Mesilla Valley Rio Grande Habitats Spared in October, 2020
This scene, but with less water, could have been reenacted in the Las Cruces – Mesilla reach of the Rio Grande just as migrating birds were seeking food and respite, and after years of riverbank restoration efforts.
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts across the West had been invited to descend on the area, chosen for this year’s “River Run” events. The Las Cruces chapter teamed up with the Southwest Environmental Center (SWEC) and Mesilla Valley Audubon Society, sending a well-crafted opposition letter to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which has jurisdiction over the riverbed, and to numerous state and regional officials. Read the original letter here.
Numerous individual members of our organizations and local authorities followed suit. SWEC reports the outcome in the press release that follows.
10/14/20 Update: SWEC has learned that a massive off-road vehicle rally planned for the bed of the Rio Grande on consecutive Saturdays (10/10/20 and 10/17/20) has been cancelled, at least for this year. The organizers were apparently unable to obtain the necessary permits in time from the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission. Thanks to all of you who contacted IBWC and other officials to voice your opposition to this event.
Other News:
ESA Listing and Critical Habitat Proposed for Rare Marsh Plant Found Only in New Mexico
Photo: Bob Sivinski
Following a rigorous review of the best available science, today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to list the striking, 8-foot-tall Wright’s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. (ed., Some would say, “It’s about time!”)
Public comment until November 30 online at regulations.gov, citing docket number FWS–R2–ES–2018–0071.
See the complete explanation of the proposal here: FWS Proposal
“Here Today, Gone Forever: Plant Extinction Now and Conservation Strategies for Tomorrow“.
You might be interested in an online symposium hosted by the New York Botanical Gardens entitled This symposium is free and will be held on two Tuesdays: November 17 & 24, 11 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. EST. Registration is free. See agenda through the link below.
https://www.nybg.org/event/here-today-gone-forever-plant-extinction-now-and-conservation-strategies-for-tomorrow/?fbclid=IwAR2KdIe-_Ni52J8w_C_AnL9eN3CnDDui5LWK-ZWZPAHlGqzR17xVXw8uIkQ
We will post a link to any recording of the symposium that may become available for those who miss the symposium in real time.
