This paper highlights the position of the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition that stands in opposition to any zoning or permitting of oil and gas exploration in the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park and vicinity. This paper speaks particularly to the potential impacts from the oil and gas industry upon the Park. Our position takes into consideration the following:

• The Cerrillos Hills Historic Park is the largest of Santa Fe County's open space projects, a County park transitioning to becoming a NM State Park, and should be especially well protected. According to the feasibility study prepared in conjunction with the decision to transition the County Park to a State Park unofficial counts of visitation are approximately 12,000 to 15,000 people per year. On a typical weekend day, it is estimated that approximately 100 people visit the site. On a typical weekday, it is estimated that approximately 25 people visit the park. Approximately 33% to 50% of these visits are believed to be by local residents. The way the Park continues to be developed, and how it affords opportunities to the residents of Santa Fe County, sets a precedent. How the Park is cared for and evolved will shape the opinions of many Santa Fe County residents about the effectiveness and value of open space.
  
• The historic Cerrillos Mining District (CMD), which has played such a significant role in the early evolution of New Mexico, has itself evolved to become one of the preeminent cultural attractions in our state. With the inclusion of the CMD in the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties [Feb 20, 1973] and the opening of the Santa Fe County Cerrillos Hills Historic Park [May 24, 2003], this region has become the preserve of our collective past.
  
• The Park will, as visitation increases, offer economic development opportunities to the villages and surrounding areas.
  
• The planned Heritage Center will provide exposure to many other archeological and ecotourism assets of the Galisteo Basin.
  
• "Clean" recreational and commercial economic development in the Cerrillos/Galisteo Basin area will definitely be handicapped if hydrocarbon exploration and development is permitted in the area. There is ample evidence that the impacts of oil and gas exploration and production can have severe consequences to both the surface and subsurface.
  
• Surface impacts could include the clearing of large tracts of land for "exploratory" drilling pads with vertical and directional drilling rigs, toxic waste pits, and access roads --all likewise ruinous to archeological preservation. Due to necessary gas flaring, the risk of fire hazard is considerable. Flaring would also impair the viewing of the magnificent New Mexico night sky from the Park. Other surface impacts would include impacts from heavy truck traffic upon the Waldo Canyon Road and Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway-the major access to the park and communities.
  
• We are especially concerned about the possibility of a gas pipeline running along any Cerrillos Hills Historical Park access road or in the vicinity of the Park. Such pipelines come with noxious air pollution, fire dangers with the risk of explosions, and much environmental destruction from construction. We encourage County ordinances with zoning to prohibit these threats--zoning that would remove the possibility of pipelines running through archeology sites, County open spaces and parks.
  
• Subsurface impacts due to drilling and fracing could result in the spoiling or depletion of the groundwater resources including the sensitive riparian areas including the springs within the Park. The reality of the complex mineralogy of the area greatly increases the risk of water contamination. One of the minerals that is very prevalent is lead and the risk of lead entering water supplies is something to be taken very seriously.
  
• Toxic impacts to both surface and subsurface could be expected. Such impacts would include a reduction in air and water quality, as well as soil contamination. The practice of fracing must be prohibited. Heavy truck traffic would generate dust, diesel, noise, traffic and the possibility of accidents. These impacts would likely discourage Park visitation and pose safety hazards to wildlife and anticipated Park users from elementary school groups to horseback riders. Such industrial activities would pose long term risks of to "life, safety and public welfare."
  
• Contrary to industry claims that target areas are already zoned for such extractive uses, we note that the Santa Fe County Code 30 map only includes a small area where hard rock mining was previously permitted and does not cover any of the areas where oil and gas is now proposed and certainly is nowhere near the Cerrillos Hills Historical Park. An earlier designation of the "Cerrillos Mining District (CMD)" was an organization of convenience to the 1880s "pick & shovel" miners for sorting out modest claims and locating boundaries. The CMD does NOT now nor never did imply a zoning preference encompassing large areas for mining.
  
• The Park creates a sanctuary for the prehistoric and historic mine sites that make the historic Cerrillos Mining District a rare and unique place that will attract visitors from all over for many years to come. The tri-cultural heritage of the Hills and the park reflect and honor more than five centuries of intertwined history among Native Americans, Hispanics and Anglos. By honoring historical pick & shovel mining, the residents of the area can keep continuity with the mining past without destroying the historical sites or their present environment.

TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABILITY

One of the important functions of the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park is to conserve and protect the unique remains in these hills of the long heritage of New Mexican traditional and historical mining. In this way, our children and all Americans will be helped to know their roots, and look upon the marks of those who made this land and know their story. It is our aim and our hope that the Park will, while honoring past pick & shovel mining and retaining the record of the historic Cerrillos Mining District, serve to aid the transition from recent high-impact industrial mining in the area to a park-centered economy more in keeping with the rural nature of the local communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is our responsibility as stewards of the park to make our observations known to those who have authority in the matter. Therefore we submit the following:

• We strongly recommend against any proposed zoning for oil and gas exploration in the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park and vicinity and denial of all permit requests to initiate oil and gas activities.
  
