:
position applying for, name and complete address, phone number, work history, why you would like the job, at least two local references with phone numbers.

The following positions are available, both full and part time:
Cook
Prep Cook
Baker
Wait Staff
Front Counter Sales/Cashier
Dishwasher

There is at least one opening in each of the above positions as of this notice (10/27/09).

Requirements: transportation to and from work, able to work well with others, friendly, reliable, honest, general good health. Previous restaurant experience not required for some positions.

Please forward this email or print and give to anyone you know who is looking for permanent work in the Datil, NM area. There will be full and part time positions available that will include flexible positions to accommodate the school district hours (for parents of students).

BY INTERVIEW ONLY. SEND RESUME TO marymacscafe@gmail.com or mail to P O Box 107, Datil, NM 87821. Respond by November 3, 2009.

DO NOT DROP IN OR TELEPHONE! INTERVIEWS WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO ANYONE DROPPING IN DURING THE FINAL WEEKS OF PREPARATION.

Ann Fillion
Mary Mac's Cafe & Bakery
7784 Hwy. 60
P O Box 107
Datil, NM 87821

CCCG meeting Oct 28

2009-10-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

The next Catron County Citizens Group meeting will be Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 5:30 PM at the Reserve School Board meeting room. Hope to see you there!

APWE annual meeting Oct 10

2009-09-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Americans for Preservation of Western Environment (APWE) is holding its annual public meeting on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Reserve Community Center. Everyone is welcome. More info at www.amprowest.org

Northern Catron County Heliport - Grand Opening

2009-09-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

The Northern Catron County EMS now has a Heliport located off Highway 60 between Pie Town and Quemado. There will be an open house on Oct 6th 11am - 2pm. National Guard will be there as well as some of the air ambulances that we use.

Steve Pearce in Reserve Saturday Sept 19

2009-09-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Steve Pearce will be in Reserve on Saturday, Sept 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. He will be at Ella's Cafe. Coffee & tea provided by Ella's, lunch on your own.

www.nmgop.com/catron
catroncountygop@hotmail.com

Upper Frisco Dutch-Oven Cook-Off

2009-06-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

Come try your hand at black pot cookin' at the Upper Frisco Dutch-Oven Cook-Off, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 18 2009 at the Reserve, NM Fairgrounds. 1 pot (entry fee $15) and 3 pot (entry fee $30) categories.

Times:
Check In Time 8:00 am
Cooking Fires May Be Started at 8:00 am
Cooks Meeting 9:30 am
Cooking Time 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Dessert 1:00 pm, Bread 2:00 pm, Main Dish 3:00 pm
1-Pot Entries 2:00pm
Taster’s Delight Meal 3:30 pm
Awards Presentation Following Potluck

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
BEN ROMERO 575-533-6249
MARY ELLEN CHAVEZ 575-523-4838
ZANA WOOD 575-805-7170
loschilehead@msn.com

Farmer's Market/Flea Market in Datil

2009-06-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Market & Flea Market in Datil in the Datil Elementary School/Presbyterian Church parking lot Rt. 12 just south of Hwy. 60.

Local produce pies, muffins and flea market stuff.

Every Saturday through August, 8am - 1pm

Flea market spaces $3
Produce/food vendors set up for free.

Monthly CCCG meeting change

2009-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

The Catron County Citizens Group (CCCG) has changed its regular meeting days to the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be June 23, 5:30 PM at the Reserve School Board meeting room.

San Augustin Water Coalition Annual Meeting

2009-05-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

THE SAN AUGUSTIN WATER COALITION requests your presence at its annual meeting May 30, 2009 at the Datil Elementary School Gymnasium.

5PM Registration 6PM Meeting

Bruce Frederick, Attorney, will bring us up to date on the latest developments in the water grab attempt by the Augustin Plains Ranch; Don Tripp will speak to the issue; Other speakers will talk about water developments.

Elections will be held for three seats on the Board (nominations from the floor)

Contact person: Carol Pittman 575-772-5866 or pittray@gilanet.com

CCCG Meeting notice

2009-04-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Catron County Citizens Group meets the last Wednesday of each month, generally at the Reserve School Board meeting room (Reserve Elementary School building) at 5:30 PM.

Baldwin Cabin Library 10 Year Anniversary Party

2009-04-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone is invited to the Baldwin Cabin Library 10 Year Anniversary Party in Datil at the library on Saturday, May 2nd from 11:30 to 3:00 pm. Free food, games for kids, pinatas, and live music.

