NEW MEXICO - RALLY TO KEEP GILA NATIONAL FOREST ROADS OPEN
Dear BRC Members and supporters in New Mexico,
Our members in southern New Mexico probably already know, but there is a big rally in protest of the draft Gila National Forest Travel Plan scheduled for March 5, 2011 at Noon at the Silver City Convention Center in Silver City.
As expected, the Gila NF has issued what can be described as a closure plan, instead of a travel plan. It's really very disappointing, but not unexpected. According to detailed analysis prepared by the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA), even the most "motorized friendly" alternative in the Gila plan will close OVER 75% of the trails that are currently open for motorized use.
Naturally, local citizens are outraged. They have been participating in the USFS travel planning process in good faith for years. The agency refused to listen, so they hope a public rally will not only expose the magnitude of the closures, but also in hopes the agency will change course.
Knowing the latter is a long shot, the local citizens have appealed to their elected representatives for help. Congressman Steve Pearce said he will attend the rally, and local politicians are also expected to attend.
If you are in the region, please consider making the drive over to Silver City to support our activists. This is an excellent opportunity to make your voice heard!
We've posted some info and related news clip below. Please take a minute to read it and pass it along to family, friends and other enthusiasts.
As always, call or email if you have any questions or comments.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
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Pearce to rally against US Forest Service plan
http://www.scsun-news.com/ci_17487708"This is the time to come together and say, 'enough is enough,'" Pearce told about 100 residents of Truth or Consequences on Thursday night. "It is time for the Forest Service to keep those roads open to the public. This is about an attempt to take away another of our freedoms as Americans."
EVENT: RALLY TO KEEP GILA ROADS OPEN
WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2011 AT NOON
WHERE: GRANT COUNTY BUSINESS AND CONVENTION CENTER
ON HIGHWAY 180 NEXT TO ACE HARDWARE
