The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District Office is seeking public input for the draft Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan, which was made available today on the BLM National NEPA Register. The Monument, designated by proclamation in 2014 by President Obama, includes the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, and Potrillo Mountains.

The plan would provide BLM land use and resource management direction for the Monument for the next 20 years. It would improve conservation guidance for protection of objects of scientific and historic interest, and respond to language in the Dingell Act that established ten wilderness areas within the Monument and provided direction on the management plan. The draft plan would also balance growing recreation interest in the area with protection of wildlife habitat, vegetation, and cultural and historic sites.

“This long-range plan focuses on conservation of natural resources, resource values, and wildlife habitat in the Monument,” said Las Cruces District Manager Scott Cooke. “This plan will guide how we will manage wilderness, cultural, scenic, historic, and paleontological and scientific resources located in the Monument.”

The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000 feet. Located adjacent to the east side of Las Cruces, this area provides opportunities for photography, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The Desert Peaks include the Robledo Mountains, Sierra de las Uvas, and Doña Ana Mountains, characterized by desert mountains rising steeply from flat plains. The Doña Ana Mountains have extensive pedestrian trails, equestrian trails, mountain bike trails, rock climbing routes, and some limited routes available for motorized use.

The Potrillo Mountains are the most remote section of the Monument, located southwest from Las Cruces, and is comprised of a volcanic landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and craters.

The BLM plans to host two in-person public meetings and two virtual public meetings during the 90-day comment period. The dates and locations for these meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance on the BLM New Mexico website and via social media.

A Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register and begin a 90-day comment period. Comments can be submitted electronically through the “Participate Now” function (preferred) at the BLM National NEPA Register, emailed to blm_nm_lcdo_comments@blm.gov, or delivered to Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office, Attention: Monument Manager, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Comments may be submitted through July 5, 2024.