Water Coalition meeting April 14

2009-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

San Augustin Water Coalition
Meeting of the Board
April 14, 2009
Datil Fire Department
6PM

Agenda

I. Call to order
II. Additions or changes to Agenda by Board Members
III. Reading and acceptance of minutes of previous meeting
IV. Treasurer’s report
V. Old Business
a. IRS tax exempt status
b. Water Dialogue
c. Reports from Board Members

VI. New Business
a. Catron County Fair
b. Annual Meeting
c. Socorro County Land Use Commission meeting
d. Film Maker

National Window Safety Week

2009-04-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Some tips about window safety from Catron County Health Council

Observed annually the first full week in April, National Window Safety Week is designed to heighten the awareness of what parents and caregivers should do to help keep their home and family safer from the risk of accidental window falls or injuries in the home and how they can use their windows for emergency escape and rescue purposes.

Window safety starts with learning the actions you can take to observe window safety and encouraging others to do so. Responsible adults are the key to window safety. There’s no substitute for adult supervision when it comes to keeping children safe.

Facts and tips about window safety:

• Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home. Doors serve as the primary exits. Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.

• When performing spring repairs, take care to make sure that your windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.

• Keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that a child cannot reach, or in the case of a double-hung window, open the top sash only.

• Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.

• Keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.

• If you have young children in your home and are considering installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards or devices you install must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency. Consult your local fire department or building code official to determine proper placement for window guards and window fall prevention devices.

• Some homes may have window guards, security bars, grilles or grates already covering their windows. Those windows are useless in an emergency if the devices on them do not have a functioning release mechanism. Time is critical when escaping a fire. Take time to update these devices to make sure they comply with industry standards and have appropriate release mechanisms.

• Do not install window air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.

• The degree of injury sustained from a window fall can be affected by the surface on which the victim falls. Shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass beneath windows may lessen the impact if a fall does occur.

4-H Rodeo Dates

2009-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Dates for Catron County 4-H Rodeo are June 6 & 7 in Reserve. More info here as we get it.

Catron County Grass Roots Behavioral Health Meeting

2009-01-28T10:36:00.001-08:00

Monthly meeting February 5, 10:00 a.m. Reserve community center.

Purpose:

Inform the various county organizations of the need for behavioral health services in Catron County;

Provide an overview of what is currently provided and what we are currently doing;

Develop a long-range idea of where we want to be.

To accomplish this huge task, we are asking for a collaborative effort of support from county organizations.

Please plan to attend this very important meeting!

Cowboy Dinner and Dance - Feb 21

2009-01-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

Cowboy Dinner and Dance – Honoring Rural Families and Rural Traditions

The Gila Livestock Growers Association and the newly-formed Americans for the Preservation of Western Environment are sponsoring a Cowboy Dinner and Dance (like the good ole days) at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Cliff, New Mexico on February 21st. Dinner at 6:00pm and the dance at 8:00pm.

Music provided by Joe Delk and Bucky Allred with The Delk Band featuring Mark Delk, Byron Delk and Roy Garcia from Las Cruces, Dee Ford from Alma and Ty Martin from Silver City.

The theme behind this event is to honor our rural families and the rural traditions that those families represent and are striving to preserve.

There was a time when Saturday-night dances were as common as watching TV is today. Friends and neighbors coming together to share a meal, visit with one another and enjoy an evening of dancing. Saturday-night dances were held regularly at Lake Valley, Mimbres, White Signal, Morgan Hall in Deming, Riverside Dance Hall, Cliff, Hachita, the American Legion Hall in Animas, the Lariat Café in Glenwood and the old school gym in Reserve.

We can certainly refer to those days as “the good ole days” and we want to show our younger generation what it was like and allow our older generation to remember the way it was.

There will be no admission charge for the Cowboy Dinner and Dance. All are welcome. However, this is a fundraising event and we ask you to contribute what you can. All monies raised in this effort will be utilized to help bring an end to the wolf reintroduction program. Please make checks payable to Gila Livestock Grower’s Association.

Our rural way-of-life is under assault by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and extremist environmental groups like Center for Biological Diversity, WildEarth Guardians and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance.

The FWS operates under federal law that requires it to work with local government to insure that their programs are not in violation of local laws or local custom and culture. Federal law requires the FWS to consult with, cooperate with and be consistent with the laws and rights of local government that represents the people. FWS is either not aware of these federal laws or they just plain don’t care and they run over local officials who may feel threatened or intimidated.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has bungled the wolf reintroduction program and the local people are paying the price. The Mexican Wolf Program has cost taxpayers over $300 Million since 1998. Isn’t it time to end this travesty on the rural people of New Mexico and Arizona? Add your voice to ours demanding the FWS get their federal wolves out of the Gila and put them in a zoo.

So, put your dancin’ boots on and come to the Cowboy Dinner and Dance in Cliff on February 21st. Bring your family and your appetite. We’ll have a great time – like the good ole days – and maybe raise a little money.

