I also want to thank this panel for being very specific at this point in land, very constructive.

I think that we can reconcile these things and still do what these areas and the people here deserve.

I think they're out there, on the ground, dealing with this every day.

This field hearing today shows his commitment to having all sides share--have their voices heard on this important issue.

I believe maintaining habitat is just as important to maintaining our hunting and fishing traditions as is the Second Amendment.

I believe that we as a Nation must establish and maintain operational control of our borders.

This is part of what has been a long and deliberate process led by Senator Bingaman.

Ladies and gentlemen, we all know the public lands of Dona Ana County are critically important to our economy and way of life in Southern New Mexico.

Thank you Senator Bingaman, Senator Udall for bringing this hearing to Las Cruces.

It doesn't change the position of New Mexico on this list, but it does show progress.

Senate Bill 1689 has serious ramifications that could directly affect this board's ability to adhere to that mandate.

Let us make the right choice for the above and more reasons, and let us preserve as much wilderness as can be preserved around our Organ Mountains.

Thank you, Senators Bingaman and Udall, for sponsoring this important legislation for our area.

There is now NO grazing in the Gila Wilderness, and to my knowledge NO use of emergency response (mechanized equipment) is allowed in this wilderness.

The disagreement, however, is not whether our lands need preservation and protection, but rather in the method which should be used in protecting our lands.

Your efforts to pass this legislation have sidestepped the real issues of border security.

Thanks to Senators Bingaman and Udall for sponsoring the legislation holding the Wilderness Field Hearings in Las Cruces on Feb 15th.

Thank you for holding a field hearing on this most important issue to the land.