How Much Stimulus Funding is Going to Catron County?
The ProPublica website used data from the federal government’s stimulus Web site, Recovery.gov, spiffed it up and added thousands of other recovery spending records. The info was updated in February 2012. It includes recipient-reported data through the first quarter of 2012, which was released in January 2012.
Click HERE for Catron County stimulus funding data
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Catron County Connection: New Datil Ambulance Building Open House
Catron County Connection: New Datil Ambulance Building Open House: Datil EMS, thanks to the Commissioners and County Manager, have a new building for the Datil Ambulance and would like to open up the buildi...
Thursday, May 17, 2012
NM Gov Martinez Issues Drought Declaration
SANTA FE, NM – Governor Susana Martinez issued a formal drought declaration that encompasses the entire state of New Mexico. The declaration continues the New Mexico State Drought Task Force for an additional two years and directs the State Engineer to assess the continued severity of the drought and its effects on the various sectors of the state’s resources and economy and to make recommendations to the Governor for intermediate actions and long-term strategies to mitigate drought conditions and impacts in the state. [More]
Friday, May 11, 2012
Annual SAWC Meeting & Candidate Forum May 19, 2012
The San Augustin Water Coalition (SAWC) annual meeting will be held 1 PM, May 19, 2012 at the Datil Elementary School Gym. Candidate forum at 2 PM. [MORE]
New Mexico Green Industry Training Opportunity
From:
April Weitlauf
New Mexico Green Collaborative
Weitlauf Management
The State Energy Sector Partnership Program (SESP), Ta New Mexico Green Industry training opportunity, is now available to NM residents and businesses. This training could include many 'Green Industry' opportunities including Lead Abatement Certifications, Water Harvesting Certifications, Welding (Aluminum/Steel), Bio-Fuel Certifications, OSHA trainings, Human Resource if practicing within Green Business... and more. If you have an idea and want to ask if it would qualify for the program do not hesitate to drop me an email or just pick up the phone and give me a call, my information is listed at the bottom of this notice.
Below you will find the eligibility requirements and program description. This program is free to individuals, and under some circumstances there may be a minimal financial match to employers who would like to have their employees receive some type of upgraded training.
SESP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for training you must be over 18 and 1) have a Social Security number, 2) have the right to work in the U.S., and 3) comply with Selective Service registration requirements (for males)
AND
Be included in one or more of the following groups:
- A veteran or qualified spouse of a veteran;
- A high school dropout;
- Disabled;
- Criminal ex-offender, including juvenile;
- Currently unemployed;
- An incumbent worker in need of skills upgrades for a solar, wind biofuels, green building/energy efficiency green job;
- A dislocated worker;
- In need of updated training related to energy efficiency and renewable energy; and/or
- Worker impacted by national energy and environmental policy.
SESP PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The State Energy Sector Partnership Program (SESP) is a three year, six-million dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) administers the grant on behalf of the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB). Policy and oversight of the grant is the responsibility of the New Mexico Green Industry Council (GIC), which is a subcommittee of the SWDB.
A key goal of the SESP grant is to establish a statewide, systematic approach to worker training in renewable energy/energy efficiency occupations that is responsive to business and worker needs.
The New Mexico SESP grant has identified four priority industries for training workers to meet the needs of the state's green energy sector:
- Solar;
- Wind;
- Green Building/Energy Efficiency; and
- Biofuels
Additionally, in an effort to increase the capacity of the solar, wind, green building/energy efficiency and biofuels industry sectors, and to better meet the needs of existing and incoming businesses in New Mexico, NMDWS has awarded funds to four consortia of education providers, businesses, and workforce organizations to develop statewide "Centers of Excellence" programs. The purpose of these Centers of Excellence is to enhance and expand existing green sector training programs and develop new programs in emerging green industries. The funds will assist in the development and implementation of innovative collaborations between the business, workforce, economic development and educational systems.
