A Historic Public Lands Package Needs Your Voice NOW
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect New Mexico's most precious landscapes is within reach, but time is running out! A bipartisan public lands package that includes critical protections for New Mexico's wild places and dozens of others across the U.S. has cleared key hurdles in Congress, and we're in the final push to get it across the finish line before the end of this congressional session!
Why This Is Our Moment:
The package has already passed key committee votes with bipartisan support, demonstrating the broad appeal of these common-sense protections. However, if we don't secure passage now, we'll have to start from scratch next year – putting these special places at risk in light of the incoming administration.
What's at Stake for New Mexico:
Pecos Watershed Protection Act: This vital and beloved watershed would finally see protection from impending mining threats.
M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act: New Mexico's last free-flowing river could finally get Wild & Scenic designation.
Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act: Designates the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act: By banning oil, gas, and mineral development on federal lands in the Greater Chaco Region, Chaco Canyon would finally see permanent protections
Let’s make it known that New Mexicans support this package!
Please contact our congressional delegation today to thank them for championing these vital protections for New Mexico's lands and waters and to urge them to do everything in their power to ensure these bills are included in the final public lands package.
Sample Message:
Subject: Thank You for Supporting NM Public Lands Protection
Dear [Representative/Senator Name],
As a New Mexican, I am writing to express my gratitude for your support of four crucial public lands bills and ask for their inclusion in the bipartisan Public Lands, Water, and Wildfire Bills Package:
- Pecos Watershed Protection Act, S.3033, H.R.5943
- M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, S.766, H.R.1611
- Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act, S.593, H.R.1303
- Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, S.1404, H.R.3062
The Pecos Watershed Protection Act will safeguard vital water resources and wildlife habitat that New Mexican communities depend on. The Gila Wild and Scenic River designation will protect our state's last undammed river, preserving its natural, cultural, and recreational values for generations to come.
Additionally, the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness designation will protect an important cultural landscape and wildlife corridor in northern New Mexico, while the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act will help permanently protect the irreplaceable cultural heritage of Chaco Canyon and its surrounding landscape.
These bills represent the very best of New Mexico's conservation values – protecting our water, wildlife, cultural heritage, and public lands for future generations. I strongly support your efforts to include these bills in the public lands package and encourage you to do everything possible to ensure their passage. New Mexicans stand behind you in protecting our state's remarkable natural and cultural heritage.
Thank you for your continued leadership in conserving New Mexico's public lands and waters.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
