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SWEC News: Governor Richardson Stands Up For Mexican Wolves

Richardson’s Executive Order Bans Two Inhumane Traps
In a bold move to protect endangered Mexican wolves, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today issued an executive order that prohibits leghold and body-crushing traps within the Mexican wolf recovery area in New Mexico.
The order bans commercial and recreational trapping in this area by private persons for a six-month period beginning on November 1, 2010; requires the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to undertake a study of which traps and trapping methods most threaten wolves; and directs the NM Department of Tourism to undertake a study on potential economic benefits of lobo-related ecotourism.
Conservation groups and a Game Commissioner applaud Governor Richardson’s action, which demonstrates strong leadership at a crucial moment for the Mexican wolf program.  Experts agree the program is in crisis, largely due to illegal killings. At least 14 Mexican gray wolves have been harmed by private traps set throughout the recovery area.  Two of the wolves had their legs amputated as a result.  12 of the 14 wolves were trapped in New Mexico.  The other two were trapped in Arizona, which has banned public lands trapping since 1994.
Studies show that animals captured in body-gripping traps endure physiological trauma, dehydration, exposure, and predation.  Animals that have been trapped and then released may sustain tissue damage and other injuries that can reduce their survivability, or increase the likelihood of their preying on domestic livestock because they are easier prey than native wildlife.
In June, WildEarth Guardians, the Sierra Club, and the Southwest Environmental Center petitioned federal agencies, requesting an emergency halt to all trapping and snaring on the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service have not responded to the groups’ request.

Please thank the Governor
Governor Richardson has been a champion for wolves throughout his time in office, more so than any other western governor. Please take a moment to let him know that you appreciate his efforts.  Call his office at (505) 476-2200 or send him an email (via his staff) at fran.lucero@state.nm.us. Tell him:
Thank you for issuing an executive order banning traps in the Mexican wolf recovery area to protect wolves from accidental trapping

Thank you for being a champion for Mexican wolves throughout your time in office.
And tell the next governor…
Unfortunately for wolves, Governor Richardson will be leaving office in six months. When you send an email, please cc the two candidates for Governor so they know how much people care about Mexican wolves:
Diane Denish info@dianedenish.com
Susanna Martinez info@susana2010.com
After you contact the Governor, please let us know you did by sending quick email to paul@wildmesquite.org. Our goal is to make sure he hears from at least 100 people. You can read the Governor’s Executive Order here <http://www.wildmesquite.org/news/trapping-wolf-recovery-area-banned/072810> .

Eat great food, help a great cause:
SWEC night at Andele Restaurante—Sunday, August 15
Do you like to eat great Mexican food?  Wish you could do more to support SWEC’s conservation work?  Now you can do both at the same time.
On Sunday evening, August 15, Andele Restaurante in Mesilla, NM will donate 10% of sales to SWEC. If you’ve never been to Andele, it’s one of the best Mexican restaurants around. (I recommend the green enchiladas!) So treat yourself, family and friends to dinner out  while helping to raise money for a great cause. Don’t forget the date: Sunday, August 15.
Andele is located at Avenida de Mesilla and Calle del Norte in the Town of Mesilla. Check out Andele’s menu here <http://www.andelerestaurante.com/> . For more information, call 575-522-5552.

Southwest Environmental Center to hold rummage sale
We’re reviving a tradition–the annual SWEC “Recycled Goods” rummage sale–to be held on Saturday, August 21, 7 am to 1 pm, at a location to be determined (hopefully downtown near SWEC). Do you have items in good condition you no longer want? We’d love to take them off your hands. Please call us at 575-522-5552.

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