• We note that additional areas including joint use of adjacent BLM and potentially nearby State parcels, are all but accomplished for future inclusion in the CHHP. We request that those who are currently stewards of land that will become part of the CHHP refrain from leasing mineral and oil and gas rights so as to protect the future integrity of the Park.
  
• We note that oil and gas activities outside of the immediate area of the Park, and within a reasonable buffer zone, would necessarily compromise the mission of the Park. Odors, toxic gases and residues from flaring, constant noise, dust and dirt, ground disturbance and damage to historical landscape, traffic, light pollution, etc. would have a serious negative impact upon the historical park and surrounds. We request that the negative impact to CHHP use be considered as part of any economic assessment of the impact of oil and gas activities in the Galisteo Basin.
  
• We recommend recreation and tourism be fostered in this community for their long-term, sustainable economic and quality of life benefits.
  
• We recommend that whenever proposals affecting this area might come before agencies for consideration, that importance of this unique and irreplaceable cultural, historical, natural and recreational resource, the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park, be fairly represented for its value and importance to the community and all of New Mexico.
  

The paper below highlights the position of the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition in regards to commercial mining in the Hills and speaks particularly to the impact of the Cerrillos Gravel Pit upon the park. In summary our position reflects the following:

• The Cerrillos Hills Historic Park will likely be the first, and is certainly the largest, of Santa Fe County's open space projects. The way it is developed, and how it affords opportunities to the residents of Santa Fe County, is highly precedential. The Park ought to be developed right and well, as it will shape the opinions of many county residents about the effectiveness and value of open space.
  
• The Park will, as visitation increases, offer economic development opportunities to the Village and surrounding area
  
• "Clean" recreational and commercial economic development in the Cerrillos/Galisteo Basin area is likely to be handicapped if heavy truck traffic, dust and noise from commercial mining operations continue in the Hills long-term.
  
• The earlier designation of the "Cerrillos Mining District" was an organization of convenience to miners for sorting out claims and locating boundaries and does not now nor never did imply a zoning preference for mining. The current inclusion of the Hills in the "New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties" supersedes the earlier designation and is fitting with the current Park intent of historic preservation, education, and land reclamation.
  
• Continued operation of CGP with its accompanying heavy truck traffic is likely to discourage visitation and poses discomfort and safety hazards to anticipated park users, such as elementary school groups, handicapped users coming to enjoy the picnic area, families with small children, and horsebackriders. Such operation poses long term risks of "life, safety and public welfare."
  
• Damage to the land bordering Highway 59 (Gravel Pit Road) in Cerrillos has occurred. Reclamation of those lands, and especially of the 2 sensitive riparian areas bordering the road, will be made more difficult with continued heavy equipment traffic. These two year-round flowing springs are among the strongest reliable ground water sources in the Cerrillos Village area.
  
• Win/win alternatives to the requested CGP resumption of mining operations are available and can benefit the County, property owners and public officials.

Introduction

With the initial purchase of over 1000 acres for Cerrillos Hills Historic Park CHPC, would like to thank Santa Fe County Commissioners for supporting this important project. The creation of the park gives the economically depressed area including and around Cerrillos Village its first opportunity for a sustainable economy, and it does so in a manner that is compatible with our peaceful and rural environment. The Park represents the natural growth of the area's inherent potentialities, and perhaps at the same time offers a simple and convenient resolution to the conflicts that arise when modern large-scale mining occurs in a rural area.

The Park creates a sanctuary for the prehistoric and historic mine sites that make the historic Cerrillos Mining District a rare and unique place that will attract visitors from all over for many years to come. The tri-cultural heritage of the Hills and the park reflect and honor more than five centuries of intertwined history among Native Americans, Hispanics and Anglos. By honoring mining in this context, the villages of Cerrillos and Madrid can keep continuity with their mining past without destroying it or their present environment.

Ancient mine sites are rare because they are so often obliterated by subsequent mining, and modern mining techniques are capable of the destruction of vast tracts of land in a very short period. It is with this in mind that CHPC would like to make a distinction between the historic Cerrillos Mining District (CMD) and places that are more appropriate for today's large-scale mining.

In 1973 the Cerrillos Mining District was placed on the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, a designation meant to honor its history and one that is appropriate with the intent of the current park -- preservation of the cultural, archaeological and geological resources of the Cerrillos Hills.

