Wilson Says Air Force will drop bid to build fence in Otero Canyon
Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Heather Wilson announced today that the United States Air Force has decided not to build a fence in the popular Otero Canyon in the Manzano Mountains east of Albuquerque. The area is popular with hikers, bikers, and nature lovers, who feared that a fence would close off access to miles of trails people have enjoyed for years. Wilson took up the issue early on and fought to keep Kirtland Air Force Base officials from fencing the area off to users other than where required for safety.
Wilson says the Air Force has decided that some of the area on the northeast boundary of Kirtland’s range area is no longer required to support Kirtland’s mission. The Air Force will now initiate a National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) process to assess the land and its potential uses.
“New Mexicans have used this area to hike and bike for many years,” says Wilson. “A fence would not have helped security. Over the last few years, I’ve worked with dozens of people who love the recreation opportunities available on this land. Today, we can declare victory. I am thankful to the Air Force for listening to reasonable people.”
As the issue first percolated, Wilson hiked a stretch of Otero Canyon to learn more about concerns surrounding access to those trails. Wilson was the first high-ranking public official in 2003 to publicly support efforts to preserve access to the trails for nature enthusiasts who hike and bike in the area.
In June 2003, Wilson asked officials at Kirtland Air Force Base to take a balanced approach based on Otero Canyon’s unique aspects, as well as the Base’s needs. At Wilson’s request, the public comment period at the time was then extended.
“I picked a great time to hike the Otero Trails,” said a muddied Wilson at the time after her hike in a rain-soaked Otero Canyon. “After days of rain, a soggy trail can be a challenge. I can see how much fun it is to hike or bike here, so I fully understand why people are so passionate about preserving access to this beautiful part of the Manzanos.”
“As always, the cycling community is very appreciative of Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s direct involvement in the Otero Canyon issue,” said Matt Turgeon, a local mountain biker and member of Friends of Otero (FOOMTB.org). FOOMTB is a not-for-profit, trail advocacy group that opposes closing any part of the Otero Trail System.
“From the very beginning, Heather has been involved in the fight to save Otero Canyon and she took the lead in finding this new solution,” said Turgeon. “The chasm between KAFB and the public was huge at the onset, but with Heather’s involvement the public appears to be able to regain their land back. This is not only great for Tijeras and Albuquerque, but the entire state. The Crown Jewel of New Mexico’s cycling trails will soon be re-opened to the public.”
Base officials had proposed building a fence along part of Kirtland’s eastern boundary in the Manzanita Mountains. The area, known as Otero Canyon, is heavily used by nature enthusiasts who hike and bike in the area. The Canyon has also been featured in outdoor magazines that have touted its trails as some of the best in the nation.
In multiple meetings in Washington and New Mexico over the years, Wilson has made the point to Air Force officials that the fence would not improve security because it was easily circumvented and would be difficult to patrol. In addition, she pointed out to the Air Force that the five mile distance from the eastern border to the populated part of the base is greater protection than a fence. She also urged the base to identify safety hazards and clearly post the dangers.
Wilson has consistently worked to keep Kirtland Air Force Base strong, anticipating rounds of Base Realignment and Closure Commission. She has also worked to preserve New Mexico’s natural beauty, most notably through the federal purchase of the Baca Ranch in northern New Mexico and the Tres Pistolas nature area in the East Mountains, and the preservation of the Ojito Wilderness in Central New Mexico and the Valle Vidal in Northern New Mexico.
“Heather Wilson has credibility with the Air Force and used it to help the community,” said Turgeon. “She was uniquely positioned to get this fixed. Common sense prevailed because of her persistence and credibility.”
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