PVA Working Groups

Local Environmental and Quality of Life Issues Working Group

LOCAL ACTION GROUPS

CITIZENS TASK FORCE FOR OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION

CTF is a grass roots organization working to identify and protect open space throughout Dona Ana County, one of the fastest growing regions of the country. Through our efforts to encourage thoughtful, planned growth, we hope to safeguard the scenic and natural treasures of our region: irreplaceable vistas ranging from rugged mountains and desert mesas to a crop-filled river valley, wildlife hotspots such as arroyo corridors and seasonal playas, and unique geological features including escarpments, badlands, and lava flows.

A “Vision for an Open Space and Trail System” has recently been proposed for Dona Ana County by CTF. This document, which outlines an interconnected open space and trail system, can be downloaded from the website (see below) along with accompanying maps. In February and March 2005, the Vision was presented to the City of Las Cruces, Dona Ana County and the Town of Mesilla. The elected officials of all three jurisdictions unanimously passed resolutions encouraging the Bureau of Land Management to consider the Vision as they work on the update of the Mimbres Resource Management Plan. For more information concerning the group and meeting times, contact Nancy Stotz, meeting coordinator nstotz@zianet.com and/or see the website: www.zianet.com/openspace/

ALLIANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE GROWTH (ARG!)

Purpose:

To create a coalition of neighborhood groups and individuals whose purpose is to inform, educate, and advocate for responsible growth and conservation in our communities. It is our goal to protect our neighborhoods, our natural and agricultural resources, and sustain the character and history of our area. In pursuit of this shared goal, the neighborhood groups will support each other and work together with government and the private sector.

Statement:

1. We do not like the pattern of growth in Dona Ana County, including the City of Las Cruces and the Extra Territorial Zone, and believe it is harmful to the communities impacted. We do not like the treatment of the neighborhoods and individuals impacted during the development approval process. We perceive this as a problem to solve.

2. We want to be equal players with the planning staff and development community. Neighborhood and area master planning with public input can be more time consuming, however, the end results are far superior to what we are currently experiencing with spot approval of major housing subdivisions, destruction of desert topography and habitat and loss of farmland. We want the creation of livable communities, not subdivisions.

3. The comprehensive plans are in place. The Rio Grande and Open Space and Trail plans are in place. They were created with public input. We want implementation of these plans. We want livability and ordinances and codes that achieve it. The identification and preservation of the Rio Grande and buffer, farmland for agriculture and conservation, arroyos and their 100-year flood plains, mountains, hillsides and escarpment, historical and archeological sites and irrigation canals must be achieved as required infrastructure prior to further growth and development.

4. To begin this problem solving process, we advocate for a Neighborhoods First Ordinance, a Neighborhood Liaison (see El Paso,Albuquerque) and a Neighborhood Advisory Board in City and County government.

5. We would like to see a Neighborhood Summit offering the discussion and exchange of information on smart growth for this area.

This group welcomes new members and new neighborhood associations! For more information, contact Jackye Meinecke at 525-2782 or gardens@zianet.com