- Biofuels Center of Excellence - Santa Fe Community College
- Green Building/Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence - Santa Fe Community College
- Solar Center of Excellence - Central New Mexico Community College
- Wind Center of Excellence - Mesalands Community College
April Weitlauf
New Mexico Green Collaborative
Weitlauf Management
aweitlauf@msn.com
575-574-8994 cell
Monday, April 16, 2012
San Augustin Water Grab: A Battle Won But Not the War
San Augustin Water Grab: A Battle Won But Not the War
A Battle Won But Not the War
Cathie R. Eisen
Walking Water Consulting
PO Box 133
Nogal, New Mexico
April 8, 2012
Across the southern states a battle is raging for our most precious resource. The value of water has reached a premium, and it will only increase with time. As the cities and counties of the west continue to grow, so does the need for new water sources to support their ever increasing demands. While the quest for oil is on the forefront of everyone's mind, dollar for dollar, water is by far more valuable. We can live without oil if necessary, but we must have water to survive. During the past few years, several applications have been submitted to the State Engineers Office in New Mexico for the purpose of tapping into the deeper aquifers, waters which were previously deemed unusable and were until now unprotected from such requests. One by one, they have been protested and denied. This is not the end of the effort. Future legislation will support these requests as our cities continue to grow along with the residential demand for additional supplies; water for sanitary and domestic water use is and always will be a priority to developers and communities. The health and welfare of the masses could easily trump the livelihood of the rural ranchers. They are few, rural residents are many. More at Glenwood Gazette...
A Battle Won But Not the War
Cathie R. Eisen
Walking Water Consulting
PO Box 133
Nogal, New Mexico
April 8, 2012
Across the southern states a battle is raging for our most precious resource. The value of water has reached a premium, and it will only increase with time. As the cities and counties of the west continue to grow, so does the need for new water sources to support their ever increasing demands. While the quest for oil is on the forefront of everyone's mind, dollar for dollar, water is by far more valuable. We can live without oil if necessary, but we must have water to survive. During the past few years, several applications have been submitted to the State Engineers Office in New Mexico for the purpose of tapping into the deeper aquifers, waters which were previously deemed unusable and were until now unprotected from such requests. One by one, they have been protested and denied. This is not the end of the effort. Future legislation will support these requests as our cities continue to grow along with the residential demand for additional supplies; water for sanitary and domestic water use is and always will be a priority to developers and communities. The health and welfare of the masses could easily trump the livelihood of the rural ranchers. They are few, rural residents are many. More at Glenwood Gazette...
Monday, April 9, 2012
San Augustin Water Grab Decision Appealed
A legal notice of appeal of the NM Office of State Engineer decision to deny the San Augustin Ranch LLC's water grab application was published in today's Albuquerque Journal. http://legals.abqjournal.com/legals/show/279214
"NOTICE OF APPEAL DE NOVO FROM ORDER OF THE STATE ENGINEER Applicant/Appellant Augustin Plains Ranch, LLC, pursuant to NMSA 1978, Section 72-7-1, hereby appeals de novo from the State Engineer's Order Denying Application dated March 30, 2012, in the above-referenced New Mexico State Engineer ("OSE") proceeding. Dated April 5, 2012. Respectfully submitted, /s/ John B. Draper John B. Draper Jeffrey J. Wechsler Montgomery & Andrews"
Sunday, February 5, 2012
SAN AUGUSTIN PLAINS WATER GRAB MOTIONS TO BE HEARD 02/07/12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 03, 2012
SANTA FE, N.M.— After four years of delays and false starts, the State Engineer is finally hearing motions to dismiss an application to take 54,000 acre-feet of groundwater annually from Catron County. The application, filed by a New York based corporation, is being protested by over 200 residents who live in and around Datil, NM – an area known as the San Augustin Plains. The residents fear that the San Augustin basin that supplies their wells with water and contributes flow to the Rio Grande and Gila River stream systems will be decimated if the application is granted. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) represents over 80 Protestants.
NMELC filed a motion to dismiss the application one year ago. “The application must be thrown out because it does not comply with basic New Mexico law,” said Bruce Frederick, NMELC Staff Attorney. “The corporation’s application seeks a permit to use or sell a vast amount of water for any purpose within seven New Mexico counties. Under New Mexico law, however, the corporation was required to identify exactly how and where it intends to use the water, and its failure to do so means that the State Engineer cannot consider or approve its application.”
WHO: New Mexico Environmental Law Center
WHAT: Hearing before State Engineer addressing motions to dismiss the water rights application
WHERE: Socorro County Courthouse
200 Church Street
Socorro, New Mexico, 87801
575-835-0050
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7th, 10:00 a.m.
The mission of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center is to protect New Mexico's natural environment and achieve environmental justice for New Mexico's communities through legal representation, policy advocacy and public education. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center’s attorneys have handled over 100 critical cases in low-income and minority communities fighting pollution and environmental degradation. The NMELC charges few, if any, fees to its clients, most of who are from Hispanic and Native American communities. The NMELC celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008. Membership and gifts help New Mexico communities protect their natural environment and their health from toxic pollution, the degrading effects of growth and liabilities created by irresponsible mining. Call Sebia Hawkins, Director of Development 505-989-9022, ext. 27 for more information.
