The local coalition recently is hosting a series of anniversary events this week in Las Cruces; and if you didn't already get the chance, we hope everyone soon will take the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate this very special national monument right here in our own backyard.
On May 21, 2014, we watched proudly as a proclamation establishing the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument--right here in southern New Mexico--was signed by President Obama. Now, one year later, we celebrate this incredible landscape, the many years of grassroots support that made it possible, and the economic benefit it is already creating for the surrounding communities.
While there is more work to be done to fully realize the potential of this attraction, we are happy to report that there are exciting signs of a positive impact on our economy. Many Las Cruces businesses have reported that customers and visitors to the area are asking them about the monument, and entrepreneurs are introducing specialty products and recreation opportunities to capitalize on the heightened interest.
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is incredibly rich in cultural and natural history, biology and wildlife, and recreational opportunities. It includes five stunning mountain ranges---not just the well-known Organs, but also the Robledos, Potrillos, Doña Anas, and the Sierra de las Uvas. Far below these mountain peaks in the fertile Mesilla Valley, canyons and lowlands teem with plant and animal life and historic and prehistoric artifacts.
Ancient residents left their marks and their stories in the form of rock art on many of the caves and sheer canyon walls throughout the monument. Billy the Kid once spent time in the mountains, and rumor has it that Apache leader Geronimo sought safe haven in a nearby cave while on the run from U.S. forces. In more recent times the region was home to bombing targets during World War II and training grounds for Apollo astronauts.
Today, people are drawn to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region for many reasons. Geologists, archeologists, biologists, historians, and other scientists come to conduct research, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy unparalleled hiking, camping, and hunting opportunities. Even less adventurous New Mexicans may enjoy a peaceful walk or sunny picnic in the monument, and business owners are happy to welcome out-of-town visitors interested in exploring.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks was created with the highest regard for the goals and priorities of a wide range of stakeholders, and it preserves our abundant natural heritage and resources for generations to come. The land included in the monument was and continues to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management and allows for grazing leases and related access to the land that are important to the ranching community and our local economy. The national monument designation also ensures that the U.S. Border Patrol and military installations continue to have appropriate access to keep our borders safe.
Additionally, we will be introducing legislation to finish the proposal for the area by designating eight new wilderness areas within the monument and releasing wilderness study area restrictions within five miles of the international border to give additional flexibility to Border Patrol officers working in the area. These provisions can only be accomplished through legislation, not a monument proclamation.
We hope that the designation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument will encourage all New Mexicans to explore and enjoy their public lands.
Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, both D, represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate.