THE COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE CARSON NATIONAL FOREST / TAOS SKI VALLEY, INC. PROJECTS IS OVER, BUT…
YOU CAN STILL:
WRITE A LETTER!!!
READ YOUR LETTER AT A TOWN OR COUNTY MEETING!!!
CALL SOMEONE YOU KNOW WITH INFLUENCE!!!
Now that the Environmental Assessment comment period has passed, the Carson National Forest is taking the next step to consider the public input and to determine what projects might be approved. Since there were no formal alternatives given to the 2021 proposed, the options (as we see them) are approval/non-approval of the proposed projects or perhaps a determination that an Environmental Impact Study be performed. During this period, we can engage civic leaders to help educate them to the situation and ask for help. In the Taos area, it’s important that we not only contact State leaders, but we get involved in the County and Town meetings to gauge their positions and ask for resolutions.
Please consider writing a letter to civic leaders (see list below) at all levels of government. Ask them to talk, consider a formal resolution, or even hold a public forum of their own. Below is an example letter that exemplifies some of our concerns and positions. Use it as a guide. Send it. Please. If enough letters are sent, we will be heard.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
[Civic Leader's Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Urgent Support Needed to Protect the Fragile Taos Ski Valley
Dear [Civic Leader’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a follower of Taos Mountain Alliance (taosmountainalliance.org), I am writing to express my deep concern about the overdevelopment of the small and fragile Taos Ski Valley and to request your involvement and support in protecting this precious natural resource, unconstrained access to the wilderness beyond the ski valley, and the socioeconomic viability of our local communities.
As a passionate advocate for the environment and a resident of this community, I have witnessed firsthand the negative impacts that the rapid and unchecked development in the Taos Ski Valley is having on our delicate ecosystem, wildlife, and the socioeconomics of our local communities. The current situation is alarming, as the Carson National Forest Service has been approving numerous projects by the developer without adequate scrutiny or the necessary NEPA Environmental Impact Studies.
The Taos Ski Valley is not only a cherished recreational area but also a vital habitat for diverse wildlife and an essential water source for our region. The unrestrained development threatens the integrity of our surrounding forests, compromising their ability to provide clean air, regulate water flow, and support a thriving ecosystem. This unrestrained expansion may also impede public access to the forest, limiting the recreational opportunities available to both locals and visitors.
Furthermore, the socioeconomic impact of this development cannot be overlooked. The local communities rely on tourism as an economic driver, supporting businesses and providing employment opportunities for our residents. However, the current trajectory of real estate development driven motivated much by profit and intent to make Taos Ski Valley into an exclusive resort jeopardizes the delicate balance between economic growth and the well-being of our citizens. It is crucial to prioritize sustainable development practices that benefit the local communities and ensure their long-term prosperity.
I implore you to take a stand and lend your support to the grassroots effort aimed at stopping the overdevelopment of the Taos Ski Valley. Your involvement and advocacy are critical in raising awareness about the issue and pressuring the Carson National Forest Service to reconsider their decisions. We need your voice to call for a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts through NEPA Environmental Impact Studies, ensuring that development decisions are made with careful consideration of the surrounding ecology and the needs of our local communities.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and explore possible courses of action. Together, we can work towards a solution that protects the environment, preserves our precious natural resources, and fosters the sustainable development of our communities.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
_____________________
Here is a list of State, Federal, and local leaders who need to hear from you:
NM State Representative: Kristina Ortez Phone: 575-770-7792. kristina.ortez@nmlegis.gov
NM State Senator: Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales Phone: (505) 986-4362. roberto.gonzales@nmlegis.gov
U.S. Senators:
Sen. Martin Heinrich, 123 East Marcy Street, Ste. 103 Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone: (505) 988-6647. Email Link.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, 120 South Federal Place Suite 302 Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone: (575) 526-5475. Email Link.
U.S. Representative: Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, 120 S Federal Pl Suite 323 Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: (505) 428-4680 Email Link + Local staff: matt.miller2@mail.house.gov and jennifer.sanchez@mail.house.gov
Forest Service:
Carson National Forest Supervisor: James Duran, Carson National Forest, 208 Cruz Alta Road Taos, NM 87571. Phone (575) 758-6200. james.d.duran@usda.gov
Questa District Ranger: Amy Simms, Ranger Station Rd, Questa, NM 87556.
US Forest Service Chief: Randy Moore, 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0003 Phone (202) 205-8439. randy.moore@usda.gov
US Forest Service Associate Chief: Angela Coleman, 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-0003 Phone (202) 205-8439. angela.coleman@usda.gov
State of New Mexico:
Governor: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 400 Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone: (505) 476-2200. Email Link.
Lieutenant Governor: Lt. Governor Howie Morales 490 Old Santa Fe Trail Room 417 Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone: (505) 476-2250. Email Link.
Attorney General: Raul Torrez 408 Galisteo Street Villagra Building Santa Fe, NM 87501 Phone: (505) 490-4060. Email Link.
Secretary of State: Maggie Toulouse Oliver 325 Don Gaspar, Suite 300 Santa Fe, NM 87501. Phone: 505-827-3600 (Option 3). Communication Director’s email: alex.curtas@state.nm.us
Commissioner of Public Lands: Stephanie Garcia Richard 310 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe NM 87501 Phone: 505-827-5760. slo-info@slo.state.nm.us
Local Government:
Taos County Commissioners: Contact Info Link
Taos Town Mayor and Councilors: Contact Info Link
Village of Taos Ski Valley Mayor and Councilors: Contact Info Link