Rick,
It should be the established policy of the PSB/EPWU to manage City-owned land in its inventory with wildlife, wildlife habitat and environmental protection and quality in mind. Rather than reacting to situations by radically changing the topography as was the case with the Montoya Drain and the arroyo at Robinson, Canyon Terrace and Sierra Crest intersections, long-term plans for management which include thinning out dry vegetation and so forth should be the norm. Any work on an area should attempt to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat as well as plant life as much as possible. Nesting and mating seasons should be avoided when large removal of vegetation is required. Mitigation should be part of any plan that changes the topography. For example, prior to the wholesale destruction of vegetation and habitat along the Montoya drain, plans for re-vegetation should have already been made. Of course, such wholesale destruction could have been prevented by a long-term plan that would include thinning out dry vegetation that created a fire hazard. Mitigation at the Montoya drain/canal should be implemented immediately. Working with organizations such as the West Texas Urban Forestry Council, reforestation should begin. It is not simply a matter of re-planting and re-establishing a living ecosystem, but it is critical that the canals have some shading to prevent extra loss from evaporation now that there is no shade.
It would be wise for the PSB/EPWU to hire an Ecology Officer to review and help plan all projects. PSB/EPWU already has archaeologists on staff. Fort Bliss, White Sands and other organizations that have responsibility for public land have ecology officers/offices. The Officer must be degreed and experienced in ecology, wildlife management and so forth. The job qualifications must be written with such experience in mind. Policy should give this Officer broad enough powers to be effective.
Please pass this idea on to Mr. John Balliew when you speak with him. It is my hope that the matter be taken up immediately by the PSB. It should also become a regular part of its Strategic Planning.
Sincerely,
Jim Tolbert
