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
The "Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund" passed and was signed by the governor. Thank you to all who help get the vote out! This introduce $100 Million to 10 State programs which include forest restoration, building trails, and emergency relief for wildfires.
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.
Final Decision: Successful
Hale Lake responded with eliminating e-bikes from non-motorized trails.
Final Decision : Spring 2023