Joe Delk
(575) 644-3082

Legal Notice: Public Hearing, Economic Development Ordinance

2009-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on the 4th day of February, 2009 at 1:30 PM the Catron County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider adopting an ordinance relating to the Economic Development Planning Ordinance 001-2008 adopted September 3, 2008.

The draft of "An Ordinance Adopting an Economic Development Project for Public Support of K&B Timberworks, Inc., A New Mexico Corporation" proposed ordinance number 001-2009 may be picked up for review at the Catron County Clerk's Office at 100 Main Street, Reserve, New Mexico or by contacting Bill Aymar, County Manager at (575) 533-6423.

Comments can be sent are to be submitted to Bill Aymar, County Manager, Catron County Commission Office, PO Box 507, Reserve New Mexico 87830. For more information contact Bill Aymar at (575) 533-6423 or by email at ccmanager@gilanet.com

s/s
Bill Aymar
County Manager

Silver City Daily Press
January 21, 2009

Mountain Mail
January 22, 2009

Bruce Thompson out!

2008-11-09T10:52:00.001-08:00

Good news for people who are in favor of honest and unbiased agency directors in New Mexico: Bruce Thompson has resigned.

According to AP, Governor Richardson announced that Tod Stevenson, who has been deputy director of NM Department of Game & Fish, will replace Thompson.

Thompson was busted for illegally killing a deer on private land and lost his hunting licence last month. No one listened to people in the Mexican wolf program area complaining about his high-handed measures and his ignoring the complaints, but when conservation officers - whoever they are - complained, Thompson got replaced.

Either way, it's good news for anyone affected by NM G&F.

Wolf attack article

2008-11-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

Don't let anyone tell you wolves don't attack humans. Here's an article about a wolf attack in Iran. Note that the wolves there are the same size or smaller than Mexican wolves. This means that if you are attacked by a lone Mexican wolf, you've got a good chance of survival by choking the thing to death.

Wolf slain by 87-year-old Iranian woman
PRESS TV, Iran - Nov 8, 2008
An elderly woman is in recovery after suffocating a wolf to death during an attack in a cemetery in the village of Kashan, central Iran. [more]

Election results (unofficial) for Catron County

2008-11-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Full Catron County election results can be found at http://67.192.207.121/county28.htm

McCain/Palin 66.7&
Obama/Biden 31.1%

Pearce 63.4%
Udall 36.6%

Tinsley 62.9%
Teague 37.1%

Daniels 100%

Gros 58.5%
Morales 41.5%

Tripp 100%

Wellborn 100%

McKeen 100%

Armijo 100%

Merklein 100%

Estrada 100%

More County results

State results

Homestead Christmas in Pie Town

2008-10-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dec 12, Catron County Historical Society Chrismas Program and Dinner.

5 PM "Christmas During the Homestead Period" at DanCyn Homestead and Windmill Museum, Pie Town.

6 PM Buffet Dinner at Daily Pie Cafe in Pie Town, $12.

RSVP (575) 773-4152 or eskrivseth@gilanet.com no later than Dec. 4.

USFS Fuels Reduction Project Underway Near Mogollon

2008-09-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

(Glenwood, NM Seeptember 21, 2008) The Glenwood Ranger District of the Gila National Forest is resuming fuels reduction activities near Mogollon, NM, 14 miles northeast of Glenwood. Over the last two years, heavy vegetation was thinned on 40 acres of Forest Service land adjacent to Mogollon, along NM State Highway 159. The slash piles were strategically placed within the project area and are now ready for ignition. Fire managers will monitor fuel and weather conditions closely and will ignite piles as conditions allow. Personnel may be working on the project through December, based on the progress of the pile burning--that can occur only under specific conditions.

Smoke will be visible from US Highway 180 and the town of Mogollon, but is expected to dissipate during the day, especially if light winds are present.

The project will result in reduced vegetation around the community of Mogollon, which can lessen the risk of catastrophic fire. It will also enhance firefighting capability by creating a safer environment for tactical operations, in the event of a wildfire.

For more information about the project, please contact District Fire Management Officer, James Scola at (575) 539-2481 or visit the Gila National Forest website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila.

Catron County Water Coalition website

2008-09-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Catron County Water Coalition website has been updated. Hopefully this will make it easier and more enjoyable to get info about the water issues in Catron County.

www.catroncounty.net/water/

Fur & Feathers Animal Rescue Benefit

2008-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Be sure to attend the Fur & Feather Animal Rescue Benefit BBQ/Auction/Bands. 2PM Saturday, 20 Sep in Jackson Park, Pie Town, NM.

GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE FOR UNSAFE BRIDGE

2008-09-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Written by Dan Hollifield, Chief of Interpretation
For Immediate Release 9/2/2008

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Superintendent Steve Riley announced today the emergency closing of the Cliff Dwellings to visitation. Overnight rains eroded a bridge on the only available rode to the National Park site, making access potentially unsafe.

