Teas vs. Trees

I started a project about a problem in my town of Las Cruces, NM, which had been brewing for quite a while. The problem involved the proposition of several pieces of land around Dona Ana County to be made into federally protected wilderness. Included in these was the area where the Organ Mountains are located, as well as a few other well known areas.

I did a project on the people involved in trying to pass this bill and those who fought against it.

The base of the Organ mountains, littered with shotgun shells and beer bottles.

An area southwest of Las Cruces known as the Potrillos is  where a lot of grazing takes place. Ranchers who use the land say their abilities to access water pipes and cattle in times of need will be hindered because of the motorized vehicle ban.

Ranch foreman John Elwell unloads his horse from its trailer. Because of the rough terrain and long distance, ranchers rely on trucks to get around and horses only when they cant use roads to access cattle.

An old hut near the U.S. - Mexico border is said to be frequented by illegal immigrants crossing through the desert.

Bob Richardson shows a piece of cracked and piping used to bring water to cattle. Under federal wilderness designation, ranchers say it would make fixing broken pipe much harder.

Ranchers say small things like cloth tied to a fence post are used as markers for illegal immigrants or drug traffickers to steer clear of Ranchers. Ranchers normally cooperate with Border Patrol, informing them when they spot suspicious activity.

Tea Party member Jerry Clark displays posters citing incidences in Arizona where wilderness was put to close to the border, thus creating a corridor for human and drug smuggling activity.

Las Cruces City Councilor Nathan Small explains the pros of having federally protected wilderness. As well as protecting the land, it would attract tourism for the area.

John Elwell rides through rough terrain on the Williams Ranch.

John Elwell takes a pause during a cattle round up.