Friday, February 03, 2012
SAN AUGUSTIN PLAINS WATER GRAB MOTIONS TO BE HEARD
SANTA FE, N.M.— After four years of delays and false starts, the State Engineer is finally hearing motions to dismiss an application to take 54,000 acre-feet of groundwater annually from Catron County. The application, filed by a New York based corporation, is being protested by over 200 residents who live in and around Datil, NM – an area known as the San Augustin Plains. The residents fear that the San Augustin basin that supplies their wells with water and contributes flow to the Rio Grande and Gila River stream systems will be decimated if the application is granted. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center (NMELC) represents over 80 Protestants.
NMELC filed a motion to dismiss the application one year ago. “The application must be thrown out because it does not comply with basic New Mexico law,” said Bruce Frederick, NMELC Staff Attorney. “The corporation’s application seeks a permit to use or sell a vast amount of water for any purpose within seven New Mexico counties. Under New Mexico law, however, the corporation was required to identify exactly how and where it intends to use the water, and its failure to do so means that the State Engineer cannot consider or approve its application.”
WHO: New Mexico Environmental Law Center
WHAT: Hearing before State Engineer addressing motions to dismiss the water rights application
WHERE: Socorro County Courthouse
200 Church Street
Socorro, New Mexico, 87801
575-835-0050
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7th, 10:00 a.m.
INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
The mission of the New Mexico Environmental Law Center is to protect New Mexico's natural environment and achieve environmental justice for New Mexico's communities through legal representation, policy advocacy and public education. The New Mexico Environmental Law Center’s attorneys have handled over 100 critical cases in low-income and minority communities fighting pollution and environmental degradation. The NMELC charges few, if any, fees to its clients, most of who are from Hispanic and Native American communities. The NMELC celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008. Membership and gifts help New Mexico communities protect their natural environment and their health from toxic pollution, the degrading effects of growth and liabilities created by irresponsible mining. Call Sebia Hawkins, Director of Development 505-989-9022, ext. 27 for more information.
###
Monday, January 30, 2012
Catron County Wood Central
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 representative 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
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
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Invitation to Bid - State Land Office Price Agreements for Forestry / Prescribed Fire
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.
More at http://catroncounty.blogspot.com/2012/01/invitation-to-bid-state-land-office.html
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.
More at http://catroncounty.blogspot.com/2012/01/invitation-to-bid-state-land-office.html
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
San Augustin Water Hearing Date Set - Feb 7
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.
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.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Catron County Gears Up For Fire Season
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/
# # #
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/
# # #
Monday, April 11, 2011
Catron County Commission Demands Wolf Incident Investigation
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
# # #
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
# # #
Friday, May 7, 2010
County Commission meeting date change
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
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
Monday, February 15, 2010
HJM 48 - time to act!
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
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
Friday, February 5, 2010
NAIS scrapped!
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.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Doing Business With Mexico
The U.S. Commercial Service is holding a FREE webinar on doing business with Mexico on November 17 at 10 AM MT. The Santa Fe Export Assistance Center would like to welcome the participation of any of the NM firms you work with that might find it of interest. Speakers will include the Senior Commercial Officer (Mexico Region) Ann Bacher, the Principal Commercial Officer for Monterrey Geoff Bogart, someone from FedEx to talk about shipping issues, and someone from Zions Bank to discuss trade finance issues. Also highlighted during the webinar will be an upcoming trade mission to Mexico in February. If you are interested in participating in the webinar or the upcoming trade mission log on directly on Nov. 17th to:
http://www.buyusa.gov/utah/mexicowebinar.html
or contact the Santa Fe Export Assistance Center – Attention:
Catherine Spillman
International Trade Specialist
U.S. Export Assistance Center
Santa Fe, NM
T: 505-908-7434
F: 505-827-0211
Catherine.Spillman@mail.doc.gov
http://www.buyusa.gov/utah/mexicowebinar.html
or contact the Santa Fe Export Assistance Center – Attention:
Catherine Spillman
International Trade Specialist
U.S. Export Assistance Center
Santa Fe, NM
T: 505-908-7434
F: 505-827-0211
Catherine.Spillman@mail.doc.gov
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wolf News Release: WildEarth Guardians lawsuit setback
Contact: Ron Shortes, Catron County Attorney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone 575.533.6265
Email: shortes2@gilanet.com
April 17, 2009
WILDEARTH GUARDIANS SUMMARY JUDGMENT AGAINST CATRON COUNTY DENIED
Environmentalist attempt to deny County the right to protect its own citizens stalled
RESERVE, N.M. Catron County, New Mexico has learned that a WildEarth Guardians’ lawsuit, which attempts to deny the County the right to protect its own citizens from imminent harm, has been stalled. A US District Court Judge in Santa Fe recently denied a bid by the environmental group for a summary judgment against the County.
