Gary Elkins, of the Sundance Development Area, located between Animas and Rodeo, made a presentation to the Commission explaining the concerns and fears these residents have about this wolf ranch. Wolfsong Ranch Foundation was banned from Cochise County in August, 2000, and relocated to Hidalgo County in October, 2000, according to Elkins.

Elkins added that there are approximately 100 wolves and wolf dogs that have already been relocated, with more to come. The concerned residents of this area explained that many of them feel they need to be armed to do chores or to even leave their homes because of the intimidation of these wolves. Many times, they said, the wolves get loose from their confined area and when the Foundation is approached about the problem, no one seems to claim ownership of the animal.

The residents on hand said they were also concerned about why the commission was not notified that such an organization was allowed to set up this type of operation. Commissioners explained that Hidalgo County doesn’t currently have any prohibitions against wolves and, because of no zoning ordinances, no notice of this type of operation is required to be given to the commission.

Elkins said he has contacted the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the National Wildlife Service for their input on the issue. Commission Chairman Lloyd Payne said that the Public Land Advisory Committee (PLAC) needs to be involved in this problem and they should be able to help reach a compromise. PLAC chairman Larry Rutherford is currently working on drafting an ordinance that will address the issue.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Bill Cavaliere said that he has contacted Cochise County Sheriff Larry Deaver and was told that livestock had definitely been killed as a result of the wolf ranch when it was located in Cochise County. With recent county budget cuts, the HCSD can no longer afford to keep an animal control officer on staff.

The commission vowed to vigorously pursue the problem. For anyone interested, the Wolfsong Ranch Foundation website is www.biopark.org/wolf/wolfsong.htm

Commissioners also discussed cockfighting in Hidalgo County. Chairman Payne was adamant about his intention to introduce an ordinance outlawing cockfighting. Eight counties in New Mexico have already outlawed cockfighting and New Mexico and Oklahoma are the only states that currently allow the sport at all.

Undersheriff Jim Lee reported on the status of the jail. All work will be completed in the next 30 days, at which time Hidalgo County will once again be able to house federal prisoners. Issues addressed at the request of the U.S. Marshall’s Service were that jailers be trained in first aid and CPR and that a new camera system be installed. Cavaliere reminded the commission that the jail had to be shut down while the federal guidelines were be updated, at which time other needed repairs were being made.

Buddy Swapp, son of Jon and Bethleen Swapp, completed his Eagle project by organizing the restoration of a small cemetery in Virden. This cemetery is extremely old, with Confederate headstones, Indian graves and other old graves. He constructed a chain link fence around the cemetery and created headstones where the originals had been lost or stolen. The county helped him with this project with a $100 contribution and commended him on his work.

State roads discussed as being a priority in terms of needing repairs were Riley Canyon on Highway 92 to Virden and Highway 9 from Animas to Rodeo.

The president recently issued his final rule on his "Protection of Forest Roadless Areas" policy. The action would effectively stop road building and timber activities in national forest areas in 39 states, including areas of New Mexico.

"This no way to implement such sweeping regulations. I am confident they will be closely scrutinized, and possibly changed, as both the courts and Congress determine whether the Clinton administration properly carried out this cause," Domenici said.

Domenici, a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Congress has authority under the Congressional Review Act to redress the Clinton roadless policy.

Domenici has been critical of the Clinton administration’s actions in developing the roadless policy, first unveiled in October 1999. Last February, Domenici contended that the administration and US Forest Service did not follow the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which sets detailed procedures for agency rule-making, including public hearing requirements and disclosure of "ex parte communications." At a hearing then, concerns were also aired that the Forest Service erred in adhering to the National Environmental Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, and Federal Advisory Committee Act.