New report urges protection of cultural heritage sites like Chaco, Mesa Verde from oil and gas

Following is an excerpt of an article that appeared in this morning’ s edition of the digital site  New Mexico Political Report

A new report released this week by Archaeology Southwest and The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks calls for increased protection of cultural resources like Chaco Culture National Historical Park from oil and gas development.

“To honor and protect our diverse and shared heritage, America’s national parks and monuments must be preserved and protected to the maximum extent possible. But the presence of oil and gas development on their doorstep is a stark threat to their long-term protection,” the report states.   Read more here

A Victory for Valencia Water Watchers

Here is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the digital news source The Paper.

Corporate Bottling Co.’s Request for Millions of Gallons of Water Tabled Indefinitely

Niagara Bottling corporation’s request to increase their water draw from the Albuquerque Basin aquifer from 285 acre-feet/year (92+ million gallons/yr) to 700 acre-feet/year (228+ million gallons/yr).

While Valencia Water Watchers, a non-political group of volunteers is cautiously optimistic about Niagara’s request being indefinitely tabled at this me, we remain watchful. The group believes community should have the opportunity to review the Water Rights report that the Village of Los Lunas is waiting on, and should be actively involved in major decisions such as these that will impact the Albuquerque Basin aquifer for generations to come.

This is the third time in five weeks that the Los Lunas Village Council has tabled this agenda item.

Read More Here

Order Your Free Small Trees and Shrubs to Plant

The Interfaith Forest of Bliss tree planting project (a program connected with Interfaith Power and Light) ordered small seedlings that will arrive early September. We have chosen very good varieties for our region for low water, beauty, and wildlife and pollinators. We are taking orders with a commitment to pick up the trees in Albuquerque when they arrive and that they will be cared for and loved.  If you want to order through your faith community give us the order in one lot. We keep a record of all plantings.

Contact Ann McCartney asims98891@aol.com

Please order by August 20

Here is the information we need

Tree or plant type

Number of trees

Name of person

Location

E-mail and phone address

Faith community

 

Tree Varieties Available

Desert Willow

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height:  25 feet

Water Requirements:  Low

Alkalinity Tolerance:  high

 Elevation:  3000 – 6000

Cold Hardiness:  Fair-Good

Color:  It has showy white and pink flowers

Suggested Uses:  windbreaks, erosion control, screens, and wildlife plantings.

Pest Problems: no major pests

Tree Description: A native shrub or small tree found in washes and along roadsides. This species is tolerant of poor soils and considerable drought. The wood is often used for fence posts. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.6 to 10.0 with intermediate shade tolerance. Crown width 20 feet.

New Mexico Foresteria/ NM Olive

Growth Rate: Moderate

Mature Height: 8-10 feet

Water: Low

Alkalinity: Moderate

Elevation: 4,000-7,500

Cold Hardiness: Good

Color: Small yellow flowers on female plants produce small bluish-black berry

Uses: Windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control

Pest Problems: none

Description: Also called NM Olive or Privet, this native shrub has a broad range in New Mexico. It is widely used by birds for small black olive-shaped fruit, and forms a dense thicket or small tree excellent for controlling erosion. High calcium carbonate tolerance and medium salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 8 and 12 feet.

 

Shrubs

Growth Rate: Moderate-fast

Water usage: Low

Alkalinity Tolerance: Moderate-High

Preferred Elevation:  300-7,500

Gold Hardiness:  Good

Suggested Uses: Erosion control, wildlife plantings, windbreaks

Pests: None

Description:  Low water and drought Tolerant plants including Winterfat, Four-wing saltbrush, Chamisa (rubber rabbitbrush), Littleleaf sumac.