ACTION ALERT: Many Opportunities to Support the Valle Vidal

NRDC's EARTH ACTION:
The Bulletin for Environmental Activists
Special alert for New Mexico Earth Activists: Come rally to protect the Valle Vidal!

The Valle Vidal (the "Valley of Life"), in northern New Mexico's Carson National Forest, is one of the places that makes our state special. The area is home to hundreds of wildlife species, including New Mexico's largest herd of elk, as well as irreplaceable cultural artifacts and unmatched scenery and recreational opportunities. The Valle Vidal is also a vital economic resource for the state, contributing $2-$5 million annually to New Mexico's economy.

But despite its unmatched beauty, cultural importance and benefits to our economy, the Valle Vidal is currently threatened by oil and gas development that would irreparably harm the landscape and wildlife, contaminate water supplies and destroy the majesty of this special place for our children and grandchildren.

During the next several weeks, New Mexicans have a number of local opportunities to learn more and speak out about the need to protect the Valle Vidal -- please join us at one or more of the events listed below. 

Friday-Sunday, August 19-21
Valle Vidal Great Outdoor Adventure, Ring Place, Valle Vidal: Join in a weekend-long, family-friendly public rally that includes guided hikes, horseback riding, fishing and more. Speakers may include Governor Bill Richardson, Gary Fonay (former president of NM Oil & Gas Association), Joe Torrez (Valle Vidal Grazing Association) and others. Directions below. For more information, visit https://www.vallevidal.org/calendar.html or contact Oscar Simpson of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation at 505-345-0117.

Wednesday, August 24, 7:00pm
Valley Vidal: Valley of Life or Valley of Pumpjacks?
Randall Davey Audubon Center,
1800 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe: Join a panel of experts as they discuss what the Valle Vidal is, its importance to New Mexico and what we have to lose if it is sacrificed to natural gas industrialization. For more information, call the New Mexico Environmental Law Center at 505-989-9022, ext. 28.

Friday-Monday, September 2-5
Valle Vidal Trail Rides, Valle Vidal : Spend the weekend enjoying the beauty of the Valle Vidal! Guided horseback trail rides filled with breathtaking landscapes, lush grassy meadows, sparkling streams and wildlife are available all weekend long. Rides range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Directions below. For more information, contact Oscar Simpson of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation at 505-345-0117.

Forest Service Open House Community Meetings: The Forest Service is holding community meetings on the proposed coalbed methane development project in the Valle Vidal. These meetings are important opportunities to show our support for preserving the area. Two meetings will be held at each location, at 2:00pm (doors open at 1:00) and 7:00pm (doors open at 6:00).

Tuesday, August 23
Raton Convention Center, 901 South Third Street, Raton

Thursday, August 25
Taos Convention Center, Rio Grande Room, 120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos

Tuesday, August 30
Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe
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Please also forward this message to your friends and co-workers, and urge them to join us at these events as well.

And if you haven't already, please don't forget to send a comment opposing coalbed methane development in the Valle Vidal before the September 15 deadline. To take action, visit
https://www.nrdcaction.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=52851

Thank you!
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Directions to the Valle Vidal: The Valle Vidal lies northeast of Taos and northwest of Cimarron, and is approximately 15 miles south of the Colorado-New Mexico border. The campsite is approximately a 4.5 hour drive from Albuquerque, 1.5 hours from Cimarron and 2.5 hours from Taos.

From I-25 take exit 419 approximately five miles north of Springer. Go west on Highway 58 to Cimarron (19 miles). At the intersection of highways 58 & 64, take Highway 64 and go north toward Raton for approximately four miles. Look for a small green Valle Vidal sign on the right side of the road and turn left. Go west on the dirt road (FS 1950) approximately 30 miles to the camp site.

The campsite is primitive: portable outhouses and a limited supply of fresh potable water will be available; you should bring at least five gallons of water or more per vehicle. Nights can be cool (high 30-degree range), and rain is always a possibility, so pack accordingly and bring your own sleeping accommodations. The campsite is suitable for truck/camper, truck-horse trailer and tent camping. Make sure you have good tires and as a precaution we suggest you carry several bottles of fix-a-flat and a flat tire repair kit (plug type). Cell phone reception is limited to a lookout point on the side of the mountain five miles west of the campsite.

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About NRDC
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The Natural Resources Defense Council is a nonprofit environmental organization with more than one million members and online activists, and a staff of scientists, attorneys and environmental experts. Our mission is to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.

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