NM 532 Curve Correction Project - New Mexico Department of ...

NM 532 Curve Correction Project Environmental Assessment
Potential Effects and Mitigation Measures – No Section 4(f) properties would be used by the
Recommended Build Alternative. The Recommended Build Alternative would not use the Eagle Lakes
campground or Oak Grove campground.
4.16 Wilderness and Protected Areas
Existing Conditions – Reserved lands, such as wilderness, are areas that are not designated for
development, road construction, or timber harvesting. Eight percent of the Lincoln National Forest is
designated as reserved lands (Shaw, 2006). The 48,873-acre White Mountain Wilderness Area is located
near MP 11.9. This wilderness area was first designated as a 25,000 acre Primitive Area by Congress in
1933 and added to the National Wilderness System in 1964 with additional acreage added in 1980
(Lincoln National Forest, 2007). The White Mountain Wilderness Area can be accessed from NM 532
near Last Curve via Lookout Trail 78 or Scenic Trail 15.
Potential Effects and Mitigation Measures – The Recommended Build Alternative would not affect
any wilderness or other protected areas. Indirect impacts could occur to the White Mountain Wilderness
if transportation improvements resulted in increased hikers through this wilderness area.
4.17 Farmland
Existing Conditions – No cultivated farmland occurs within or adjoins the NM 532 Project Area.
Adjoining lands are too steep and rocky for crop production.
Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures – No prime farmland or farmland of statewide
importance would be affected by the Recommended Build Alternative.
4.18 Right-of-way
Existing Conditions – The NMDOT has a 132-foot wide right-of-way along NM 532 under permit with
the Lincoln National Forest.
Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures – No additional right-of-way would be needed
at the three curves.
4.19 Multi-Modal Transportation
Existing Conditions – Pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, and transit opportunities are present in the NM
532 Project Area. Pedestrians tend to use hiking trails on the Lincoln National Forest, but pedestrians
occasionally walk along short segments of NM 532. Bicyclists will occasionally ride along NM 532.
The narrow roadway and sharp curves create some potential for conflicts with vehicles. The need to
improve bicycle opportunities has been identified in public meetings. Equestrian use is primarily off of
NM 532 along hiking trails and on the Mescalero Apache Reservation and Lincoln National Forest.
Equestrian use increases during the summer tourist season and fall hunting season. Shuttle buses
transport skiers from hotels in Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs to Ski Apache. Increased use of transit to
transport skiers as well as summer tourists is possible but would likely require funding assistance.
Potential Impacts and Proposed Mitigation Measures – Multi-modal opportunities would improve.
Roadway improvements would provide pedestrians and bicyclists with more shoulder space. The
proposed improvements would be minor and pedestrians and bicyclists would still need to share the road
in some areas. Equestrians would have access to nearby areas but use of NM 532 would be very limited.
The shuttle bus service would continue and have opportunities to develop increased service.
4.20 Recreation
Existing Conditions – The Lincoln National Forest areas near NM 532 have much recreation use
including skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. Ski Apache is also located on
the Lincoln National Forest. NM 532 is the only road to Ski Apache, operated by the Mescalero Apache
Tribe. In addition to the ski area, other popular recreation destinations are located along this roadway
including the Lincoln National Forest, fishing areas along Eagle Creek, and Windy Point Vista. Several
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