The Coalition is concerned that some special interests may be trying to rewrite the definition of this historic mining district for their own purposes. According to the proceedings of the founding meeting of the Cerrillos Mining District on March 27, 1879 its purpose was to define an area within which rules and regulations governing the location of mining claims would apply. The designation of the Cerrillos Mining District of the 1800s should not be mistaken for today's zoning practices. The CMD was organized to bring order to a contemporary mining boom, not to dedicate this area solely to mining for all time. Indeed mines always play out and mining interests move on to new fields. Now that mining has all but ceased in the Cerrillos area we have seen the arrival of many private residences, rancherías, and small businesses; and more are on the way. This evolution of land use is not new, and it is why zoning designations are periodically reexamined and changed.

For most of its very long history "pick and shovel" was the most widespread mining technique, leaving many holes but little impact on land surface. In spite of this long history recent aerial views of the Cerrillos Hills show little evidence of human activity. There are two notable exceptions. One is the very remarkable turquoise mines of Mt. Chalchihuitl, a monument to incredible human endeavor accomplished primarily with stone tools. The other, much more in evidence, is the until-recently-active gravel pit.

Mining in the Hills after the boom of the 1880s was sporadic and the Cash Entry Mine, the last commercial operation before the advent of the CGP gravel operation, closed almost 70 years ago. Coal in Madrid provided mining jobs until the 1950s, but when that mine closed Madrid became a ghost town (more often then not the fate of communities whose economic base is mining), and the population of Cerrillos Village dwindled to the point that it lost its public schools. Although families with ties to mining in the past still live here, the quiet beauty of the area has attracted a new population with a new outlook and with new priorities; an infusion of new spirit into a region of New Mexico that has witnessed so much.

Discussion:

The following points reflect our positions and concerns with regard to recent large-scale mining by Cerrillos Gravel Products et al. in the Cerrillos Hills. This position paper is prompted by the concern that the CHPC interest in historic mining-site preservation may be misrepresented as encouraging large-scale industrial mining in the Cerrillos Hills.

Although CHPC has not previously taken a position on the recently active CGP gravel mine in the Hills, its existence has been difficult to ignore. The access to the park, CR 59, officially only an eighteen-foot wide prescriptive easement, has suffered in recent years from the heavy impact of industrial truck traffic from this mine. The operations of the CGP gravel pit itself have been determined to egregiously exceed the permissions of the BCC and raised fears for the safety of the visitors to the Park and of the larger local environment. Although mine manager Greg Upton has always been gracious in allowing access to sites on CGP property, the operational program of the mine, in our opinion, appears to have been executed without due regard for written agreements or environmental consequences.

The original BCC permit for a small 3-acre local gravel supplier in a corner of a quiet rural area with an age-old tradition of small-scale mining might have been appropriate. What might have continued as a semi-benign operation clearly got out of hand when a subcontract was let to a large gravel supplier. This has had a very serious impact on the surrounding land and on the lives and serenity of this rural area. Additionally, it appears that this local gravel has been mined excessively to the benefit of an out-of-area interest. This operation is out of balance with any local benefits. It is now appropriate for the BCC to look at the matter of mining in the Hills with a fresh perspective that identifies the impacts of such mining on an historic mining district and upon their newly created parklands.

Prior to the suspension of operations of this mine the CHPC was compelled to consider, for reasons of public safety and public health, opening the Park on weekends only. An operational gravel mine, by impeding full access to the Park throughout the week, will have clearly detrimental effects on the visitation to the park, and thereby detrimental effects on the economies and recreational benefits of the people in the area. Constant heavy-laden truck traffic, as has been typical of such mines, creates safety, noise and dust hazards that are inimical and inappropriate to the ambiance, the operations, and the safety of the Park.

The Coalition also hopes that the BCC will direct the County to review and consider whether portions of the hillside along the verges of CR 59 that impact the visual and eco-biology of the area inside of and immediately surrounding the park have, in conjunction with mining operations, been inappropriately removed or damaged. The CHPC is very concerned for the reclamation of this area inasmuch as all the people using CR 59 will be exposed to it.

HAZARDOUS TRAFFIC

State Route 14, newly-designated as the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway and substantially the only access route for all visitors to the Park, will, as tourist and local traffic increases, become less and less suited to the constant caravans of heavy mining-truck traffic. Fortunately, if these trucks must run there is a nearby alternative for them and it is available now; I-25.

HOBBY MINING SUPPORTED

In keeping with the accommodation of traditional uses of the Hills the CHPC supports individual small-scale hobby prospecting (and associated reclamation activities) in areas where it is already taking place. The Coalition does, however, oppose damage or degradation of traditional and historical features in the Cerrillos Hills by any mining operations. Furthermore, we are working with the Bureau of Land Management which is considering a reduction or cessation of the issuance of mining leases in the Cerrillos Hills. Our motive for reducing and eventually eliminating the creation of new mines is to preserve the record of the past, to simplify facilities management, and to enhance public safety and reduce liability exposure.

