– Carson National Forest –

Take Action for Wildlife on the Move

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Dear Carson NF Forest Planning Team,

As part of one of the best-connected wildlife landscapes in the contiguous United States, the Upper Rio Grande Valley spans from the Sandia Pueblo in New Mexico all the way to Creed, Colorado and provides critical habitat for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, cougar, the iconic Rio Grande cutthroat trout and hundreds of other plant and wildlife species. Wildlife corridors within the Carson National Forest connect vital habitat critical for wildlife all year round. Additionally, these connected landscapes allow wildlife to adapt to fire, changing climates and help maintain diverse genetics, which reduces disease and increases survivability.

I am grateful for this opportunity to comment on the forest plan and want to specifically highlight the importance of protecting connectivity for wildlife movement in the final plan.

Best available science compiled by experts at the Natural Heritage New Mexico Program recognizes that both the San Antonio Management Area and Valle Vidal Management Area are critical to wildlife movement between New Mexico and Colorado, especially for elk, mule deer and pronghorn. Thank you for the proposed establishment of these management areas, included in Alternative 2 on pages 173 and 176 of the Draft Plan. I strongly support this and request that these areas be included in the Carson’s final forest plan.

However, to ensure wildlife connections are maintained, it is important that the Forest Service include strong conservation-oriented management direction for these proposed areas. I encourage the Carson National Forest to strengthen and enhance the final plan by including language that provides specific direction to protect wildlife and its ability to move between habitat for the life of the forest plan. These are:
•	San Antonio Management Area: 1) Include a desired condition statement about the need to maintain and restore connectivity within the area and, 2) Establish a standard that prohibits new energy development or leases.

•	Valle Vidal Management Area:  Establish a standard that prohibits the construction of motorized trails.

This would not only ensure that many wildlife species will be protected, but also that the traditional ways of life for many local communities will be maintained.

I am also writing to share my concern that the draft plan does not recognize the importance of the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep to the forest. I request that the final plan include identifying the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep as a “Species of Conservation Concern.” As one of America’s most iconic species, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep symbolize the sheer beauty, strength and spirit of the American West. Although there were once over 2 million sheep, the population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep plummeted in the last century. Thanks to recent recovery efforts led by Native American tribes, state and federal agencies and conservation organizations, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have begun the slow process of recovery.

Unfortunately, many bighorn sheep populations remain vulnerable. Since the Carson provides essential habitat for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, prioritizing the management of bighorn sheep and creating protections for bighorn sheep populations within the Carson can ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Lastly, recognizing that protecting water resources and conserving key riparian habitats is critical to New Mexico, I also support the inclusion of hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature study as “Recreational Outstandingly Remarkable Value” criteria within the Carson National Forest’s Wild and Scenic River Draft Eligibility Evaluation. Ensuring that hunting, fishing and camping are within the Carson’s recreational criteria highlights the critical interplay between these forms of recreation and protection of our watersheds, river corridors and critical habitat for many wildlife species, including the Rio Grande cutthroat trout.

However, I am concerned that within the Wild and Scenic River evaluation the Carson has broken away from national standards to assess various river segments by adding the term “exceptional” to modify both fishing, hunting and multiple recreation activities. This added criteria makes assessment of these rivers and river segments incredibly subjective and seemingly allows the Carson to be arbitrary and capricious on whether it believes a certain river or river segment should be given protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the Carson National Forest’s plan.

Wildlife defines the West. It is part of our identity. The Carson National Forest just wouldn’t be the same without Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. Wildlife should be able to freely and safely cross our shared land, and it’s up to us to ensure it.

The upper Rio Grande watershed is home to three national forests. All three forests are in the process of creating new management plans, and these plans will dictate how our forests are managed for the next 20 or so years. A lot rides on these plans.

We continue to support traditional community land uses, such as residential wood cutting and piñon and herb gathering, while ensuring that wildlife have healthy habitat and the ability to move freely across the landscape.

The upper Rio Grande watershed is home to three national forests. All three forests are in the process of creating new management plans, and these plans will dictate how our forests are managed for the next 20 or so years. A lot rides on these plans.

The upper Rio Grande is the considered the most connected landscape in the lower 48. Protecting migration routes for elk, big horn sheep, mule deer and Rio Grande cutthroat isn’t simply about protecting one species that migrates, but the entire ecosystem.

You can help make sure that the natural balance of this system holds for decades to come. Please take a moment to speak up for wildlife and the protection of wildlife corridors in the Carson National Forest Plan. Remember the Forest Service wants to hear from YOU. Edit and submit your comment today.