In a landmark move for conservation, the Biden-Harris administration has introduced the Public Lands Rule, prioritizing the protection of public lands across the country. This rule is especially significant for New Mexico, where over 23 million acres of national public lands serve as critical spaces for recreation, cultural preservation, and environmental health.
For too long, public land management focused heavily on extractive industries such as grazing, mining, and logging. But with the Public Lands Rule, conservation will now be treated with the same importance, ensuring that our lands are protected for future generations. This means healthier ecosystems, safer wildlife habitats, and cleaner air and water for all of us.
What Does the Public Lands Rule Mean for New Mexico?
New Mexico’s public lands are integral to our way of life. The Bureau of Land Management’s new rule will directly impact over 13 million acres—more than half of the state’s national public lands. These lands have long been used for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting, but they also hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities, serving as spaces for traditional farming, sacred sites, and cultural preservation.
By prioritizing conservation, the rule will:
• Protect water and wildlife habitats: Essential for preserving New Mexico’s delicate ecosystems.
• Invest in restoration: Targeting areas in need of revitalization and ensuring that our landscapes remain vibrant and resilient.
• Base decisions on science and indigenous knowledge: Ensuring that local communities and experts play a critical role in land management.
A Vision for Future Generations
New Mexico families have long cherished the opportunity to explore and recreate on public lands, passing down traditions from one generation to the next. From childhood fishing trips to outdoor adventures with loved ones, these lands offer a connection to nature that is central to our identity.
The Public Lands Rule helps protect these cherished spaces, ensuring that future generations will have the same opportunities to experience their beauty and significance. It’s about more than just the land; it’s about preserving a way of life, rooted in the outdoors, for our children and grandchildren.