No Drilling in the Valle Vidal!

To:  Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Pete Domenici, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Representative Tom Udall, and Carson National Forest Supervisor Martin Chavez:

We, the undersigned concerned individuals, businesses and groups, urge you NOT to develop New Mexico's Valle Vidal for coalbed methane.

The Valle Vidal is a special place to New Mexicans, and people from all over the country, who come to marvel at the Valle's magnificent scenery, hike, backpack and horseback ride, and enjoy world-class hunting and fishing opportunities. The Valle Vidal serves as a vital resource to the ranching and agricultural communities of northern New Mexico. In addition, 3,000 Boy Scouts from adjacent Philmont Scout Ranch utilize the Valle Vidal as part of its High Adventure Program each year.

Coalbed methane (CBM) development is known to fragment habitat, displace local wildlife populations, and destroy the scenic beauty of the landscape. CBM drilling uses large volumes of water in the drilling process and contaminates ground and sub-surface water with known toxins and carcinogens. Such irresponsible use of our most precious natural resource is unacceptable.

The largest herd of elk in the state of New Mexico calls the alpine grasslands and lush conifer forests of the Valle Vidal home. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish manage the Valle Vidal elk herd so protectively, that it is the only place in the State with a "Once in a Lifetime" elk hunt. The area proposed for CBM development is the prime winter habitat for the Valle's prized elk herd.

The Valle Vidal was donated to the American People as a "Multiple Use Area" in 1982, to be managed primarily for its wildlife (elk) resource, as well as for its outstanding recreational opportunities and scenic value. CBM development in the Valle Vidal would constitute a "dominant use", destroying the area's value as a wildlife sanctuary, sporting and recreation paradise, and as a community resource.

Over 6 million acres in the surrounding Raton Basin are currently under development for coalbed methane production. 88% of our public lands are currently open for energy development. The Valle Vidal is a 100,000 acre "postage stamp" by comparison, and should be set aside and protected for future generations to enjoy.

We urge you NOT to develop this National Treasure for coalbed methane. We also ask that you protect the Valle Vidal as a National Conservation Area (NCA), with provisions to ensure the area’s long-term sustainability, and to honor the "Multiple Use" intent of the gift to the People of the United States of America.

FURTHER, New Mexico is abundant in clean and renewable energy sources. The total volume of natural gas in the Valle Vidal would represent such a small amount of energy for the country. We need to pursue the development of wind, solar and other alternative energy sources, in order to meet the growing energy needs of our nation.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The No Drilling in the Valle Vidal! Petition to Governor Bill Richardson, Senator Pete Domenici, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Representative Tom Udall, and Carson National Forest Supervisor Martin Chavez: was created by Coalition for the Valle Vidal and written by Stuart Wilde.  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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