Water, Soil, Love
Friends of the Rio Hondo
March 3, 2025
Gondola Project Clear for Approval
The US Forest Service announced today that the Gondola Process has met all the requirements to proceed. Once the Carson National Forest signs off on the Record of Decision, Taos Ski Valley Inc. (TSVI) will be able to begin work on the components of the Gondola Project. There is no indication of when work will begin but we expect it to begin as soon as weather permits.
In the Objection Response, Kristin Bail, Deputy Regional Forester, wrote:
"I have reviewed the project in light of the issues presented in the objection letters received. My review finds that the project is in compliance with all applicable laws and the 2022 Carson Forest Plan. My review constitutes the final administrative determination of the Department of Agriculture; no further review from any other Forest Service or Department of Agriculture official of my written response to your objection is available."
Like the FONSI, the Objection Response is hard to read and decipher. It is convoluted and relies on self referential logic. In a nutshell, their analysis is "there are no problems because we say there are no problems."
The only remaining avenue to challenge the Gondola Project is a federal lawsuit. However, with the Trump administration's gutting of environmental protections the likelihood of a successful lawsuit is remote.
You can read the Objection Response here.
The Friends of the Rio Hondo went into the process knowing that we were not likely to stop the unsustainable and inappropriate development on the Rio Hondo. We were hoping to delay construction for a few years and to raise community awareness of the scope and implications of the development in the Ski Valley. In that we were successful.
Our biggest regret is that after hundreds of individuals submitted hundreds of objections and responses, amounting to thousands of pages of informed and reasoned argument, we weren't able to convince the Forest Service to change a single thing. So much for community input.
We hope that Louis Bacon and his minions have learned from this process. The scope and depth of the objections raised to this project should give them pause. We hope that Mr. Bacon realizes he does not currently have the community's full support, that Taos has different values and expectations than other places, and that he and the TSVI management have a lot of work to do to earn the community's trust.
February 9, 2025
Legislative Priorities for Acequias
Our friends at the New Mexico Acequia Association have identified the following priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session:
ACEQUIA PRIORITY LEGISLATION
HB 330 (Garcia, Jaramillo, Martinez) Land Grant-Acequia Infrastructure Act. This legislation would create a new funding stream for land grant and acequia infrastructure. Stay tuned for updates!!
SB 208 (Campos). Increases the annual funding for the Acequia and Community Ditch Infrastructure Fund (ACDIF) from $2.5 million to $5.0 million annually.
ACEQUIA BUDGET PRIORITIES
Increase funding for the Acequia and Community Ditch Fund (ACDF) at NMDA which provides to acequias for the adjudication process. We are supporting additional funding of $1.2 million to add to the existing base budget. This will be proposed as an amendment to HB 2, the budget bill.
Special appropriation of $10 million to ISC for acequia projects statewide to cover the cost of federal cost share, including federal disaster programs. This is proposed as an expenditure in the capital outlay bill.
Increase funding for the New Mexico Acequia Commission (NMAC) to build capacity with staff and operational expenses. This will be proposed as an amendment to HB 2, the budget bill.
Retain the existing funding level for the Acequia and Community Ditch Education Program at DFA, which is in HB 2. No amendments are needed as there is funding already allocated in HB 2, the budget bill.
To review other legislation that NMAA has endorsed or is otherwise tracking, you can view our Acequia Legislative Tracker here.
HB 330 - Land Grant-Merced & Acequia Infrastructure
This legislation would create a recurring funding stream for land grant-merced and acequia infrastructure. The Land Grant-Merced Infrastructure
Project Fund and the Acequia Infrastructure Project Fund would obtain funds primarily from proceeds from severance tax bonds in 1.1% allocations of the estimated bonding capacity.
HB 330 addresses the unmet needs of acequias and community ditches for planning, engineering design, and construction of infrastructure projects. There are an estimated 700 acequias and community ditches in 23 counties in New Mexico. Hundreds of acequias and community ditches statewide need repairs and improvements to efficiently convey irrigation water.
If passed, this would be historic legislation in addressing the infrastructure needs of land grants and acequias. HB 330 was introduced on Friday. As soon as we know when its first committee hearing has been scheduled, we will send out an Acequia Action Alert!! Stay tuned for updates!!
