Living In Las Cruces- Spring/Summer 2008

DEVELOPMENT

By Jillian Mills
Photography by Nathan Small

Forbes/Milkin Institute ranked Las Cruces the number one (out of 96) Best Small Metro Area for Business and Careers based on a number of criteria including: job growth, salary and "critical technologies that foster future growth" for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. In addition, Money Magazine, Where to Retire and AARP are only a few publications who have ranked Las Cruces as "one of the best places to retire" over the past few years. It comes as no surprise to residents who have long loved the city and all of her attributes, merely a realization that the secret is out. There are things no one can take credit for, such as the fabulous climate, mild seasons and the majestic Organ and Franklin Mountain Ranges. There are other "manmade" elements that make our region attractive such as the well-known New Mexico State University, two state-of-the-art medical hospitals and so many other assets the list is virtually never-ending.

Naturally, it's advantageous economically to have the population grow. And, New Mexicans have always been known for their hospitality. We love meeting newcomers in our region; it gives us captive audiences to whom we may brag and it's nice to know we've met someone who is coming to love our town as much as we do. However, when you begin listing the things put in place by nature and those put in place by man you can't help but wonder how a balance will continue to be struck with more and more people moving into the area. Whether lifelong residents or newcomers, no one wants the beauty of the area sacrificed. With this concern in mind, Living in Las Cruces Magazine decided to look into the growth of the region and how it will affect the things we love and the things that serve as a draw to others who decide to move here.

Carol McCall, planner with the City of Las Cruces Community Development Department, speaks about some of the groups that have the common goal of regional preservation and conservation in mind. While the final goals are the same, each organization has a different scope and brings something uniquely different to the table. While we couldn't list their aims in their entireties, we hope we've provided enough information to buoy public involvement.

In speaking with the organizations individually, we found them all dedicated to the cause and eager to encourage community support.

CHIHUANHUAN DESERT NATURE PARK -
Goal:
Increasing scientific literacy by fostering an understanding of the Chihuahuan Desert. This organization is education based, reaching out to both school-aged children and adults in order to help aid the concerns via
better understanding the needs of the region's ecosystem and the importance of a healthy desert environment.
575.524.3334
www.cdnp.org

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND -
The local chapter of this organization works to enhance fish and wildlife habitats in the Chihuahuan Desert with emphasis on the Rio Grande River.
575.525.9537
www.worldwildlife.org

NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS ALLIANCE -
Active in proposals that would designate areas as National Conservation Areas in order to protect the region's beauty. The group hosts scenic nature hikes every weekend to entertain and educate.
575.527.9962
www.DonaAnaWild.org

QUALITY GROWTH ALLIANCE -
Conservation oriented, this group focuses on regional planning thereby attempting to answer the questions of where and how to grow the area. They support ways to "strengthen and improve growth" with consideration given to such notable environmental assets as arroyos, local mountain ranges and the Rio Grande River.
575.635.9582 (Steve Fischmann)
www.qgalliance.org

SOUTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER -
Dedicated to protecting and restoring the unique natural heritage of the Southwestern Borderlands, this organization conducts outreaches to increase awareness concerning the protection of native wildlife and their habitats, including the endangered Mexican Wolf. They are also involved
in efforts to protect and restore the Rio Grande to ecological health.
575.522.5552
www.wildmesquite.org