Officials of the New Mexico Department of Transportation are to inspect the bridge on Tuesday September 2, 2008 to determine a course of action and repair plans. The Gila West Fork Bridge, one mile from the Cliff Dwellings, will likely not be reopened until the weekend after Labor Day, possibly around September 6 or 7, 2008 at the soonest.

The park’s Gila Visitor Center and museum remain open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.

For up to the moment information, call the Gila Visitor Center between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 575-536-9461.

URGENT - San Augustin Ranch LLC amended water app

2008-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

San Augustin Ranch LLC has submitted an amended original application, the final legal notice for which is coming soon. The amended application expands the "affected counties" to essentially all in the Rio Grande Basin and each well would be drilled 3000' (over half a mile!) deep (original application was for wells 2000' deep).

It is recommended that you file a protest letter for this amended application even if you filed one last December. Your letter needs to be in the OSE office no later than September 15. For more info go to www.catroncounty.net/water/

Please forward this email to anyone you know who has in interest in water rights, water conservation, and public welfare as regards our precious water resources in New Mexico, and PLEASE send a protest letter to OSE for this amended application. Thank you!

23rd Annual BARTER FAIRE

2008-08-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

23rd Annual Barter Faire, Luna NM

Friday evening through Sunday evening
September 19 - 21

Head Of The Ditch Campground, Luna NM

Bring garden produce, next year’s seeds, home-canned goods, baked goods, crafts, home items, anything you’re willing to trade.

Directions: Slightly more than 1 mile west of Luna, NM, just west of mile marker 6 on US 180. Look for Forest Service Campground sign.

Follow dirt road ¾ mile to open meadow. There are campground sites around the meadow and a USFS outhouse.

If you plan to camp for the weekend, prepare for cold nights, rain, hail, snow, sunshine - you name it! Bring food to share, music and your joyous self!

GILA CLIF DWELLINGS ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS

2008-08-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Written by Dan Hollifield, Chief of Interpretation
US National Parks Service
For Immediate Release 8/29/2008

National Park Service Superintendent Steve Riley of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico, announced new park hours beginning Tuesday September 2, 2008.

After Labor Day weekend, the Cliff Dwellings will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Visitors will be admitted on the trail and at the dwellings up to 4:00 p.m., and are asked to complete their visit by 5:00 p.m. A guided tour will be available every day at 12:00 noon. Visitors for the noon tour, which begins at the Cliff Dwellings, need to arrive at the trailhead by at least 11:30 a.m. to walk up the trail to the dwellings. The Cliff Dwellings are open each day of the year, and are not closed holidays.

Also beginning Tuesday September 2, 2008, the park’s Gila Visitor Center, museum, and bookstore will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Gila Visitor Center is closed Christmas Day (December 25, 2008) and New Year’s Day (December 31, 2008).

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument was established in 1907 to conserve, and to allow visitation of, the ruins of stone structures built by early American Indians between the 1270s and the early 1300s. The natural caves have remarkably preserved the approximate 40 man-made rooms of the complex, which can be visited by today’s visitors more than seven hundred years later. This archaeological site is administered by the National Park Service.

For more information call the Gila Visitor Center, open daily from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, at 575-536-9461

Legal Notice: Public Hearing, Economic Development Ordinance

2008-08-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of September, 2008 at 1:30 PM the Catron County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider adopting an Ordinance relating to Economic Development Planning.

The Economic Development Plan Ordinance draft is available for review at http://www.catroncitizens.org/econdev/.

Hard copies of the proposed draft Ordinance can also be picked up at the Catron County Clerks Office in the Catron County Courthouse, 100 Main Street, Reserve, New Mexico or by emailing econdev@catroncitizens.org.

Comments can be sent to Bill Aymar, County Manager, Catron County Commission Office, P. O. Box 507, Reserve, New Mexico 87830. For more information, contact Bill Aymar at (575) 533-6423 or by e-mail at ccmanager@gilanet.com.

/s/
Bill Aymar
County Manager

Silver City Daily Press
August 8, 2008

Mountain Mail
August 14, 2008

Fed up with Mexican wolves?

2008-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Fed up with Mexican wolves? Be sure to attend the "Can't Take It Any More" meeting in Reserve NM on Wednesday July 9, 10 a.m. at the Reserve Community Center. If you can't take it any more, then get together with like-minded folks and stop taking it.

Contact Bill Aymar, Catron County Manager 575 533-6123 or ccmanager@gilanet.com

Another wolf petition

2008-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Some folks were confused by the petition on the Care2 website, since info about Defenders of Wildlife automatically comes up. A new petition has been created using a different online petition website - a more neutral site. If you prefer, you can sign that petition by going to www.PetitionOnline.com/mexwolf/

Petition: Speak Up about Mexican Wolves!

