Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced an updated management plan and associated Environmental Assessment for the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. Together, these will protect and restore important resources, including exceptional natural and geologic features and unique cultural sites, and support continued enjoyment and use of the Monument.
Publication of the plan amendment opens a 30-day public protest period. More information on the planning process, including final documents, maps, and instructions on how to submit a protest, can be found on the projects BLM National NEPA Register page. The protest period will close October 18, 2024, and protests will be resolved prior to a final decision on the Monument Plan.
The Río Grande del Norte National Monument spans 242,668 acres and was designated by Presidential proclamation for its significant natural, cultural, and scientific values. The area has attracted human activity since time immemorial, visible today through the Monument’s petroglyphs, dwelling sites, and other archaeological sites.
The Monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep river canyons, and provides a wealth of recreational opportunities, from whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping; serves as an important area for wintering animals; and provide corridors used by wildlife to move between mountain ranges.
The updated management plan is an amendment to the 2012 Taos Resource Management Plan.
For additional information, please contact BLM Assistant Field Manager Brad Higdon at 575-751-4703 or blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov.
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.