WildEarth Guardians, a Santa Fe, NM based environmental group formed through the merger of Forest Guardians, Sinapu, and the Sagebrush Sea Campaign, filed a suit against Catron County last year. The group claimed that a 2007 County ordinance, providing for protection measures for Catron County Citizens in the event of problems with wolves, violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In October of 2008, Judge Martha Vazquez issued a ruling stating that WildEarth Guardians’ claims were moot, as the County had amended the ordinance. Nevertheless, WildEarth Guardians continued to press the lawsuit, claiming that the Catron County Commission allegedly violated the ESA by setting traps for a pair of wolves. However, the Court has now denied a request for summary judgment against the County on this issue.
“It is the responsibility of government to protect its citizens,” said a Catron County spokesman. “We have a problem here with wolves and have had one since the beginning of the program. The incidents have escalated to the point where our people - particularly our children - are at risk.”
Catron County has submitted numerous requests to the Mexican wolf program to include realistic consideration for human safety - something that is currently lacking in the ESA’s 10j Rule regarding reintroduction of Mexican wolves.
“The Mexican wolf program people are well aware of our concerns for the safety of our children,” the County spokesman said. “All WildEarth Guardians is concerned about is wolves - they apparently don’t care if a child is at risk.”
“Our citizens rely on local government to protect them,” the spokesman said. “They demand that of us, and by law we are authorized to protect our citizens. We cannot, legally or morally, allow the threat from habituated wolves to reach the point where our children and families are in imminent danger. That is clear.”
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone 575.533.6265
Email: shortes2@gilanet.com
April 17, 2009
WILDEARTH GUARDIANS SUMMARY JUDGMENT AGAINST CATRON COUNTY DENIED
Environmentalist attempt to deny County the right to protect its own citizens stalled
RESERVE, N.M. Catron County, New Mexico has learned that a WildEarth Guardians’ lawsuit, which attempts to deny the County the right to protect its own citizens from imminent harm, has been stalled. A US District Court Judge in Santa Fe recently denied a bid by the environmental group for a summary judgment against the County.
WildEarth Guardians, a Santa Fe, NM based environmental group formed through the merger of Forest Guardians, Sinapu, and the Sagebrush Sea Campaign, filed a suit against Catron County last year. The group claimed that a 2007 County ordinance, providing for protection measures for Catron County Citizens in the event of problems with wolves, violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In October of 2008, Judge Martha Vazquez issued a ruling stating that WildEarth Guardians’ claims were moot, as the County had amended the ordinance. Nevertheless, WildEarth Guardians continued to press the lawsuit, claiming that the Catron County Commission allegedly violated the ESA by setting traps for a pair of wolves. However, the Court has now denied a request for summary judgment against the County on this issue.
“It is the responsibility of government to protect its citizens,” said a Catron County spokesman. “We have a problem here with wolves and have had one since the beginning of the program. The incidents have escalated to the point where our people - particularly our children - are at risk.”
Catron County has submitted numerous requests to the Mexican wolf program to include realistic consideration for human safety - something that is currently lacking in the ESA’s 10j Rule regarding reintroduction of Mexican wolves.
“The Mexican wolf program people are well aware of our concerns for the safety of our children,” the County spokesman said. “All WildEarth Guardians is concerned about is wolves - they apparently don’t care if a child is at risk.”
“Our citizens rely on local government to protect them,” the spokesman said. “They demand that of us, and by law we are authorized to protect our citizens. We cannot, legally or morally, allow the threat from habituated wolves to reach the point where our children and families are in imminent danger. That is clear.”
# # #
Monday, January 26, 2009
Local Economic Development Update
Lif Strand
Catron County will receive its Certified Communities Initiative (CCI) Award from NM Economic Development Department (NMEDD) in January. The CCI glass plaque award will be received by Catron County Treasurer Sarah Merklein in Santa Fe during legislative session.