2008-06-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Poor endangered species project management, caused by pressure from special interest group lawsuits and propaganda, may be the biggest threat to Mexican wolves of all.

Sign a petition asking Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, USFWS, to acknowledge that the Mexican wolf project management is flawed, and asking him to include human safety as part of necessary adaptive management.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/170370310

Dessert Social & Reception July 5

2008-06-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

You are invited...

What:
Dessert social and reception for Juanita Ruyle Coulter and Barbara Marriott to share memories of the Livestock Driveway along Hwy 60 in Catron County, NM.

Who:
• Juanita Ruyle Coulter, former Catron County resident
• Barbara Marriott, PhD, historian and author of a number of books on the Southwest including Outlaw Tales of New Mexico (2007)
• Sponsored by: Catron County Historical Society

When: Saturday, July 5, 2008 1-3 PM Quemado Community Center
The Magdalena Livestock Driveway was the last regularly-used cattle trail in the US. Herds from eastern Arizona and western New Mexico were driven along this trail to the railhead at Magdalena, where they could be shipped to market. The Livestock Driveway was in regular use from the late 1800s until the mid 1900s.

Please join us at this event to share stories and to learn about the unique history of northern Catron County, particularly the people, places and events associated with the Livestock Driveway. The Historical Society is interested in recording any stories you may have and scanning any photos you might be willing to share from that time.

Elfego Baca Memorial Unveiling May 24

2008-05-12T08:24:00.001-07:00

You are invited to attend the unveiling of the Elfego Baca Memorial on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

In October 1884, eighty Texan cowboys came to wreak havoc on the sleepy little Hispanic community of Frisco. One man, 19 year old Elfego Baca, single handedly subdued the cowboys in an all night shoot-out with over 4,000 bullets shot and changed the course of history.

Please join us in celebrating the life and times of this unsung hero, Elfego Baca, as we recount this historic event and unveil his monument.

Saturday, May 24, 2008
Downtown Plaza (Formerly Frisco Plaza)
Reserve, New Mexico at 11:00 am
Unveiling, Bar-B-Q & Dance hosted by
Reserve and the Elfego Baca Board

For more information
please contact Henry Martinez
575-533-6488 or 575-533-6324
or Lupe Baca Rodrigues
505-804-3873

May 2008 Citizens Group Board Meeting & Open Forum

2008-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Catron County Citizens Group will be Wednesday, May 28, 5:30 PM at the USFS Reserve Ranger District Office.

The public is invited to attend this meeting to participate in the economic development process for Catron County.

AUGUSTIN PLAINS WATER MEETING, MAY 17

2008-05-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTIN PLAINS WATER MEETING, MAY 17 6PM AT THE DATIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM

Meet with Bruce Frederick, attorney with the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, to discuss the Augustin Plains Ranch proposal to pump 54,000 acre feet of water each year and pipe it to the Rio Grande. The purpose of the meeting is to explain New Mexico's complex water laws and to present options for residents of the area.

The water permit process is a legal process. It is not a political process. Anyone with a water right is invited to attend. If your protest letter was accepted by the NM Office of State Engineer, you can decide if you want this law firm to represent you. NMELC will not charge those it represents any attorney fees although they will ask for reimbursement for direct expenses. The possible extent of those expenses will be explained at the meeting.

Contact persons: Carol and Ray Pittman- pittray@gilanet.com

For more info on this crucial local community issue, an issue that first went out to the Community List in December of last year, go to http://www.catroncounty.net/water/

Legal Notice: Public Hearing, Economic Development Ordinance

2008-03-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on May 21, 2008 at 1:30 PM the Catron County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider adopting an Ordinance relating to Economic Development Planning.

The Economic Development Plan Ordinance draft is available for review at http://www.catroncitizens.org/econdev/

Hard copies of the proposed draft Ordinance can also be picked up at the Catron County Commission Office in the Catron County Courthouse, Main Street, Reserve, NM or by email econdev@catroncitizens.org.

Comments can be sent to Bill Aymar, County Manager, Catron County Commission Office, P. O. Box 507, Reserve, New Mexico 87830. For more information, contact Bill Aymar at (505) 533-6423 or by e-mail at ccmanager@gilanet.com.

/s/
Bill Aymar
County Manager

Silver City Daily Press
Mountain Mail

Citizens Group Board Meeting & Open Forum

2008-03-28T11:08:00.001-07:00

The next Catron County Citizens Group Board Meeting & Open Forum will be held on April 23 at 5:30 PM at the USFS Reserve District Office. The public is invited to participate.