SB21 and SB22
Clean Water Protections
In Senate Judiciary on Monday
These two bills, which would create a surface water permitting system in New Mexico, both passed their first committee last week. NMAA’s Director of Policy and Planning, Vidal Gonzales, was present to testify in support of the bills. Both passed the Senate Conservation Committee (SCONC)
An estimated 95% of New Mexico’s rivers and streams and 88% of the state’s wetlands are at risk because protections under the federal Clean Water Act have been severely reduced following a Supreme Court ruling last May. State Senate Leader Wirth and Rep Ortez have introduced 2 bills (SB22 and SB21) that would fill in these gaps and protect New Mexico's waters.
The two bills will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 10, 2025.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Joseph Cervantes, Chair
Monday, February 10, 2025 1:30 pm or 1/2 hour after the floor session – Room 321
SB 21 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM ACT (WIRTH/ORTEZ)
SB 22 /a WATER QUALITY & POLLUTION (WIRTH/ORTEZ)
For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to SJC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov.
To attend meeting via Zoom Webinar click the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88109017169 Webinar ID: 881 0901 7169, Zoom Call: 1-253-205-0468
Tuesday in Senate Conservation Committee - Rivers, Watersheds, Wetlands Funding
SB 108 Water & Wetland Improvement Projects. This funding will support the River Stewardship Program at NMED. The funds can be used for grants that support river and watershed restoration. This bill would appropriate $10 million to NMED to improve river, stream, and wetland habitat and surface water quality. In past years, some of this funding has benefited acequias through watershed restoration work, including projects in areas impacted by wildfire and post-fire flooding.
There are other bills of interest to acequias in the HAAWC committee tomorrow as well. See below and click on the bill number for more information.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Senator Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics, Chair
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 9:00 am - Room 311
SB 108 WATER & WETLAND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (STEFANICS/ORTEZ)
SB 114 GAME COMMISSION LAND ACQUISITIONS (WOODS/PETTIGREW)
* SB 134 NATURAL DISASTER LOANS & FUND (MUÑOZ/VINCENT)
For public participation and to register for the Zoom Webinar send email to
SCONC.Zoom@nmlegis.gov. To attend meeting via Zoom Webinar click the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82404382748 Webinar ID: 824 0438 2748 Zoom Call: 1-669-900-9128
Follow the progress of these important bills at https://lasacequias.org/2025-legislative-updates/
Sign up to receive Legislative Alerts at https://lasacequias.org/2025-legislative-updates/
Most importantly get involved! Write, call, and visit with your legislators!
Posted February 2, 2025
Acequia Day at the Legislature
February 11, 2025
From NMAA:
"Gather with acequia leaders and supporters from across the state at the New Mexico State Legislature for the annual Acequia Day!
"Join together as we show our unity as protectors of land, water, and culture. We will also meet with our legislators to advocate for funding for acequias and laws that protect the precious waters of our communities."
For more information visit: https://lasacequias.org/policy-advocacy/
January 28, 2025
Forest Service to Resume Slash Burning
From the Carson National Forest, U.S. Forest Service:
Pile Burning Update
With winter weather in the forecast, our fire crews are preparing to potentially take advantage of the moisture to resume prescribed fire ignitions, which may begin at two locations as early as tomorrow (Jan. 29). The details are below.
Highway 150 Project
Crews are targeting from 41 acres of thinning along the Wheeler Peak Trail (#90) between the junction with the Long Canyon Trail (#63) and the Bull-of-the-Woods Meadow.
Smoke may be visible from Taos Ski Valley but is forecasted to lift and disperse away.
Crew members continue to patrol and monitor nearby piles burned in November (pictured), when about half of the 300-acre project was treated.
Untreated piles along the highway’s northside may also be addressed soon. Information will become available in future updates.
Hopewell Lake Campground
Crews are focusing on piles from 25 acres of thinning.
The trees were infected by Tomentosus root disease, which is naturally occurring but can create hazard tree conditions for visitors to recreation facilities.
Visitors used larger diameter wood for campfires and the remaining slash are in this week’s targeted piles.
To receive emails about this and other Carson National Forest activites visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/carson/about-forest/keepintouch
January 8, 2025
NMAA Now Accepting Applications for Los Sembradores Apprenticeships
From the New Mexico Acequia Association:
Los Sembradores is a nine-month, intensive apprenticeship at the Chicoyole farm in Chamisal, NM. Through the program, apprentices gain skills and experience as acequia farmers, including traditional irrigation techniques and ancestral farming methods, as well as modern farming techniques that incorporate season extension, nutrient management, soil health, farm business planning, and regenerative agriculture.
Sembradores are also supported to work their own plots in their home communities - keeping agricultural traditions alive, restoring land, and playing active roles in their respective acequias.
As of 2024, the project has graduated eight cohorts with a total of 26 amazing new acequia farmers!
Commitment and Logistics:
This is a PAID opportunity. Apprentices receive a bi-weekly work stipend.
The 2025 program will run from mid April to Mid November, three days per week in Chamisal, NM (16-20 hours of work per week).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old!
Applicants must have their own, reliable transportation to and from the farm site.
Although everyone is welcomed to apply, preference is given to applicants from historic acequia communities.
Contact Donne Gonzales, Farm Trainer, with questions: donne@lasacequias.org or call (505) 995-9644
For more information and to apply, visit: https://lasacequias.org/los-sembradores-farmer-training-2/
December 29, 2024
History of Taos Ski Valley
Here's an interesting take on the history of Taos Ski Valley. It features Mickey Blake talking about the history of the Ski Valley from about 1900 through the 1960s.
December 28, 2024
December 18, 2025
Think About Watering Your Plants and Trees
We know its winter, but it's been really warm and dry. With no precipitation and temperatures in the 50s, outdoor plants and trees might need some water. Go ahead and water them when temperatures are above 40° F. If we don't get more moisture soon, watering every two weeks is probably a good idea.
And if you haven't already, put some mulch around the base of your trees, shrubs and plants to reduce evaporation.
December 18, 2025
Gondola Project Objections
The deadline for submitting objections was Monday, December 16. Thirty-six objections were filed but not all of those contained the required information so we'll have to wait and see which ones the Forest Service accepts.
The Forest Service is optimistic it can review and decide on the Objections quickly. The main Project page now lists these milestone dates:
"Decision 03/2025 (Estimated)"
"Implementation 04/2025 (Estimated)"
However, previous rounds of the process haven't resulted in rapid decisions so we're skeptical that this one will be quick. But, you never know. We'll all need to pay attention to what the Forest Service is saying about the project.
December 15, 2024
Gondola Project in the News
KRQE, Channel 13 in Albuquerque, ran a piece on the Ski Valley Gondola project last night. Friends Rob McCormack and Kevin Bersell were featured discussing their objections to the project. Rick Bellis, Village Manager, represented the Village of Taos Ski Valley*. TSVI and the Forest Service failed to provide representatives for their points of view.
It's only 2 minutes long and doesn't begin to cover the complexity of the issues, but we're glad to have more attention on this important issue. Watch the whole thing below or at https://youtu.be/GM7FvSLxhNA?si=R-YtK_VQUHB-x812
In other Gondola project news, Objections are being filed at a rapid pace. Twenty-two Objections have been filed as of this morning. Hats off to Kevin Bersell (see above) who filed a 50 page Objection.
*We'd like to remind Mr. Bellis that Twining/Kachina Road is the responsibility of the Village not TSVI. So if its inadequate and causing problems for residents, and especially if it is polluting the Rio Hondo, it is the Village's responsibility to fix it.
December 12, 2024
From our Friends at the Arroyo Seco Community Center:
Hi Neighbors!
Join us Sunday 11-3 for our Holiday Market at Arroyo Seco Community Center! We have 25 vendors offering homemade, home grown, and home raised products. With ornaments, hats, jewelry, fresh bread, produce, tonics, grass fed beef, organic skin care, candles, natural perfume, stained glass, cutting boards, specialty fidgets, CBD pet treats, and more - you will find unique gifts and something special for yourself! See attached flyer for a sneak peek!
Stop by, enjoy Poco-a-Poco Coffee and a holiday treat by the bonfire , visit, craft with your kids, and shop local!
See you Sunday!
November 30, 2024
Gondola Project Objections Are Being Filed
We've noticed a few Objections have already been filed. You can read them here.
Ron McFarland's objection is... odd. Surely he understands that pit toilets next to William's Lake will lead to contamination of the lake with sewage? Perhaps he is trying to troll the Forest Service.
