LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management is issuing a proposed plan for the management and protection of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico. The BLM developed the plan for the approximately 476,591-acre Monument in close coordination with Tribes, cooperating agencies, and federal, state, and local governments.
"We worked closely with our partners and the public to propose a solid plan," said BLM Las Cruces District Manager Scott Cooke. "This plan is informed by President Obama's Presidential Proclamation 9131 that established the monument, direction from Congress in the John D. Dingell, Jr. Act to include development of a watershed health assessment, and a court order to consider reduced grazing in future allotment lease renewals."
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument was established 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 would ensure continued protection for the monument's unique resources, while providing for diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, photography, and wildlife viewing.
A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow's Federal Register to begin a 30-day protest period and a 60-day Governor's Consistency Review for the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Resource Management Plan. The protest period ends Nov. 12, 2024
Those who previously participated in the planning process and have an interest adversely affected by the proposed plan may file a plan protest electronically via the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred); or delivered to: BLM Director, Attention: Protest Coordinator (HQ210), Denver Federal Center, Building 40 (Door W-4), Lakewood, CO 80215.
For more information, please contact Project Manager Patrick Rich at 405-579-7154 or