Free Legal Advice for low income Catron County residents

2008-03-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Low income Catron County residents can get free legal advice and representation at New Mexico Legal Aid in Socorro (406 N. Sixth St.). The office is staffed with an attorney, paralegal and legal secretary to help those who are unable to afford an attorney in the areas of:
* General law, including landlord/tenant issues;
* Consumer matters;
* Entitled benefits including Supplementary Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, cash assistance and Medicaid;
* Domestic violence;
* Other domestic matters including paternity and child custody.

2008 Composting and Recycling Certification courses

2008-03-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

The New Mexico Recycling Coalition is currently taking registrations for the 2008 Composting and Recycling Certification courses. Details and schedules for the course are outlined below. If you are interested in attending any of these trainings, please register as soon as possible as courses do fill up quickly. The first course coming up is the April 15-17 Compost Certification Course in Ruidoso.

2008 New Mexico Recycling and Composting

Facility Operator Certification Courses

The NMRC and the New Mexico State Environment Department: Solid Waste Bureau will host two recycling courses and two composting coures in 2008. We have increased our maximum course size to hold 35 students, in hopes of meeting demands for these certification courses. Remember to register as early as possible to be assured a seat in the course.

Payment arrangements must be made before attending the course either by actual payment or by PO number. If a municipality or business has an outstanding due payment, they can not send any registrants to courses until that past due invoice has been paid. There will be a $25 cancellation fee is you do not notify us before the late registration date.

You may register online at http://www.recyclenewmexico.com/cert_classes.htm by clicking on link for the course that you're interested in attend.

Catron County Citizens Group Meeting

2008-03-07T09:47:00.001-08:00

The next Open Forum and Board meeting of the Catron County Citizens Group will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the USFS Reserve District Office.

Catron County Health Fair April 19

2008-03-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Catron County Health Fair will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Reserve Rodeo grounds. White Mountain Regional Medical Center will be providing cholesterol screening for free and PSA tests for $10. Call Catron County Health for more information at 533-66075

Community Calendar update

2008-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

The free online Community Calendar provided by Forever Frontier, the 2007 Visitors' Guide to Southwest New Mexico, West Texas & Eastern Arizona, has been updated at www.foreverfrontier.com/cal.htm

February Catron County Citizens Group meeting

2008-01-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Catron County Citizens Group will be on Wednesday, February 13 at 5:30 PM at the Reserve District Ranger Office.

February Pie Town Community Council Meeting

2008-01-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Pie Town Community Council will be held on Wednesday, February 13, at 3:00 PM at the Pie Town Community Center.

Legal Notice: Special County Commission meeting

2008-01-22T19:38:00.001-08:00

Public Notice

(Legal Notice)

The Catron County Commission hereby announces a Special Meeting will be held January 28, 2008 at 9:00 am. The Special Meeting will be held in Judge Parkers Court at the Federal Court Building in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information, contact Bill Aymar at (505) 533-6423 or by e-mail at ccmanager@gilanet.com.

/s/

Bill Aymar

County Manager

Publications:

Silver City Daily Press

January 22, 2008

Annual Citizens Group Membership Meeting

2008-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Catron County Citizens Group annual membership meeting will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the Reserve Ranger Station.

Board of Director members are elected by the general membership at this time. Please attend this important meeting.

Catron County Public Hearing - liquor license

2008-01-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

Notice of Public Hearing

Legal Notice

The Catron County Commission will hold a public hearing at 1:30 pm at the Catron County Courthouse on February 6, 2008. The purpose of this meeting will be to approve/disapprove the name change of a liquor license from El Caso Ranch, Inc. to Snuffy’s, Inc. located at #1 Quemado Lake Road, Hwy 103, Quemado, New Mexico as presented for proposed action by the Alcohol and Gaming Division. Comments can be sent to Bill Aymar, County Manager, Catron County Commission Office, P. O. Box 507, Reserve, New Mexico 87830. Agendas will be available before the meetings at www.mylocalgov.com/CatronCountyNM . For more information, contact Bill Aymar at (505) 533-6423 or by e-mail at ccmanager@gilanet.com.

/s/

Bill Aymar

County Manager

Silver City Daily Press

January 19, 2008

Mountain Mail

Catron County Historical Society

2008-01-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

Interested in Local History?

The Catron County Historical Society is forming

Its mission will be to preserve and present the history of Catron County. It will have monthly presentations on topics of interest and outings to historical places within the county.

There will be informational meetings held during January at the locations listed below. All of the meetings will be held at 6:30 pm.

Thursday January 10th - Quemado Community Center
Wednesday January 16th - Aragon Fire House
Thursday January 17th - Luna Community Center
Wednesday January 23rd - Pie Town Community Center
Thursday January 24th - Datil Community Center
Tuesday January 29th - Reserve Community Center
Wednesday January 30th - Glenwood Community Center

For additional information, call 575-773-4152. In case of inclement weather, meetings at the affected locations will be rescheduled for a later date.

