CAN WE SAVE THE WOLF? - New Mexico Wilderness Alliance

Successes of the New Mexico Wilderness
Alliance Service Projects Programs
By Michael Scialdone
Over the past three years, NMWA
has put together a highly successful
Service Projects program. These
have been a fun and rewarding way
for our members to get involved
with on-the-ground efforts to protect
our public lands. The projects
have involved a wide range of
activities, but mostly focus on restoration
of streams and springs and
restoration/prevention of ATV/ORV
(off-road vehicle) abuses.
The most important benefit of service
projects is that we are helping to
heal the wounds to our lands. When
springs and riparian vegetation are
fenced off from grazing and meanders
are induced into our streams,
the benefit to land and wildlife is
extraordinary. Our members and
supporters have an additional opportunity
to get involved with public
lands protection that is rewarding
as well as a chance to socialize with
like-minded individuals.
Another great benefit is that service
projects provide a way to work
cooperatively with the agencies that
manage our public lands. In an age
where these agencies are expected
to do more under shrinking budgets,
service projects may be the
only way that critical work will get
done in certain areas. The amount
of work that 20 people working
together can get done on a Saturday
usually exceeds the expectations
of agency personnel, often
leading to on-the-site discussions
about what we can work together
on next year.
ties on any outing with which you
can help. See page 19 for a list
of our upcoming service projects.
For general information and questions
about service projects, do not
hesitate to call or email Michael
Scialdone at 843-8696 (ABQ office)
or scial@nmwild.org.
Finally, an important part of our
success has been teaming up with
other conservation groups that also
lead service projects. By working
together, we can share expertise
on what work is needed (particularly
with stream restoration,) as
well as increase the volunteer turnout.
Groups that we have worked
with, or have projects scheduled
with, include Albuquerque Wildlife
Federation, Amigos Bravos, Quivira
Coalition, Sky Island Alliance,
Tijeras Safe Passage Coalition,
Upper Gila Watershed Alliance, and
NM Volunteers for the Outdoors.
We hope to see you out on a service
project some time this summer
or fall. If you are fit enough to go
for a hike, then there will be activi-
Page 16 Summer 2006