Area deserves protection

I am writing to commend Sens. Bingaman and Udall for their leadership in bringing Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishing Act one step closer to passage with a hearing last week in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests.

This natural area provides world-class hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.  The gorge serves as a nesting ground for eagles, falcons and hawks and is known as one of the world’s great avian migratory routes used by species such as the majestic sandhill crane. Pronghorn and bighorn sheep and elk also roam the area.  

This legislation protects the Rio Grande watershed, ensuring the flow of clean drinking water to communities south of the conservation area.

Forever protecting this haven is important for the quality of life for all of us who live in Northern New Mexico — and brings in tourism dollars as well.  We can only hope that other legislators will join Sens.

Bingaman and Udall in safeguarding this national treasure.

Dan Best
Mora