D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
January
2009
Making Camp
I was very interested to read the article on the Kingston Scout Camp ("Scouts Honor," December 2008). I was very impressed with the level of detail and care in interviews. As one of the quoted sources for your article, I was a bit amused to see my work quoted in the most dramatic way. I do offer an update to my quoted section on the mines in the Kingston area: I contacted the New Mexico Dept of Energy and Mines (NMDEM) with the report to have the shafts surveyed and closed. The NMDEM found 167 shafts in the area in their search (I had reported 107 and eventually found 116). The good news is most of these are filled in by nature, or were filled in as part of the mining and refining process. The bad news is the rest are really quite dangerous and some appear to be filled in but in actuality are not or could collapse, opening new entrances at any time.
The action toward developing the camp at Kingston has stalled as far as can be observed. There is no practical approach to developing the Percha Valley, as the scouts (Yucca Council) will never be in a position to own it. It is Forest Service riparian area and not up for sale or trade. The nearby Camp Shiloh is a derelict Bible camp in need of a 100-percent rebuild and, as it is on very limited acreage with steep slopes, it does not make for a pretty camp. I have suggested several development ideas to improve the situation, but unless more area is made available it will be difficult to make an attractive camp at this place.
In the meantime, I have been very successful working toward obtaining a 20-year permit for our camp in Cloudcroft, Camp Dale Resler. I have a very dedicated group of people with a great interest in not only preserving but rebuilding and expanding this camp. In Cloudcroft we have the blessing of the local community to keep an active camp, as it attracts tourists to the town to support the many local shops, hotels, real-estate brokers and other businesses. We would be very interested in receiving dedicated donations or other support to help us continue improving Camp Dale Resler.
Hopefully the story will have a happy ending. The Kingston area is beautiful and offers some very interesting history and adventure. I would like to continue to have the kind of access the camp at Kingston provides us to the southern Gila. I for one plan to stick around to make sure any development in that area is money wisely spent.
Mike Jago
Unit Commissioner
White Sands District
Yucca Council BSA
Love Affair
While on a study visit to the Reserve area, I picked up a copy of your publication, which I had never seen before. What a delightful and entertaining surprise to encounter your enlightened beacon in Catron County, no less.
For over 60 years I've been carrying on a love affair with Southwest New Mexico, Silver City, the Gila et al, and fully intend to continue said affair. It is a remarkable region with a remarkable history as well as a controversial reputation for opposition to change.
Decades ago, when the first coffeeshop opened in Silver City, and now with the advent of Desert Exposure and its survival, I'm convinced a moderate point of view is thriving. Wonderful!
PS — You're one-up on the Albuquerque Journal.
Vera Snyder
Albuquerque
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