ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - More than a dozen New Mexico sportsmen's organizations have signed a letter to U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., expressing concern over some of his recent actions relating to public lands.
Pearce cosponsored HR 1581, a bill which would allow development on millions of acres of land that currently are roadless. New Mexico Wildlife Federation spokesman Joel Gay explains the significance of these lands and why the sportsmen's groups want Pearce to withdraw his support.
"Our fear is that the land would be degraded and, as a result, we would be losing the quality of the habitat."
The groups also are asking Pearce to oppose HR 1126, which calls for the sale of more than 3 million acres of federal land in the West, including 800,000 in New Mexico. He is not a co-sponsor of that legislation. Gay says the sportsmen consider the bill short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible.
The sportsmen's groups consider the attempts by Congress to sell off or develop federal lands in the West to be harmful to local economies. Gay says they also wouldn't help to reduce the national debt or cut the deficit.
"None of us had any input into which lands would be disposed of. We don't know what they're talking about; there are no maps. And the idea of selling land right now, when the market is at rock bottom, in order to help solve the nation's financial woes is just crazy."
About this issue, Pearce says, "We can conserve our natural heritage, grow our economy and fix our fiscal situation simultaneously."
Pearce also voted recently to divert funding away from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which hunters and anglers consider crucial for protecting wildlife habitat.
Pearce says, "It is not time to increase government spending. It is time to take appropriate action and ensure that government funds are used effectively and efficiently." Jim Bates, spokesman for the Doña Ana County Associated Sportsmen, says that's not the point.
"In the opinion of those of us that use our public lands and wildlife and wild areas for our recreational benefit, that doesn't hold water."
The Land and Water Conservation Fund uses a fraction of federal offshore oil and gas revenues for its funding, not taxpayer dollars, and is used to protect habitat and support outdoor recreation. The effort by some in Congress to redirect the funding failed.
- February 13, 2012 Coalition Applauds President's Continued Support for Conservation Fund
- December 17, 2011 Conservation, Business and Sportsmen Groups Applaud Congressional Efforts to Protect LWCF Funding in FY12 Budget
- July 25, 2011- New Bipartisan Poll Shows Overwhelming Support Across America for Land and Water Conservation Fund
- July 13, 2011- National Bipartisan Poll Memo
- May 31, 2011- Over One-Third of the U.S. House of Representatives Sign Letter Supporting Funding for LWCF
- April 14, 2011- Conrad Anchor Testimony Release
- December 20, 2010 - Senate Urged to Join House and Pass Bill with Full Funding for Conservation Program »
- August 3, 2010 - Senate Urged to Join House and Pass Bill with Full Funding for Conservation Program »
- July 15, 2010 - House Committee Passes Bill Securing Funding for Conservation and Recreation Program »
- April 16, 2010 - America's Great Outdoors Conference Focuses on Need for Vital Land, Recreation Funding »
- February 1, 2010 - Obama's Budget Includes Key Funding for Land & Water »
- November 6, 2009 - Senate Bill Would Fulfill Longstanding Promise for Conservation and Recreation Program »
- September 17 , 2009 - Coalition Supports Conservation at House Hearing »
NM Hunters, Anglers Challenge Pearce on Conservation Issues