February 2023 -
BLM Socorro Public Comment
Re: DOI:BCM-NM-A020-0037-EA
The Socorro office has completed an EA for trails that connect the Socorro Rodeo and Sport Complex to Box Canyon Recreation Area, and the trail is currently open for Non-Motorized multi-use. They have proposed some different stacked loops, as well as a potential way of connecting down to the Bosque trail system using a cement culvert under I-25. They are asking for allowance for class 1,2,&3 E-bike use on these non-motorized trails and are planning a total of 500 miles of trails for future use. Public comment is until Feb. 24,2023. Please go to this link and give your opinion. BCHNM is in support of the trail system, however non-motorized trails are just that non-motorized, and the new ruling down from BLM 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a) allows the overseeing managers to decide whether to allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails. Say no to e-bikes on trails for equine, hikers, and mountain bikers. Follow this link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022862/510
Alert on SB 9
The "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" is up for a possible vote in the House soon. After many years of underfunding agencies throughout the state, this would introduce $75 Million to 10 State programs which include forest restoration, building trails, and emergency relief for wildfires. We are the only state to not have conservation funding which is needed to get monies from Federal grant programs. This link, will explain more and you can take action today! Please support SB 9! www.enchantmentfund.org
October 2022 -
NM Outdoor Economics Conference
NMOE was held in Taos from Oct 5-7, 2022. They had an attendance of 350 people. Many dignitaries were there such as county, state, federal, and outdoor groups such as fish, bicycling, hunting, and more. A new state division started in 2017, NM Outdoor Recreation Division is starting a campaign called, “Slow & Say Hello!” instead of the traditional triangle design on right of way. The main goal is to eliminate conflict with users.
Also noted, the Horse Thief Mesa Trail will be part of the Rio Grande Trail. Also, a few equestrian trails are being designed in the Carson National Forest Area. Construction to begin on the parking lot in Summer of 2023. The Enchanted Circle Trails Association attended and have several trails for horses and would love to have a group adopt a trail for maintenance. They are all National Forest or Wilderness areas and he’s done all the paperwork to have it done. In return, you’ll get signage identifying your group.
On the San Lorenzo trail near Socorro, the state is working on making it an example of an “Adaptive Trail System” throughout the state. They are looking at state lands and seeing which ones can be converted for trail use. They are also working on the Petroglyphs trail as well. The minimum time frame from start to finish is 4 years.
August 18, 2020 - Hale Lake Management EA
BCHNM responded to the Hale Lake Area Management Public Comment period in the Smokey Bear Ranger District in the Lincoln National Forest. The Plan proposed giving special designation to e-Bikes to non-motorized trails. BCHNM opposes motorized bicycles (e-bikes) onto trails that are intended to be shared by hikers, equestrians, and others. Our primary concerns were safety, potential impacts of e-bike use, not supporting the EA analysis of the Forest Service policy, and the main fact is an e-bike is motorized and should not be on a non-motorized trail.
Final Decision: Successful
Hale Lake responded with eliminating e-bikes from non-motorized trails.
April 10, 2020 - Revision of Forest Plan for the Gila National Forest
Backcountry Horsemen stated the following :
Building partnerships and volunteerism in assisting with the planning and maintenance of all trail systems. A well distributed trail system should be maintained to protect the opportunities for solitude, to implement and maintain the purpose of the wilderness, and not be limited. In 2019, the Gila chapter cleared trees and maintained 135 miles of trail in the Gila. Many of those severely degraded.
Continuing to maintain historic structures such as the log cabin at Mogollon Baldy, Hillsboro Peak, and White Creek cabin.
Final Decision : Spring 2022