Coalition and Local Governments Call for Federal Protection of Caja del Rio

A broad coalition of local government officials, state legislators, and community leaders is calling on New Mexico’s congressional delegation to permanently protect the Caja del Rio, a culturally and ecologically significant landscape south of Santa Fe.

Letters of support have come from Santa Fe Mayor Michael Garcia, city councilors, the majority of state legislators, and Santa Fe County Commissioners. The Caja del Rio Coalition — representing Indigenous, Hispano, faith, business, conservation, and grazing communities — is urging the delegation to introduce federal legislation now.

Elected officials have been direct about what the land represents. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth called it “a New Mexican heirloom.” Mayor Garcia highlighted the plateau’s 100,000-plus acres of critical wildlife habitat for elk, mule deer, raptors, and migratory birds. County Commissioner Lisa Cacari Stone emphasized that permanent protection would preserve traditional uses, grazing practices, and community-based stewardship for future generations.

Read the full press release [here] for more details, including additional statements from Pueblo leadership.