BLM, Cochiti Pueblo announce reopening of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Cochiti Pueblo are announcing the reopening of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument on Nov. 21, 2024. The Monument was temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, BLM and Cochiti Pueblo jointly agreed to maintain the closure after pandemic restrictions were lifted in order to renegotiate operations of the Monument.
Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a popular geologic hiking destination for visitors worldwide. Average annual visitation peaked at just over 130,000 visitors in the five years prior to the temporary closure. BLM recognized over-visitation impacted not only the natural resources within the Monument, but also the gateway community of Cochiti Pueblo.
The Monument was created in 2001 with a provision that it would be managed by the BLM in close cooperation with Cochiti Pueblo. In keeping with the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities of honoring Tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility and respecting the ties that native and traditional communities have to public lands, the BLM and Cochiti Pueblo entered into an agreement under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act that will allow Cochiti Pueblo to take on day-to-day operations of the Monument.
“This unique management relationship with Cochiti Pueblo is an asset to the Monument,” said BLM Albuquerque District Manager Sabrina Flores. “Pueblo members know this Monument well, and we will continue to work closely with the Pueblo on management decisions that will best serve the land, the visitors to the Monument, and the Pueblo.”
“Today is a new beginning as we come together with the Bureau of Land Management to take on the day-to-day operations of the Monument. The Pueblo now has a greater voice in how we want our sacred lands and community to be treated and respected by our visitors to the Monument. This will help us preserve our traditions and culture for generations to come,” said Cochiti Pueblo Governor Joel Arquero.
Additional details regarding fees, closures, and other visitation information is available here. Visitation is now via reservation only. Starting Nov. 12, visitors can make reservations at recreation.gov for future visits beginning Nov. 21, 2024. A limited number of passes are available each day.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.