IMPACT OF OLD VS NEW MINING TECHNIQUES

It is important to remember that mining in the Cerrillos Hills was traditionally done with pick and shovel or limited underground shafts (Cash Entry Mine). The historic Cerrillos Mining District's ancient mines, as educational and tourist attractions, are in our view, of higher value and are of a much longer-term value to the community than a few more years of extractive gravel mining. The difference of in environmental impact for these traditional mining techniques compared to modern mining techniques is enormous. The Coalition believes the present agricultural and limited residential zoning around the park is significantly more compatible with park activities than industrial mining zoning.

SUSTAINABILITY.

Mining by its speculative and extractive nature is episodic, a tale of boom and bust. The history of mining is the tale of many, many hard-working diggers and a very, very few who receive significant wealth. After over a century of boom & bust mining, Cerrillos village economy is all but nonexistent. One of the brightest promises of the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park is that the Park, by its existence, will provide a continuing and a truly sustainable economy for the entire Cerrillos area, one that will not depend upon the vagaries of lodes or veins nor the momentary demand for a particular material nor the pressures of the fickle market. The Park will be a constant and sustainable and nondestructive source of employment and enjoyment for our citizens and it will benefit all the people of the area far, far into the future.

TRANSITION

One of the important functions of the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park is to conserve and protect the unique remains in these hills of the long heritage of New Mexican traditional and historical mining. In this way so that our children and all Americans will may be helped to know their roots, and look upon the marks of those who made this land and know their story. It is our aim and our hope that this new Park will, while honoring past mining and retaining the record of the historic Cerrillos Mining District, serve to abet the transition from recent high-impact industrial mining in the area to a park-centered economy more in keeping with the rural nature of the local communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We feel it is our responsibility as stewards of the park to make our observations known to those who have authority in the matter. Therefore we respectfully submit the following, and thank you for you consideration:

• We recommend recreation and tourism be fostered in this community for their long-term, sustainable economic and quality of life benefits.
  
• We recommend that when considering actions in this district due weight be given to the Cerrillos Mining District being on the NM Register of Cultural Properties, and to the unique role of the Cerrillos District in the history of this state.
  
• We recommend against opening new commercial mining in the Cerrillos Hills.
  
• We recommend against further expansion of the 3-acre mining zone now in effect at CGP.
  
• We recommend the BCC order a review to determine whether portions of the hillside along CR 59 that impact the area inside and immediately adjacent to the Park have been removed or damaged as part of the mining operation.
  
• We offer to CGP assistance from CHPC in the reclamation of the currently disturbed land lying beyond their permitted 3-acre mining zone, and when the day finally arrives, assistance in the reclamation of their original 3 acres as well.

Cerrillos, New Mexico -- The Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition received a national honor with a grant from the Kodak America Greenway Awards Program in Arlington, VA. The $1,500 grant will help provide for the information kiosk at the entrance to the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park, the new 1,100 acre Santa Fe County open-space park located on the edge of the Village of Cerrillos about 25 miles south of Santa Fe. In addition to the grant award, the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition will be showcased as a national model for its innovative efforts to develop a Santa Fe County greenway in the Cerrillos Hills.

The Kodak American Greenway Awards, administered by The Conservation Fund, provide small grants of up to $2,500 to non-profit organizations and government agencies to help develop new action oriented greenway projects. The Kodak Awards provide seed money to spark creativity in conservation, outdoor recreation, trail and greenway development.

The Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition is one of only 35 groups chosen nationwide for an award for their innovative local efforts to establish a dedicated environment, in this case in the Cerrillos Hills, where the people of New Mexico can both enjoy the beauties of nature and explore their multi-cultured history.

"This is a tremendous help to us," says Claire Fulenwider, Chair of the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition. "Because the Hills have not until now been accessible and the Park is so large, we have been concerned about all our new visitors receiving adequate and accurate information to guide their visits. This Kodak-Greenway kiosk will be a great way to acquaint everyone with what's out there and the uniqueness of the hills environment."

According to The Conservation Fund's Chairman of the Board, Patrick F. Noonan, "The projects selected this year represent some of the best grassroots conservation and greenway development efforts in the Untied States. TCF supports these local initiatives because they are thoughtful, action-oriented projects that will serve as models for other communities around the country."

The Kodak American Greenway Awards are made possible through the generous support of the Eastman Kodak Company. The Kodak American Greenway Awards Grants Review Committee consisted of conservation experts from around the country and was overseen by The Conservation Fund. The committee selected grant recipients from 199 applications from 32 states and the District of Columbia.

Since 1985, The Conservation Fund has protected more than 2 million acres of wildlife habitat, open space and historic sites, including land on 26 Civil War battlefields. The Fund's mission is to work with other nonprofit organizations, public agencies, corporations and private landowners to safeguard America's land and water resources.