On my January 19th blog post, I shared our visit to Rockhound State Park in Deming, NM. (click here to see it) Since then, there has been a proposal by state park officials to close the park to rockhounds. That means that a park that was set aside just for rockhounding, will not be open to rockhounding any more.
You can have a say in this. If you would like to see the park to continue to open to rock collecting, then please speak up! Here is the latest update and contact information:
Letter to the Editor
Deming Headlight
On the evening of March 29, 2011, in response to a notice from the New Mexico State Parks, about 80 people turned out to listen to a Draft Management Plan for Rockhound State Park here in Deming. This management plan is done every 5 years for every state park. In reading the proposed draft plan, there were several statements that thoroughly aroused the concern of Deming’s citizens. There were representatives from the State Park Service discussing the various issues and to answer questions. [New Mexico] Cabinet Secretary John Bemis attended and spoke, advising that he “knew nothing about State Parks”; Christy Tafoya, a staff archeologist, Cynthia Lovely who wrote the draft, Dave Gatterman who is in charge of construction at the various state parks; and Tommy Mutz, probably the most experienced and knowledgeable ranger, who has now been appointed the new Director of State Parks. All of these people are from Santa Fe. When asked who would be making the final decision about Rockhound State Park, Mr. Bemis advised that he would, after reviewing all the public input and editing and revisions the staff may make. After the meeting, he was very impressed with our comments and stated he would certainly review the comments before making a decision.
[snip]
If you wish to review the proposed Draft Management Plan in it’s entirety, log onto nmparks@state.nm.us under plans. Pay special attention to pages 24, 25 and 30. If you want to make your voice heard, then please email to the following:
nmparks@state.nm.us
Susana.Martinez@state.nm.us
Tommy.Mutz@state.nm.us
John.Bemis@state.nm.us
Phone: 505-476-3200 Fax: 505-476-3220
You can also write to NM State Parks, P.O. Box 1147, Santa Fe, NM 87505. You can fax your letter to: 505)476-3361. Also, send your letter and comments via fax to:
Senator Tom Udall, Washington DC fax: 202)228-3261
Senator Jeff Bingaman, Washington DC fax: 202)224-2852
U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, local fax: 575)522-0855;Washington DC fax: 202)225-9599
State Representative: Dona Irwin: Office number: 575)546-6016
State Senator: John Arthur Smith: Fax: 575)544-2715
We only have until April 18, 2011 to make our voices heard. Get your comments in now!
Maurice & Judy Crawford
Deming Rockhounders