http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/ http://www.eblah.com en http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1201365387/ http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1201365387/#num1 When an area like the Frankin Mountains is closed to the public. Law abiding citizens that follow the rules will not enter the area. This allows the criminals and rule breakers to enter the area with no authority or witnesses. This results in trash, and graffiti build up. But most importantly. This allows the destruction to get closer and closer to valuable  historical resources that date back to 1300 BC.  Fort Bliss needs to protect this historical and cultural resource right away! I think the best step forward is to turn over certain sections like Mini Hueco (White Rock Draw) and Whispering Springs to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Allow hikers to use approved trail systems that are mapped. And of course open toll gates to generate income for these constant improvements. The current Ft. Bliss Range Enforcement is a waste of Tax payers money. This plan would improve the mountains and generate income. Not waste it.
PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
The Ft. Bliss Military base once blasted these mountains with bombs long ago before El Paso grew so big. They never cleaned it up. Since then hikers have visited the Franklin Mountains establishing trail systems. In the 1970's the Franklin Mountains were open to the public. Then later closed for reasons unknown. Ft. Bliss wants the public to think its un-safe to hike in the Franklin Mountains due to explosives. When's the last time you've heard of someone blowing up in the Franklin Mountains? Ask your parents ask your Grandparents, if they are still alive.Truth is. It's not something that's happening. If you stay on trails you will never have a problem. Not to mention the numerous brush fires that have burned the Franklin Mountains. If there was any bombs they would have activated.By the way, we're talking about explosives that have been sitting there since the 1930's, meaning. There is no way possible they could still be armed. They are piles of rust. But getting back on the hiking trail subject. During the time when the Franklin Mountains were open to hikers there wasn't any bodies blowing up or booby-traps killing hikers. In fact. Where did the trails come from in the first place? If anyone with a common elementary grade education looks at this issue. They might be surprised.
It's been said that Ft. Bliss is requesting an amount of five million dollars to clean up the area they damaged in the first place.Until then, they have invested in signs and make-shift gates that block paths and trails...but they go ignored. So they have a group called "Range Enforcement" which does just that. They hike the same trails and so called dangerous areas looking for hikers enjoying the mountains. They give them warnings and or citations. In some cases they have even used horses traveling off the trails directly through the desert to catch hikers. Signs posted everywhere tell us that that is very "dangerous" according to Ft. Bliss. Why would they risk their life and their horses life? The real reason is because there are no bombs or dangerous explosives. It's a money game.
El Paso is setting a very poor example of what a city does with it's mountain ranges. City officials allow Cemex to mine the front east facing center portions. Leaving a huge scar on the cities green appearance. El Paso won't be winning any "Think Green"awards anytime soon. If ever. The city allows large High School letters to remain on the mountain. Which should have never been there in the first place. And the Franklin Mountain Coalition needs to take action. It's up to city officials to activate a plan to open the mountains and start having respect for what makes El Paso so special. A city divided by a mountain.
What Needs to be Done?
- City Officials need to monitor and regulate Cemex and close down the Cemex McKelligon mine.
- City Officials need to clean up the large High School letters on the mountain sides.
- City Officials need to follow and set guidelines for housing development near the mountain base.
- Ft. Bliss needs to clean up the areas and open the land to public use
- A mountain coalition must be created to enforce these new plans


** Comment as posted elsewhere on citytowninfo.com **]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 11:36:27 cti_comments http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1201276341/ http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1201276341/#num1 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:52:21 jlorusso http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1198863549/ http://forum.citytowninfo.com//forum/m-1198863549/#num1 I just moved back to Socorro, and now I want out!


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