Guest Blog: The Legacy of my Family's Love for the Outdoors Lives On

I grew up in Trinidad, Colorado – an old western town settled as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. As a result, it has been a mining community and a cattle town. I’ve always appreciated its history, the grit it must have taken to survive and thrive. Because of the way Trinidad was settled, and the industries that began here, it was a microcosm of different cultures.

In the late sixties, my father arrived from northern New Mexico after receiving a full-ride scholarship to the University of Denver School of Law. He was the first in his family to pursue and graduate with a law degree. Soon after graduating, my parents moved to Trinidad. My father was deeply respected and was even elected to two terms as District Attorney. He also served as County Attorney for Las Animas County before he and my mother opened several businesses in Trinidad. They embraced life here and were beloved by their community. Their appreciation of Trinidad was something they made sure to pass on to my siblings and me.

Guest BlogGuest BloggerJuly 26, 2021Blog, Colorado, Public Lands, Environmental Justice (EJ), Outdoor Recreation, Carlos Lopez, AccessComment

Statement: Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan Opportunity to Unite Stakeholders in Protecting Public Lands and Waters

Today the Biden-Harris administration introduced the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Plan, outlining a 10-year goal to restore and conserve America’s lands, waters, and wildlife in a collaborative approach that includes locally led, nationwide efforts with various stakeholders such as Tribal communities, ranchers, anglers, and farmers.

Joint Press Release: Conservation, civic organizations file amicus brief of stream access rule to state Supreme Court

The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (New Mexico Wild, alternatively), the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors, and the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project have filed an amicus brief with the New Mexico Supreme Court in support of a petition asking the Court to invalidate a rule passed in the final days of the Susana Martinez administration that limits public access to New Mexico’s rivers, streams and lakes and risks privatizing many of the waterways enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts and traditional users.

Press Releases/StatementsadminApril 29, 2020New Mexico, Access, Water, Joint Press ReleaseComment

Guest Blog: Why We Should Promote Greater Access to the Outdoors Within Urban Areas

As a native Arizonan raised in Douglas, I have always admired the desert. While many might think of a desert landscape as arid, and perhaps even uninhabitable, I find the desert to be one of the most life-sustaining biomes, teeming with species who have adapted and thrive in our dry climate.

Guest Blog: The Outdoors Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Public Service

The favorite activity that my father and I shared was fishing. Fishing taught us patience and respect, not easy lessons for my rambunctious siblings and myself. When we would catch something too small to eat we would always throw it back. I’ll never forget the first fish my baby brother finally caught. It was a tiny Bluegill no bigger than the length of my index finger and certainly nothing that was going to feed anyone. Beaming with pride from this seminal experience he threw it in the freezer instead of throwing it back into the lake. My dad lit into my wide-eyed little brother. With the frankness signature of a Marine-Corps drill sergeant he informed us that we don’t waste. If we kill we eat and when we eat, we use as much of the animal as possible.

That lesson struck a nerve with me much deeper than just my love of fishing or nature. Spending time with my father in the outdoors was a masterclass in respect. I’ve carried that respect with me from the lush forests of Northern Michigan to my arid home in Southern Colorado. I’ve tried to embody it everyday as an adult, as a mom, as a teacher and now as a State Legislator.

Guest Blog, HCLCGuest BloggerMarch 21, 2019Bri Buentello, Colorado, Outdoor Recreation, Fishing, Hunting, Access Comment

Guest Blog: Protecting Public Lands for Future Generations

As a 26 year-old living in Phoenix, I hear all the time from the Latino community that camping and hiking is not part of our culture. That’s not true. This is part of who we are. It is part of our identity to enjoy the earth and what it provides for us, and also to have our role in protecting it. People are disengaged from their history and their roots. But if you can’t directly experience public lands, it’s harder to advocate on their behalf, or speak to elected officials about why they should care.

Featured Story, Guest BlogGuest BloggerOctober 29, 2018Access, Arizona, Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Justice (EJ), PollutionComment

Blog: Armado con los Hechos - Moms Clean Air Force Lands in ABQ

Last week, I attended a very informative event in Albuquerque organized by the Moms Clean Air Force. The public discussion addressed the impacts of oil and gas development on New Mexico communities. As many people know by now, the largest methane “hotspot” hovers over northern New Mexico, and oil and gas development in New Mexico is affecting communities water, air and access to public lands.

Guest UserJune 4, 2015New Mexico, Oil and Gas, Pollution, Access, Public LandsComment

hecho blog