The Campaign for America's Wilderness applauded the introduction today of a major conservation bill aimed at protecting a significant amount of public land in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces. The Organ Mountains -- Desert Peaks Wilderness Act, introduced by Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, will designate nearly 260,000 acres of wilderness and create just over a 100,000--acre National Conservation Area around the Organ and Dona Ana Mountains and parts of Broad Canyon.
"The measure introduced today by Senators Bingaman and Udall will forever protect some of New Mexico's most wild and beloved public lands," said Jim Mathews of the Campaign for America's Wilderness. "For so many in the Las Cruces area, the magnificent Organ Mountains are the first thing they see in the morning upon leaving their homes, and the last thing they see before the sun sets. The Organs are an iconic symbol of what makes the area so special, so we hail this bill which will ensure that they will stay as they are -- free of the encroachment of roads, strip malls and houses -- for future generations to enjoy.
"Senator Bingaman and his staff deserve high praise for their inclusiveness over the past four years in reaching out to all segments of the Dona Ana County community, listening to various concerns and wishes, encouraging debate and discussion, and working towards a balanced bill that delivers strong protection to an impressive amount of precious wild land for hiking, hunting, camping, climbing, horseback riding or just quiet solitude for New Mexico's families today and tomorrow.
"Introduction of this important conservation bill today is a wonderful way to celebrate the fact that President Obama has declared September National Wilderness Month. We hope The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Wilderness Act reaches his desk soon."
