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

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.

There are many issues around the edges of the bill, to 'fix up' this or that. But there are no fatal flaws.

Information and testimony provided through your office or by others is quite misleading to the general public.

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.

I beseech you to reconsider a 'quick fix' and give more time to this matter.

There is no reason to believe field practices in the proposed areas would differ.

We appreciate the efforts of all parties involved as well as Senator Bingaman and his staff for working with EBID to exclude our existing dams from the wilderness area.

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

Thank you also for the opportunity to add additional testimony to the record for S 1689.

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

We appreciate that effort.