Department of the Interior safeguards Guadalupe Cave Resource Protection Area
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Carlsbad, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management today announced a Public Land Order to protect 28,513 acres of U.S. Department of Agriculture National Forest System lands at the Guadalupe Cave Resource Protection Area in Lincoln National Forest. The Guadalupe Caves were originally withdrawn from mining and mineral leasing for 20 years in 2001.
The Guadalupe Caves area is internationally known for its world class cave resources and is one of the best examples of an exposed Permian Age reef in the world. There are 88 known significant caves and the remote, rugged, and partially unexplored nature of these karst landforms—comprised of limestone, marble, and gypsum—suggest that more discoveries could be made.
The Public Land Order sets aside lands from the mining and mineral leasing laws for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. The action will protect recreation use and the scenic integrity and existing infrastructure in the area.
Today’s action will re-establish protections for the region’s unique resources. The Public Land Order will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register.
Additional information, including related findings and recommendations, are available on U.S. Forest Service website.
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.