A grant of $5000 is also awarded for the CCI designation. These funds are earmarked for the Catron County Citizens Group (CCCG) to inventory businesses in the county. This work will begin once the funds are received by CCCG. It will involve identifying every business in Catron County and visiting each one to perform an economic survey, then compiling the data. The work must be completed by June 30, 2009.
The inventory will be available to NMEDD and Catron County, and will be used as part of the baseline for supporting local economic development. Participation by businesses is voluntary but is highly encouraged. As a reward for providing the information for the inventory, participating businesses will be provided a free listing in a Catron County Business Directory available online at www.catroncitizens.org/econdev and in printed form available around the county. If your business is interested in participating, please contact Lif Strand at econdev@catroncitizens.org or (575) 773-4835.
A public hearing for the K&B Economic Incentives Ordinance will be held at the February 4, 2009 Commission meeting. A copy of the Ordinance may be obtained at the County Commission office. This Ordinance is required by NM statute in order to set the stage for County’s receipt of capital outlay funding from NMEDD to construct a building at the County Sawmill outside of Reserve. K&B Timberworks has applied for the economic incentive of use of the building.
Catron County Citizens Group is sponsoring a 4-day endurance ride to be held May 21-24 near Quemado Lake. This ride is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). The ride is managed by Lif Strand, with co-managers Ray and Kathy Sansom of Datil. Ray Sansom, a multi-champion endurance rider, is competing for his sixth national award and has been promoting the ride all over the west at the various races he attends. Kathy Sansom is the ride secretary. Work on identification and measuring (by GPS) of the 100 miles of trail is on hold until risk of snow is less. The website is up and working at www.discovercatron.com.
The CCCG website has been updated and a new CCCG calendar has been uploaded - check it out at www.catroncitizens.org/events.
Lif Strand is Catron County’s Local Economic Developer, designated by the Catron County Commission and under contract with the Catron County Citizens Group. Strand acts as liaison between local businesses and the County, and between the County and state and federal agencies involved with economic development. For more information: www.catroncitizens.org/econdev
Catron County will receive its Certified Communities Initiative (CCI) Award from NM Economic Development Department (NMEDD) in January. The CCI glass plaque award will be received by Catron County Treasurer Sarah Merklein in Santa Fe during legislative session.
A grant of $5000 is also awarded for the CCI designation. These funds are earmarked for the Catron County Citizens Group (CCCG) to inventory businesses in the county. This work will begin once the funds are received by CCCG. It will involve identifying every business in Catron County and visiting each one to perform an economic survey, then compiling the data. The work must be completed by June 30, 2009.
The inventory will be available to NMEDD and Catron County, and will be used as part of the baseline for supporting local economic development. Participation by businesses is voluntary but is highly encouraged. As a reward for providing the information for the inventory, participating businesses will be provided a free listing in a Catron County Business Directory available online at www.catroncitizens.org/econdev and in printed form available around the county. If your business is interested in participating, please contact Lif Strand at econdev@catroncitizens.org or (575) 773-4835.
A public hearing for the K&B Economic Incentives Ordinance will be held at the February 4, 2009 Commission meeting. A copy of the Ordinance may be obtained at the County Commission office. This Ordinance is required by NM statute in order to set the stage for County’s receipt of capital outlay funding from NMEDD to construct a building at the County Sawmill outside of Reserve. K&B Timberworks has applied for the economic incentive of use of the building.
Catron County Citizens Group is sponsoring a 4-day endurance ride to be held May 21-24 near Quemado Lake. This ride is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). The ride is managed by Lif Strand, with co-managers Ray and Kathy Sansom of Datil. Ray Sansom, a multi-champion endurance rider, is competing for his sixth national award and has been promoting the ride all over the west at the various races he attends. Kathy Sansom is the ride secretary. Work on identification and measuring (by GPS) of the 100 miles of trail is on hold until risk of snow is less. The website is up and working at www.discovercatron.com.
The CCCG website has been updated and a new CCCG calendar has been uploaded - check it out at www.catroncitizens.org/events.
Lif Strand is Catron County’s Local Economic Developer, designated by the Catron County Commission and under contract with the Catron County Citizens Group. Strand acts as liaison between local businesses and the County, and between the County and state and federal agencies involved with economic development. For more information: www.catroncitizens.org/econdev
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Legal Notice: Public Hearing, Economic Development Ordinance
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
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
