Breaking news from The Wilderness Society:
New Mexico’s Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks officially became a new national monument on May 21, riding a wave of local support and fulfilling a promise made by President Barack Obama in his State of the Union address to “protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations.”
President Obama used his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, as he has already done for places like California’s Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. The campaign to protect the area, which will include wildlands perfect for hiking, camping and hunting, was driven by local governments, tribal leaders, ranchers, sportsmen and conservation groups. An Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is supported by almost 3 out of 4 area residents, and studies suggest that new monument status would also solidify the region’s standing as a premier travel destination and boost jobs and economic activity.
Thank President Obama for protecting Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks!
Learn more about our newest National Monument at www.wilderness.org.
Photo: Dona Ana Mountains, New Mexico. Credit: TwoTone777
