New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (website): May 24, 2007
Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 660-7017/Erica.asmus-otero@state.nm.us
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/COTE.htm
NM State Parks, Rep. Cote Gather to Thank Vets for Service at Oliver Lee Prior to HB 210 Taking Effect
Representative Also Tours Flood-Damage at Park
ALAMOGORDO, NM – On the eve of Memorial Weekend, New Mexico State Parks staff, along with State Representative Nate Cote (D-Doña Ana/Otero) and other members of the Alamogordo community, gathered today at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park to recognize several disabled veterans, who will be among the thousands that will benefit from House Bill 210, sponsored by Rep. Cote during the 2007 legislative session.
HB 210, which was signed into law by Governor Bill Richardson and goes into effect on July 1, 2007, grants all New Mexico veterans with a 50 percent or more service-connected disability free access to state parks, museums and monuments.
“It’s important to recognize veterans who have defended our country and become disabled because of their service,” said Rep. Cote. “Fifty percent disability is significant; hopefully this service will convey to our veterans how much the State of New Mexico appreciates their sacrifices and will help veterans enjoy the land that they defended.”
“Thank you, Rep. Cote, for helping State Parks extend benefits to disabled veterans,” said New Mexico State Park Director Dave Simon.
“As a vet with 60 percent disability, I don’t think the State owes me anything but it’s certainly an honor to receive this type of treatment,” said Steve Early, who served in the Navy during Vietnam, and who frequents State Parks.
Other vets in attendance, all of whom served during the Vietnam War, were: Bill Hart; Dale Phelps (a recipient of two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars) and Kevin Dasing.
Veterans who are 50 percent disabled or more qualify for the following benefits under the new law: a free State Parks Annual Day Use Pass (ADU), a free three-day State Parks camping permit each year, and free general admission to the state museums and state monuments operated by the Department of Cultural Affairs. The new law also provides that on Veteran’s Day, all New Mexico veterans and active duty military personnel, along with their spouses and dependent children, receive free access to state parks, museums and monuments.
According to the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS), there are approximately 12,000 veterans in New Mexico with a 50 percent or more service-connected disability.
Veterans will be required to demonstrate proof of disability. The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services plans to provide qualifying disabled veterans with certification of disability that will supplement documentation from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To apply for eligibility, visit one of 17 Veterans Services offices throughout the state; visit www.dvs.state.nm.us or call 1-866-433-8387. Three free camping passes will then be sent from State Parks to veterans, after eligibility status is verified.
Prior to the event, Rep. Cote and State Parks Director Dave Simon toured the historic Oliver Lee Ranch House and hiked a portion of the ravaged Interpretive Nature Trail - both heavily damaged by flash flooding in 2006. Rep. Cote discussed State Parks’ plans to repair the damage.
Funding permitting, State Parks plans to repair the damage, which will include:
Installation of new energy-efficient roof at the visitor center;
Rebuilding the trail;
Repairing the access road leading to the ranch house;
Fixing the drainage around the ranch house, and
Restoring camp sites that were damaged.
“The Interpretive Nature Trail is one of my favorite trails and one of most beautiful in New Mexico,” said Rep. Cote. “Like all state parks and trails, we need to keep Oliver Lee in great shape so that families and tourists can enjoy our great State.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has promised more than $87,000 to make repairs on the Interpretive Trail, while more than $7,700 will go towards reparations for the Oliver Lee ranch house.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park’s archaeological sites are the remnants of the ancient Jornada-Mogollon culture that occupied the area from 700 to 1,000 years ago. Indigenous inhabitants relied heavily on the water flowing in nearby Dog Canyon, which is also what attracted rancher and politician, Oliver Milton Lee, to the area during the 19th century.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located eight miles south of Alamogordo on Hwy 54 and four miles east on Dog Canyon Rd. For information contact Oliver Lee Memorial State Park at (505) 437-8284 or log onto www.nmparks.com.