If you are not a troll and you are going to submit an Objection, be sure to file it soon. You have until 11:59:59 PM (MST) on Monday, December 16, 2024 to file. But, to avoid being delayed by technical issues, or other problems, we think you should submit your objection by Friday, December 13 at the latest. If you are filing by mail you should file even earlier.
A guide to filing is pinned at the top of this page.
November 18, 2024
Rio Hondo Water Quality
The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) has released its first draft report on water quality in the Rio Hondo.
You can read it here.
It concludes: "Water quality in general is very good in the Rio Hondo. Most parameters in the analysis were not detected or had concentrations far below water quality standards. There were measurable values for E. Coli and total Coliform, but only in terms of presence or absence and without showing the concentration, which would require a different analysis. The bacteria are indicative of human or animal fecal material entering the waterway, but studies were not done to identify the sources."
The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, established in 1963, funds student and faculty research conducted to address water problems critical to New Mexico and the Southwest. NM WRRI also participates in joint efforts to solve water-related problems along the U.S./Mexico border.
November 8, 2024
2024 Congreso de las Acequias
From the New Mexico Acequia Association:
"The Congreso de las Acequias 2024, “Semos Acequias! We Are Acequias!” is just around the corner! Join us next week on November 15th and 16th, in person at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, or online via Zoom. We’re excited to share this year’s program overview with you to give a preview of our schedule and the rich topics we’ll explore together. You can also take a look back at last year’s Congreso with a video capturing the highlights. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Register today online at lasacequias.org/congreso/. We look forward to connecting with you next week as we honor and celebrate our acequia traditions together."
November 8, 2024
Upcoming Agricultural Events in Out Area:
Thanks to Will Jaremko-Wright, County Director, Agricultural/4H Extension Agent, for sharing this list of upcoming events.
Sunday November 10th 1:00 - 5:00pm - Del Fuego: Wildfire in Focus, a Community Resilience Event at Taos Center for the Arts. Panel discussion, short film, and green chile stew in this free event focusing on the community efforts to prepare and mitigate wildfire risk. See attached flyer.
Wednesday November 13th 5:30pm at the Juan I Gonzales Agricultural Center - Taos Farmer/Rancher/Acequiero Appreciation Dinner and Listening Session hosted by NMSU Cooperative Extension and partners. Please RSVP to the Taos County Cooperative Extension Office at 575-758-3982 or taos@nmsu.edu. See attached flyer.
Thursday November 14th 4:00pm-5:30pm - Informational Event on Incorporating Agrivoltaics (solar panels used in conjunction with agriculture) to your farm or ranch. There is a lot of federal and state funds (NM REAP Grant) that can pay for 85-95% of costs. Event hosted at Amigos Locale 330 Paseo del Pueblo Sur A with presentations by representatives from USDA, Positive Energy Solar, Paradise Power Company, and Agrivoltaics Consultant Mike Bauer. See attached Flyer.
Friday November 15th 5:30pm Presentation on Innovate Grazing on Public Lands - Lessons from the Three Creeks Project Dinner provided and hosted at Taos County Economic Development Corporation Offices. See attached flyer.
Saturday November 16th 12:00-4:00pm Traditional Harvest Meal hosted by Cristobal de la Serna Land Grant here at the Juan I Gonzales Agricultural Center. Enjoy community, a free meal and music by Los Bad Boys de Taos. See attached Flyer.
Wednesday December 4th 6:00pm at the Peñasco Community Center - Peñasco Farmer/Rancher/Acequiero Appreciation Dinner and Listening Session hosted by NMSU Cooperative Extension and partners. Please RSVP to the Taos County Cooperative Extension Office at 575-758-3982 or taos@nmsu.edu. See attached flyer.
Tuesday December 10th 5:30pm at Juan I Gonzales Agricultural Center - 2024 Taos County Fruit Season in Review Presented by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service- updates on codling moth monitoring project, pest activities, and updates for 2025 program. If you participated in the 2024 codling moth monitoring program, we'll be sharing the data recovered from you all and what was learned during the season, including an overview of what pests were most problematic and what to look out for next year. I'd also like to hear back from you all of what you liked about the program, and what we can add to it next year. Dinner is included, please RSVP to the Taos County Cooperative Extension Office at 575-758-3982 or taos@nmsu.edu. See attached flyer.
