Appendix D 183

Possibility statements are descriptions of

desired future conditions for El Camino Real de

Tierra Adentro NHT, and have formed the basis

of the alternatives. These statements were

developed during community meetings in 2001,

and could be implemented through community

action and partnerships.

Possibility statements from El Paso, Texas -

October 15, 2001

• Interpretation, preservation, restoration.

• It is essential that the route, including

hiking and interpretive trails, follow the

original historic route. To facilitate the

project, the natural environment (riparian and desert) should be preserved and

restored; then, there should be recognition of where historic events took place;

and finally, there needs to be a unifying

theme especially in signage.

• I live in a community, where we should

develop El Camino Real as a backbone

uniting local and regional historic, cultural, and community resources in an

interpretive way.

• More and enhanced parks and trails, to

foster outdoor recreational opportunities

and appreciation of natural and cultural

community.

• Regional coordination, promotion,

preservation, and interpretation of the

Camino Real.

• Education, access, preservation, economic development.

• We live in a community where fragmentation has been eliminated. A central

point of responsibility involving all the

communities on the Río Grande, including bi-national politicians and educators,

together have developed a cohesive plan

to foster a bi-national understanding of

El Camino Real.

• A long-trail theme, which ties local

communities together and allows events

on the trail; incorporates existing and

new features to be used for the protection of natural resources; and benefits

and ensures safety of the people, which

promotes knowledge and understanding

of the trail.

Possibility statements from Socorro, New

Mexico - October 16, 2001

• Develop a range of recreational opportunities that contribute to the economic

benefit of communities and Socorro and

Sierra Counties, including birding, fishing, hot springs, horseback riding,

National Radio Astronomy Observatory,

radio, Battle of Valverde re-enactment,

and other special events.

• Keep our culture alive.

• An El Camino Trail Passport. Each

community to have been facilitated with

educational and economic advantages to

encourage participation in multifaceted

visitation, including ecotourism, edutourism, and agritourism. Each facility to

have individual stamps. Revenue will be

generated from visitors to each site.

Money (funding) flowing in by the

wheelbarrow loads.

• Cultural and transportation corridor.

Overall cultural immersion. Connections

with Mexico and Spain with physical

artifacts/demonstrations. Education

APPENDIX D

COMMUNITY MEETING RESULTS
184 APPENDIXES/GLOSSARY/A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

including, history, archeology, high

points, and cultural portrait.

Preservation/protection of trails; use

previously impacted areas.

Possibility statements from Albuquerque,

New Mexico - October 17, 2001

• Make the trail into a living experience

that is accessible to people with disabilities, bicycles, horseback, and walkers –

no motor vehicles.

• A comprehensive plan, focusing on

preservation, and multiple stories/perspectives, providing public interpretation

for all people in English and Spanish

through a variety of educational methods.

• Quality El Camino Real history and heritage is told by New Mexico people who

know the history and resources.

Interpretation is offered all along El

Camino Real to both visitors and local

people/communities, and inspires people

to protect resources. The international

nature of the trail is emphasized: past,

present, and future.

• Link communities and community centers along the trail, with emphasis on

education, historic site identification,

and Spanish emphasis and contribution

of the trail, in both U.S. and Mexico.

• Trail offers opportunity to go on an

interactive adventure to learn about the

[history and culture of New Mexico

trade and travel] evolution of the trail

consisting of the trade, travel, culture,

and recreation.

Possibility statements from Española, New

Mexico - October 20, 2001

• Each community being able to tell their

own story through visitor centers/interpretive centers/cultural centers along the

trail, with centers highlighting the significance of history, traditions, and way of

life. Centers will serve to promote, preserve, and protect history and resources

pertaining to that community, including

living exhibits, oral histories, and promoting local crafts involving youth and

peoples of the communities.

• Interpretive centers with educational

programs on El Camino Real communities.

• Make the trail a living experience for

residents and visitors through awareness

of cultural heritage.

• Information, communication, and outreach by awareness through maps and

signs and interdisciplinary studies preserving multi-cultural history.