New Mexico

April Reese

The Bureau of Land Management has proposed several new protected areas for northern New Mexico -- including a stretch of the Rio Grande Gorge that Congress wants to designate a national conservation area -- and would close many off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes, drawing mixed reactions from user groups.

The Taos field office’s draft resource management plan (RMP), which covers 595,100 acres across eight counties in northern New Mexico, tackles a host of new issues that have arisen since the current plan was crafted 22 years ago, including renewable energy development, an increase in of off-road recreation, and growing public interest in protecting sensitive areas along the Rio Grande, which bisects New Mexico on its path to the Gulf of Mexico.

D'val Westphal

That's a tip from Sandoval County Sheriff's Deputy Fred Switzer.

Switzer, who works in the Jemez Mountains, says he "deal(s) with ATVs all summer" and asks via e-mail "how about reminding your readers, now that summer is here, that if they are planning on using ATVs, the ATV needs to be registered through the state and the plate must be mounted on the rear of the ATV." He adds that out-of-state riders must get a permit from Game and Fish.

Staci Matlock

The 1,500 acres of city-owned property north of Santa Fe off N.M. 599 are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, motocross riders (both BMX and motorcycles), dog walkers, and four-wheeler enthusiasts. They've created paths that weave around and over the juniper-covered hills. But they don't all agree on how the land in the Northwest Quadrant, known as La Tierra Trails, should be used.

"I think the area has unrealized potential to be a first-rate mountain bike park, along with a BMX park," said Santa Fe attorney and avid cyclist Frank Herdman.

ALAMOGORDO — With the weather warming, it is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the natural treasures that the Lincoln National Forest and surrounding communities have to offer. It is important that visitors and community members alike remember to keep safety as their top priority when enjoying the Forest.
Specifically, Forest visitors are reminded to review current and future weather conditions when planning their trip. When on the Forest, always be aware of your surroundings and changing conditions. For example, windy conditions in and around the Forest can create hazardous situations due to falling live and dead trees and branches. It is not uncommon for the area to experience 50-70 mile per hour wind gusts so visitors must remain vigilant.

In addition to springtime winds, the Lincoln National Forest still has a lot of snow and there are associated safety risks when driving, horseback riding, using ATVs, or hiking. The forest has experienced a wetter than normal winter compared to the last 10 years. Many of the forest roads are still snow packed, wet, and extremely muddy. Many roads are impassable, especially in the higher elevations.

Christopher Ortiz

Residents who like off-roading and the neighbors who hate the noise and traffic will hopefully soon find the middle ground.

That’s the hope of a resolution the Rio Rancho City Council passed in March that aims to resolve two issues — find a place for people to ride their motorcycles and get them out of neighbor’s back yards.

Jim Kalvelage

A 30-day comment period is running on an environmental assessment for travel management on the Cibola National Forest's Mountainair Ranger Dis-trict.

The project's proposed action would designate a motorized road and trail system that would provide for public access and motorized recreation travel on the district, which includes a part of northwestern Lincoln County.

Brendan Giusti

FARMINGTON — Issues surrounding the usage of the Glade Run Recreation Area, located north of Farmington, are deeply personal and divisive.

Keith Ashmore rides his mountain bike in the area, while members of the Cliffhanger Jeep Club use the terrain to drive off-road vehicles.

Officials with the Cibola National Forest have come up with some alternatives for managing motor vehicle travel throughout the Mountainair ranger district.

The district is hosting three open houses next week for the public to review and comment on the proposals. All of the action alternatives would change the existing system and prohibit cross-country travel.

The New Mexico Game and Fish Department has a new hot line where residents can report violations of state off-highway vehicle laws.

The department launched the 24-hour automated hot line this week. Callers will be prompted for basic information, such as the date and time of violation, the location and the type of vehicle involved.