Fight for your water rights in Catron County

2007-12-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Another attempt to mine water from Catron County aquifers has been launched by Augustin Plains Ranch, LLC. The LLC is using an older ranch name to attempt for credibility with the uninformed, however this is no ranch, no agicultural company but yet another bald attempt to rape the County of its resources. We're talking 37 wells and literally billions of gallons of water per year.

See www.catroncounty.net/water for information on what's going on and how you can get involved with stopping this.

Deadline for your initial letter of protest is December 16, so don't delay!

Dec 5 Mexican wolf public scoping meeting in Glenwood

2007-11-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Dec 5 Mexican wolf public scoping meeting in Glenwood
Glenwood Community Center
5:00 - 9:00 pm

US Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a public scoping meeting in
Glenwood on December 5 as part of a rule change process that will
determine the future of Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico.

Why your participation is important: background and current situation

Since its inception, the Mexican wolf program has been responsive
only to non-local environmental groups and has ignored the damage to
local families, businesses and issues. These groups have used their
large financial assets to twist the truth about the program, and have
resorted to what amounts to malicious litigation to get their way.

The wolf program has a policy of routine handling of wolves. In some
cases, "wild" wolves have been handled - trapped, examined, given
shots, collared, fed by humans - for more than one third of their
lives. Wolf and other canine experts know that this extensive
handling causes habituation (loss of fear of humans), and habituated
predators - not just wolves but bears, mountain lions, etc - are
problem predators. Essentially all the complaints of local citizens
come about because the wolves are not wild, but habituated to humans.

Mexican gray wolves are not critical to our local natural
environment. These wolves originally came from the Mexican desert -
they never were high altitude forest animals. It is true that a
healthy wolf population would keep elk and deer herds healthy and
balanced, however healthy wolves are never habituated wolves. At
this time, the wolves in the Mexican wolf program kill elk calves and
domestic animals for the sport of it, not for food.

Mexican wolves are not even endangered. Hundreds of these wolves -
all genetically related - live in zoos around the country, where they
are part of a breeding program to build the population. And contrary
to reports of dwindling wolf populations in the wild, it should be
pointed out that the "official" wolf counts omit the dozens of
uncollared wolves which are living and breeding in and near the wolf
recovery area.

This rule change is our opportunity to improve the program and shift
the Fish and Wildlife Service's focus where it needs to be: the
creation of a truly wild wolf population which is not coddled, fed
and protected, but subject to the same laws of survival as any wild
animal. Mexican wolves have the right to survive and thrive, but not
as anything other than fully wild animals and not at the high cost to
humans and wolves due to the way the program is run today.

In your comments, please tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to:

* Not change the classification from "experimental, non-essential"
to "experimental, essential" or "endangered" - there is no reason to
give wolves more protection (which causes habituation) but much
reason to make wolves stronger by forcing them to live natural
lives. Adding more protection will never make wolves wild.
* Eliminate restrictions to wolf dispersal and movements but provide
more rights for human self-protection; reduce or eliminate fines and
penalties for doing so. A truly wild animal will not be near enough
to humans to be killed by them, and a non-wild wolf should not be
part of the program.
* Cease release of any wolves which have ever been handled by
humans. Remove all wolves from the wild which have been handled by
humans and which exhibit signs of habituation or which engage in
livestock depredation.
* Never relocate, translocated or re-release any wolf to the wild
which has exhibited any habituation behavior or has killed any
domestic animals.
* Resolve livestock-wolf and pet-wolf conflicts in ways that are
fair to the humans who bear the economic and emotional costs of
domestic animal losses.
* Cease any supplemental feeding of the wolves by the wolf program;
such feeding just teaches the wolves to be human-dependant, it causes
habituation and since the meat from domestic animals is used for such
supplemental feeding, it introduces and familiarizes the taste of
domestic animals to wolves.
* Revise the Recovery Plan. Utilize real science and include
assessment of the impacts on affected human population as required by law.
* Place no cap on the number of wolves in the wild population,
however allow humans to protect themselves, their families, their
pets and other domestic animals without penalty. A wolf which
habituates human use areas is not a wild wolf, and needs to be
removed from the wild population before it teaches pack members and
its young this bad behavior.
* Provide no increase in boundaries of the Mexican wolf population
until it is proven that all current problems have been resolved.

The deadline for comments is December 31, 2007

Comments can be hand-delivered at the open house or submitted by USPS
or email. Be sure to include "Attn: Mexican Gray Wolf NEPA Scoping",
your full name and your return address in your message.

