BLM updates management plan for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced the release of its Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico. BLM developed the plan for the approximately 496,591-acre Monument in close coordination with Tribes, cooperating agencies, and Federal, state, and local governments.
“This Approved RMP and Record of Decision will guide the Monument’s management for the next two decades, protecting its unique landscapes and cultural sites while providing the public with opportunities to observe, study, and enjoy Monument lands,” said BLM Las Cruces District Manager Scott Cooke.
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation 9131 to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest. It includes four management areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains. The plan ensures continued protection of the Monument’s unique resources, while providing diverse outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, photography, and wildlife viewing. The Monument includes ten wilderness areas designated by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Act.
The newly published Record of Decision and Approved RMP updates management decisions for land-use, recreation, conservation, wilderness, livestock grazing, transportation access, renewable energy, visual resources, wildland/urban interface, and mineral resources. It replaces the previous land use management guidance found in the 1993 Mimbres RMP. The Las Cruces District Office looks forward to continuing to engage the public as it conducts implementation planning for the Monument's key resource uses such as recreation and travel transportation management as directed by this plan.
Approved documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. Printed copies are available for public inspection at the BLM Las Cruces District Office, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, N.M. 88005.
For more information, please contact acting Monument Manager Lane Hauser at 575-525-4300 or blm_nm_lcdo_mail@blm.gov.
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.