Please Contact the USFWS

It appears that the Water Improvement District rushed in to destroy vegetation and habitat during nesting season at the Montoya and Newmexas Drains.  They were without authority on this as the agreement to maintain those particular drains is between the United States (Department of Interior/Bureau of Reclamation) and the City of El Paso – EPWU being the stormwater agency of the City.  After the fire, EPWU began clearing out burned debris per agreement with the United States.  WID then stepped in and began clearing out everything.  When I asked Chuy Reyes whether he would be open to mitigation of the area with native plants, his email response was: “I am not interested in replanting native vegetation.”  There can be little doubt that the destruction of habitat had to include birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (hummingbirds, grackles, etc.) as well as endangered species possibly the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.  An investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is called for.  It would be helpful if the USFWS heard from numerous people asking for an investigation.  At the very least an investigation will probably mean that Mr. Reyes and the WID will think twice before destroying wildlife habitat again.  

The two FWS staffers to contact are:

Delivan Roper, 575-382-2177, ext. 107; delivan_roper@fws.gov

Albert Gonzalez, 915-471-6320; albert_gonzalez@fws.gov

People can reference any of my posts on the subject at www.elpasonaturally.blogspot.com.  

Please help to get the word out.  Would you please urge Judy to get an email blast out ASAP.