FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
New Mexico Wild Alerts Public to Imminent Threat Facing State’s National Monuments
Contact: Mark Allison, mark@nmwild.org, 505-239-0906
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — New Mexico Wild is deeply alarmed by reports that President Trump is expected to issue an executive order tomorrow that could reduce or eliminate three of New Mexico’s treasured national monuments: Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, Rio Grande del Norte, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks.
Following today’s letter from New Mexico’s congressional delegation to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, New Mexico Wild Executive Director Mark Allison issued the following statement:
“We stand with our congressional delegation in strong opposition to any attempt to reduce or eliminate New Mexico’s national monuments. These protected areas represent years of grassroots advocacy and broad community support. They are not merely lines on a map but critical ecological havens, sacred cultural sites, and irreplaceable natural treasures that define our state. These lands are where generations of New Mexicans have hiked, hunted, fished, and created lasting family memories. New Mexico’s national monuments are the backdrop to our state’s outdoor heritage and way of life.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, Rio Grande del Norte, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks were designated following extensive public input and represent a balanced approach to conservation that honors traditional uses while protecting these landscapes for future generations. Any action to diminish these monuments would be a direct attack on New Mexico’s $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy and the thousands of jobs it supports.
New Mexico Wild is mobilizing community leaders throughout the state to oppose this anticipated executive order. We are prepared to fight this action through every available channel, including legal means. We encourage all New Mexicans who value our public lands to make their voices heard immediately at www.nmwild.org.
These monuments were designated with overwhelming local support. They safeguard irreplaceable archaeological sites, protect critical watersheds, preserve wildlife habitat, and maintain our outdoor way of life. We will not stand by while an administration thousands of miles away attempts to erase decades of community-driven conservation efforts.”
New Mexico Wild will be available as a resource for media inquiries and will provide updates as the situation develops.
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