Wednesday December 11th - 10:00am-4:00pm at Juan I Gonzales Agricultural Center - Pesticide Applicator Training - 5 CEUs. This is a training with 5 CEUs available for anyone with an existing PRAP or PRRO pesticide licensure, including those participating and licensed for prairie dog control. Training will cover rodent control safety, pesticide labelling and regulations, calibration of equipment, and identification and treatment of northern New Mexico noxious weeds. Lunch included, please RSVP to the Taos County Cooperative Extension Office at 575-758-3982 or taos@nmsu.edu. See attached flyer, detailed schedule TBA.
November 4, 2024
(last updated 12/15/2024)
Filing an Objection to the TSVI Gondola Project Decision
The deadline for submitting objections has passed. We're leaving this post up for reference.
The Gondola Project has been given a “Finding of No Significant Impact” (FONSI) designation by the Forest Service, which means the project has received a draft approval to begin, without the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The only thing standing in the way of TSVI beginning construction is the completion of an Objection process. The final approval of the project is subject to the Regional Forester’s decision about whether any objections have enough merit to reverse the decision. If no objections are filed, work can begin as soon as mid-December.
If you submitted comments to either the Gondola Project Scoping document or the Draft Environmental Assessment, you have standing to file an objection to the project decision. Read the Final Environmental Assessment, and if you think your concerns have not been adequately addressed, you might want to file an objection.
The Forest Service has said that comments, including all attachments, are due by 11:59:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time) on Monday, December 16, 2024. To avoid being delayed by technical issues or other problems, we think you should submit your objection by Friday, December 13 at the latest. If you are filing by mail you should file even earlier.
Specific written comments should be provided that are:
related to the issues you raised during the other comment periods,
within the scope of the project,
have a direct relationship to the proposed action,
include supporting reasons and information for the Forest Supervisor to consider, and
suggest specific, concrete actions for the Forest Service to take to resolve the issues.
After the Objection Period ends the Forest Supervisor will make a final decision about the project. Once the decision is finalized, the only recourse is a lawsuit. But to file a lawsuit you must have first filed an Objection. If you feel passionately enough about the Rio Hondo that you think you might want to file a lawsuit against the Forest Service, you should file an objection now to preserve your legal rights.
Objection Trivia: If you submit your objection and realize you need to change something, or if you just have more to say, you can simply submit another Objection.
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Objections need to relate to the content of the comments you have previously submitted. For example, if you wrote about the effect of the Gondola on water quality, you can object that your concerns about water quality were not sufficiently addressed in the Final Environmental Assessment. If you didn’t write about the effects on water quality, your comments about water quality will not be considered. The only exception to this rule is if the issue is based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.
Because your objection has to be based on your previous comments it is not possible for us to give you guidance on what to say now. You are the best judge of what needs to be said. The best thing to do, in order to write as effective an objection as possible, is to look up your your issues of concern in the Final document, and see how the Forest Service responded. Then you can address what you think is wrong with their response. You should also check out the sample Objections at the bottom of this post for an idea of how other organizations have written their objections.
In our opinion, while it is a much longer document, the Final EA doesn’t provide much new information. More often than not, concerns conveyed during Scoping and Draft EA processes were either not addressed by the Forest Service or were addressed by repeating the same reasoning as before. In addition, we still think the process has not followed NEPA guidelines especially in the consideration of alternatives and in soliciting and incorporating public comment.
The most important point to make is that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be completed for the project.
In addition to presenting your objections and arguments you must also suggest specific, concrete changes for the Forest Service to take to resolve the issues. Those actions should directly seek to resolve the issues raised in your objections.
The Final EA is a large and clumsy document. It’s hard to navigate and understand. But you can write your objection fairly quickly if you focus on points that you included in your prior comment(s). Searching the Final EA for key words is a good strategy to quickly find your issues of interest.
As always, be polite and don’t get personal in your response.
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Objections, including attachments, must be addressed to the Reviewing Official [template provided below]:
Michiko Martin, Regional Forester,
and filed:
Via mail or express delivery to 333 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102;
By email to objections-southwestern-regional-office@usda.gov, or
Via online web form at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=61390
According to the Forest Service an automated response will confirm the electronic objection has been received. If an automated response is not received, it is the sender’s responsibility to ensure timely filing by other means. Electronic objections are preferred and must be submitted with “Taos Ski Valley Gondola and Other Improvements Project Objection” in the subject line. Electronic submissions must be submitted in a format that is readable with optical character recognition software and be searchable (e.g., Word, PDF, Rich Text) .