USPS
Brian Millsap, State Administrator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office
2105 Osuna NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113

Email
R2FWE_AL@fws.gov

Note: Other meeting dates and locations can be found at

http://www.mexicanwolfeis.org/

------------------------
Lif Strand, Research Associate
Southwest Center for Resource Analysis
Western New Mexico University
(505) 773-4897
(505) 212-0108 FAX

Missing teen: Jordan Grider, Carrizozo

2007-10-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Jordan Grider, 17, walked away from Carrizozo High School last
Tuesday morning (October 23, 2007) after his first hour class. He was
seen around town in various places until about noon and after that,
there are no known sightings of him or any idea where he might have
gone after that. He was wearing jeans and a blue hoodie jacket and
had his back pack. He was afoot and last seen on the south end of
Carrizozo near Hwy. 54.

Anyone with any information about his whereabouts should contact the
Carrizozo Police Department at 648-2351 or the Lincoln County Sheriff
Department at 648-2341.

Reminder: Catron County Citizens Group meeting Oct 24

2007-10-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is a reminder for the October Catron County Citizens Group
meeting at 5:30 PM this Wednesday, Oct 24, at the Reserve Ranger
District office.

------------------------
Lif Strand, Research Associate
Southwest Center for Resource Analysis
Western New Mexico University
(505) 773-4897
(505) 212-0108 FAX

Heating fuel value calculator

2007-10-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting resource for you from the USFS Forest Products Lab in Madison Wisc. You put in the type of fuel you're currently using, the cost per unit of it, and then can compare to see what you could pay for other kinds of fuel for the equivalent amount of energy (one million BTUs).

The resource is at

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu/resources/documents/fuel-value-calculator.xls

__________________

Catron County Citizens Group
Catron County, New Mexico, USA
www.catroncitizens.org

Water in the West: The Future is Drying Up

2007-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Future Is Drying Up
By JOE GERTNER
NY Times October 21, 2007

Scientists sometimes refer to the effect a hotter
world will have on this country's fresh water as
the other water problem, because global warming
more commonly evokes the specter of rising oceans
submerging our great coastal cities. By
comparison, the steady decrease in mountain
snowpack — the loss of the deep accumulation of
high-altitude winter snow that melts each spring
to provide the American West with most of its
water — seems to be a more modest worry. But not
all researchers agree with this ranking of
dangers. Last May, for instance, Steven Chu, a
Nobel laureate and the director of the Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory, one of the United
States government's pre-eminent research
facilities, remarked that diminished supplies of
fresh water might prove a far more serious
problem than slowly rising seas. When I met with
Chu last summer in Berkeley, the snowpack in the
Sierra Nevada, which provides most of the water
for Northern California, was at its lowest level
in 20 years. Chu noted that even the most
optimistic climate models for the second half of
this century suggest that 30 to 70 percent of the
snowpack will disappear. "There's a two-thirds
chance there will be a disaster," Chu said, "and that's in the best scenario."

In the Southwest this past summer, the outlook
was equally sobering. A catastrophic reduction in
the flow of the Colorado River — which mostly
consists of snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains —
has always served as a kind of thought experiment
for water engineers, a risk situation from the
outer edge of their practical imaginations. Some
30 million people depend on that water. A greatly
reduced river would wreak chaos in seven states:
Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona,
Nevada and California. An almost unfathomable
legal morass might well result, with farmers
suing the federal government; cities suing
cities; states suing states; Indian nations suing
state officials; and foreign nations (by treaty,
Mexico has a small claim on the river) bringing
international law to bear on the United States
government. In addition, a lesser Colorado River
would almost certainly lead to a considerable
amount of economic havoc, as the future water
supplies for the West's industries, agriculture
and growing municipalities are threatened. As one
prominent Western water official described the
possible future to me, if some of the Southwest's
largest reservoirs empty out, the region would
experience an apocalypse, "an Armageddon."

Rest of the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/magazine/21water-t.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print

__________________

Catron County Citizens Group
Catron County, New Mexico, USA
www.catroncitizens.org

USFS proposed rule for special forest products

2007-10-20T22:28:00.001-07:00

Comments for proposed rule governing the disposal of special forest
products from National Forest System lands.
The US Forest Service is issuing a proposed rule governing the
disposal of special forest products from National Forest System
lands. Special forest products include, but are not limited to,
wildflowers, mushrooms, moss, nuts, seeds, tree sap, and Christmas
trees. This proposed rule also formally establishes a pilot program
to charge and collect fees for the harvest and sale of forest
botanical products on National Forest System lands. This proposed
rule is intended to facilitate sustainable harvest of special forest
products and forest botanical products. Public comment is invited and
will be considered in the development of the final rule.

Comments must be received in writing by December 21, 2007.

For more info go to:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-20658.pdf

------------------------
Lif Strand, Research Associate
Southwest Center for Resource Analysis
Western New Mexico University
(505) 773-4897
(505) 212-0108 FAX