Hike This Weekend With NM Wild and Help Prevent Off-Road Vehicle Abuse

From the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance:
The Forest Service put forth the Travel Management Rule (TMR) as a way to reign in increasing off-road vehicle abuse.  When completed, each National Forest will have a map showing where motorized travel is allowed.  All other routes and cross-country travel will be banned.

The Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest is one of the first to move forward under the TMR.  This Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17, the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance will be heading out to the two areas most affected by this process: La Madera and Cedro Peak. La Madera is on the northeast side of the Sandia Mountain's and Cedro Peak is south of I-40 and heavily used by motorized users (see details below). Off-road vehicle users are advocating the opening of these ecological areas to unrestricted motorized access.

By participating in these outings you will gain an overview of the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, be given examples of how it might affect each area and learn how to make your voice heard!

PROJECT DETAILS:

Saturday, June 16th – La Madera
We’ll lead a short hike into Gonzales Canyon and a long hike into Tejon Canyon – take your pick. We’ll meet at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance office in Albuquerque, 142 Truman NE, near the corner of Central and San Mateo at 8:15 AM.

Or you can meet us at the Vista Grande Community Center (VGCC) on La Madera Road at 9:30 AM. Take Hwy 14 north. A little less than a mile north of the junction with the road to the crest, turn west on La Madera Road. VGCC is a short ways up. If you reach the high school you went too far.  At each location we’ll figure out the caravan and head out.  Bring snacks, lunch, water, good hiking shoes and appropriate clothing.

Sunday, June 17th – Cedro Peak area
For those interested in the preservation of single track trails, this process will be especially critical.  We’ll meet at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance office in Albuquerque, 142 Truman NE, near the corner of Central and San Mateo at 9:00 AM.

Or you can meet us at the Sandia Ranger Station about ½ mile south of I-40 on Hwy 337 at 10:00 AM.  At each location we’ll figure out the caravan and head out.  Bring snacks, lunch, water, good hiking shoes and appropriate clothing.

If you are unable to attend either of these events:
In July, the Sandia Ranger District will host another round of meetings in Albuquerque and Tijeras to discuss their proposed action. Please contact Micheal Scialdone (scial@nmwil.org) or Criag Chapman (craig@nmwild.org) for further information.

If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Michael Scialdone (scial@nmwild.org) or Craig Chapman (craig@nmwild.org) 505-843-8696.

Sign up for NM Wild Action Center Alerts.