Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Almost everything Jorene describes in her county (in California but not
San Bernardino County, by the way) applies also a mere 20 minutes drive
outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Santa Fe is on the west flank of a
mountain range, below a popular ski valley that is the jump off point
for many backcountry users hence many SAR missions.  Putting resources
behind the crestline above the ski valley involves hours of driving
and then hours of hiking or riding.  It is a designated Wilderness
Area back there, so before using any helicopter special permission must
be obtained from the USFS.  Also, using a helicopter is complicated by
the high altitude, steep terrain, unpredictable mountain weather, and
mostly heavy vegetation.  A National Guard helicopter might be in the
area, or not.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico