Press Release: People’s Forum Panel Requests Public Comments on Trapping Issue

Contacts:

Hon. Peggy Nelson | 575-779-2450 | pjnelson@taosnet.com

Hon. Nathan Cote | 575-202-1872 | ncote@zianet.com

Albuquerque — The People’s Forum Panel on Public Lands Trapping requests that New Mexico citizens submit comments on the issue of trapping in New Mexico.   The Panel will synthesize the comments and issue a report to the public and decision makers.   New Mexicans can submit written comments to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NMTrappingSurvey

In July, the New Mexico Game Commission voted to expand trapping across the State and lifted the trap ban in the range of the Mexican wolf.  The Commission had received 12,000 citizens’ comments that had requested a ban on traps on public lands in New Mexico.

“The People’s Forum Panel is holding a new public comment period because we want to ensure good governance and encourage democratic decision making in New Mexico,” stated retired Judge Peggy Nelson.

On September 14, 2011, the TrapFreeNM Coalition held the People’s Forum.  A panel of seven citizens with a history of community and civic involvement took recorded testimony at a public hearing organized by four non-governmental organizations.

Over 130 people attended, and approximately 40 testified, including Prof. Dr. Robert Harrison, a small carnivore expert.  In addition to the oral testimony, the panel determined to allow additional public comments for those who could not attend the event and have their voices heard.

Former legislator Nathan Cote said, “Having heard the testimony, it was clear the state had not pursued its due diligence obligation.  The People’s Forum Panel seeks to gather more input on this charged debate and ensure much better public transparency.”

The comment period opens October 4th and closes on November 5, 2011 at 5pm.  New Mexicans can submit written comments to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NMTrappingSurvey

“It was clear to the panel after hearing the testimony, that the state had not conducted policy making in the light of day, nor considered the complexity of the trapping issue,” Judge Nelson added.  “A survey is now open to the public and we look forward to receiving robust comments,” she added.

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Background:

The People’s Forum Panel consists of:

The Hon. Judge Peggy Nelson, Chairwoman of the Panel

Peggy Weigle, Executive Director, Animal Humane | New Mexico

Nathan Cote, Former State Representative

Oscar Simpson, former Game Commissioner and sportsman

Kathleen Holian, Santa Fe County Commissioner

Martha Marks, Republicans for Environmental Protection

Kathy Sedlacek, New Mexico Mountain Club

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NOTE:  The survey may be completed by non-New Mexico residents as well.

Photo courtesy of Mary Katherine Ray