The objection must contain the following minimum content [template provided below]:
The objector’s name and address, with a telephone number, if available;
A signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature may be filed with the Objection). If you have trouble pasting your signature directly into your response, we suggest signing a piece of paper and taking a picture of it. Title it: "[Your Name]-Objector Signature". Attach this picture to your Objection submission;
When multiple names are listed on an objection, the lead objector must be identified;
The name of the proposed project, the name and title of the Responsible Official, and the name(s) of the National Forest(s) and/or Ranger District(s) on which the proposed project will be implemented. In this case:
Name of Project: Taos Ski Valley, Gondola And Other Improvements Projects
Responsible Official: James Duran, Forest Supervisor
Name of National Forest on which the Proposed Project will be Implemented: Carson National Forest, Questa Ranger District;
A description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed project if applicable, how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider; and
A statement that demonstrates connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection. Other, unrelated, Objections have used this language:
"Objector submitted, timely, specific, and substantive comments during the Public Comment Period on [Date] and during the scoping periods on [Date]. All points and issues raised in this objection refer to issues raised in that comment letter or are related to new information. Attached hereto are prior comments and we incorporate their arguments and scientific information by reference."
Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in 36 CFR § 218.8(b)*.
Finally, the Forest Service's online web form doesn't always work very well as a word processor. We highly suggest editing your objection in a real word processor (there are numerous free word processors, for example Google Docs) and saving it as a PDF. Then upload it via the web form.
*36 CFR § 218.8(b) says:
”Incorporation of documents by reference is not allowed, except for the following list of items that may be referenced by including date, page, and section of the cited document, along with a description of its content and applicability to the objection. All other documents must be included with the objection.
“(1) All or any part of a Federal law or regulation.
“(2) Forest Service directives and land management plans.
“(3) Documents referenced by the Forest Service in the proposed project EA or EIS that is subject to objection.
“(4) Comments previously provided to the Forest Service by the objector during public involvement opportunities for the proposed project where written comments were requested by the responsible official.”
Regardless of what 36 CFR says, we highly suggest that you attach a copy of your previous comments instead of including them by reference.
For Reference here are Objections submitted by professional advocacy groups to other Forest Service Projects:
Winter Wildlands Alliance Snow King Objection - 2020
Tracy Ridge Shared Use Trails and Forest Plan Amendment Project - 2017
Greater Sage-grouse Draft ROD and LMPA for NFS Land in Nevada - 2020(?)
Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest Plan - 2024
Template
Cut 'n Paste into Your Objection
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USDA Forest Service
Attn: Michiko Martin, Regional Forester, Objection Reviewing Officer
333 Broadway Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM, 87102
Submitted via https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=61390
Re: Objection regarding Taos Ski Valley, Gondola And Other Improvements Projects
Objection Reviewing Officer,
The following objection is submitted on behalf of [myself, [Your Name]] [or Organization Name].
This Objection is filed pursuant to, and in compliance with, 36 C.F.R. Part 218, Subparts A and B. I have previously filed timely, specific and substantive written comments in accordance with 36 C.F.R. 218(a). As required by 36 C.F.R. § 218.8(d), Objector provides the following information:
1. The name and contact information for the Objector is listed below.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
3. [Your Name] is the Lead [and only] Objector for purposes of communication regarding this Objection.
4. The project that is subject to this Objection is “Taos Ski Valley, Gondola And Other Improvements Projects”. The Responsible Official is James Duran, Forest Supervisor, Carson National Forest. The National Forest on which the Proposed Project will be Implemented is: Carson National Forest, Questa Ranger District.
5. Objector submitted timely, specific, and substantive comments during the Public Comment Period on [Date] and during the scoping period on [Date]. All points and issues raised in this objection refer to issues raised in those comments or are related to new information. Attached hereto are prior comments and I incorporate their arguments and information by reference.
6. In the following Statement of Reasons, Objector provides the specific reasons why the decision is being appealed and the specific changes or suggested remedies that are sought, along with the related evidence and rationale on why the decision violates applicable laws and regulations.
[Insert Specific Objections and suggested remedies]
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