[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SABINOSO WILDERNESS ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Sabinoso Wilderness Act of 2007. New Mexico is filled with 
extraordinary landscapes and, as a representative of this beautiful 
State, it is an honor to work to conserve these scenic and historic 
areas for future generations. One of New Mexico's special places is the 
Sabinoso Wilderness Study Area. Last year, I had the opportunity to 
explore this unique area on horseback. While traveling through deep 
canyons covered with indigenous trees such as pinon-juniper, 
cottonwood, willow, and ponderosa pine, it was evident that Sabinoso is 
an exceptional setting that deserves to be protected and accessible to 
all. That is why I am introducing legislation to designate as 
wilderness the lands in and near the Sabinoso WSA.
  The Sabinoso WSA comprises approximately 20,000 acres and is situated 
in San Miguel County, 40 miles east of Las Vegas, NM, and 25 miles 
northwest of Conchas Dam State Park. Roaming the canyons last year, I 
was struck by the ecological, scenic and recreational values of the 
area. Sabinoso overlays a thick section of colorful sedimentary rocks, 
typical of desert rock formations throughout the West. The area's 
scenic and densely vegetated landscape is also home to a rich diversity 
of wildlife, such as red-tailed hawks, western scrub-jays, broad-tailed 
hummingbirds, mule deer, bobcats, and gray foxes. All of these natural 
resources will provide outstanding opportunities to hunt, hike, 
horseback ride, take photographs, and simply experience the unspoiled 
lands of our ancestors.
  During the 2007 session of the New Mexico State Legislature, House 
Memorial 53, which calls on the New Mexico congressional delegation to 
support the establishment of the Sabinoso Wilderness Area, was 
introduced by State Representative Thomas Garcia and passed unanimously 
by a vote of 66-0.
  Unfortunately, this beautiful piece of land is currently inaccessible 
to the general public. Designating the area will help open it to 
everyone and provide access to all of these activities. Opening 
Sabinoso will also create important new economic development 
opportunities for the surrounding communities. Madam Speaker, I urge my 
colleagues to join me in passing this legislation and creating the 
Sabinoso Wilderness Area so that everyone will be able to experience 
its natural and unique beauty for generations to come.

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