Ryan Bates (Construction Worker)
Jim Bates (NM State Chapter President, National Wild Turkey Federation)

We have hunted on the public lands in Doña Ana County all our lives. Nothing compares to being out in the wide-open backcountry, tracking a desert mule deer or searching for a covey of Gambel's quail. The only sounds are the crunching of our footsteps, the rustle of wind through grass and every now and then, the sudden explosion of quail flying from cover.

We are fortunate to have these magnificent wildlands right outside our windows. We can gaze at the majestic Organ Mountains, ride horseback through Broad Canyon or hike the Potrillos. But development is nibbling at the edges of some of our special wild areas bringing more houses, more roads and more congestion. Fortunately, we still have the opportunity to protect the natural treasures that surround us. We need to keep the things we love about Doña Ana County just the way they are.

Jud Wright (Owner, Del Valle Printing)
Amanda Cruz (Executive Director, Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces)

Making our home in Las Cruces, we appreciate the area's natural beauty — from the colorful Organ Mountains that are the city's magnificent backdrop, to Broad Canyon and the rugged Potrillos. As business leaders, we appreciate how these wild places and open spaces help the local economy. Across the West, we see counties with protected public lands economically better off than counties that lack these natural areas.

Doña Ana County is vibrant and growing, with higher than average rates of population growth and employment. Protecting our spectacular public lands is vital to preserving our quality of life and ensuring a thriving business climate. We need to keep the things we love just the way they are.

Maria Flores (Las Cruces School Board member and former teacher)
Amy Carpenter (Teacher, Camino Real Middle School)

As teachers, we strive to expand our students' worlds. But we know that helping them grow and develop doesn't happen only inside a school building. We have seen how kids blossom in our wide, wild open places. We are so fortunate to have amazing landscapes like the Organ Mountains and the Robledos practically out our back doors. These natural treasures add so much to student's lives. These places are outdoor classrooms where children can challenge themselves and reconnect with the real world — away from TVs, computers and video games. We need to keep the things we love about Doña Ana County just the way they are.