PATHWAYS
Wildlife Corridors of New Mexico
Who we are:
We are the grass roots collective who has the vision to see that all animals who need to move between New Mexico’s mountains may do so freely and without harm. This in turn will, through our mission to recognize and protect our state’s vital wildlife corridors, maintain and improve the health of our New Mexico Mountains.
Our philosophy is: We take care of the wildlife, the wildlife takes care of the land, and from this we all benefit.
What we do:
Through community outreach and collaboration with other conservation organizations, we fulfill our misson of recognizing and protecting the health of wildlife corridors. We provide maps, information, and on the ground research by working with State, local, and Federal govts., as well as large and small landowners.
We belong:
To a community of individuals and organizations including: New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Earthworks Institute, Safe Passages Coalition, Albuquerque Wildlife Federation, Wildlands Project, New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, Animal Protection of New Mexico, Sandia Bear Watch, Keystone Conservation, Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Las Placitas Association, Mark Watson (State Game and Fish biologist), Wild Horse Observers Association (WHOA), Trust for Public Land, and Others.
Long term Goals and Commitments:
We are committed to protecting the last unobstructed wildlife corridor on Sandia mountain by supporting the USFS decision to close the NE corner of the Sandia Ranger District to motorized use.
We are embarking on a two year wildlife mural project along Hwy. 165 through Placitas which will involve community members, businesses, school children, and seniors to create a lasting, visible reminder of the wildlife connections we value.
We are commited to starting up a Citizen Scientist wildlife track and sign monitoring program which will provide scientifically valid data to local, state and federal governments.
To work with NMDOT and other agencies to construct a bridge over Las Huertas Cr. at I-25 to replace the existing culverts. This will allow safer passage of wildlife under the interstate along a vital wildlife corridor.
Achievements include:
Increasing the land base of wildlife corridors in protected status.
Producing maps and information describing the wildlife corridors between Sandia, Jemez and Sangre de Christo Mts. This raises public awareness and interest in protecting these vital connections.
Completion of three (of 7) mosaic mural panels, “Protect Our Wildlife Corridors”.
Providing a meeting place and schedule of regular monthly meetings.
Input to the U.S.F.S., B.L.M. and Sandoval County informing various land use decision making processes.
Data collection and documentation of wildlife corridor locations and uses. Organizing the Citizen Scientist wildlife monitoring program in this area.
Outreach to other communities to encourage an interest in forming additional wildlife corridor protection groups. (Pathways-Jemez and Galisteo Watershed Wildlife Corridor Group)
