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Support New Mexico Wilderness
Establish the El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area and protect some of the most scenic and ecologically significant lands in New Mexico as wilderness. The El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area in northern New Mexico features outstanding scenery, including Ute Mountain and the upper reaches of the Rio Grande Gorge, one of the world's great migratory bird routes. Eagles, falcons and hawks nest on the walls of the Gorge and sandhill cranes and other species traverse the area. Ask your Senator to co-sponsor S.874, legislation that would ensure that present and future generations continue to enjoy opportunities to hunt, fish, camp, hike and experience New Mexico's natural heritage. Feel free to edit our letter below as you see fit, then click on "Send this Message" to send your letter. As always, you can get more info about this topic by clicking on the link below, "Tell me More."
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , The landscapes of northern New Mexico included in the El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act feature remarkable scenery and important natural and cultural treasures. The area supports hundreds of migratory birds and important game species, including pronghorn and elk. It also offers world-class recreation opportunities like birdwatching, camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Please support S. 874, the El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act, and help continue our nation's great legacy of protecting special places for future generations of Americans. If you have already sponsored the bill, then thank you!
Sincerely, |
Campaign Launched: |
| Background Information |
The proposed El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area includes some of the most scenic and ecologically significant lands in all of New Mexico. Perhaps the crown jewel of the entire area is Ute Mountain, a 10,093 foot high volcanic cone rising from the surrounding plain.
Along the western flank of the area runs the stunning Río Grande Gorge. Cut by the Río Grande River millions of year ago, the gorge jaggedly divides Ute Mountain from similar volcanic cones in the west. To the east, visitors can follow clear views of the entire Sangre de Cristo range to its end in Colorado.
Senator Bingaman's bill would protect this outstanding scenery for future generations by establishing the 235,000-acre El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area. The measure would also designate two wilderness areas totaling 21,000 acres within the conservation area.
Vital Migratory Bird Habitat and more
The area protected by the El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area would guarantee protection of important wildlife habitat including the upper reaches of the Río Grande Gorge, one of the world's great migratory bird routes. Eagles, falcons and hawks nest on the basalt walls of the Gorge -- known as the "Río Grande Migratory Flyway" -- and ospreys, scaups, hummingbirds, herons, avocets, merlins and willits traverse the area. In the fall, great numbers of majestic sandhill cranes migrate from the San Luis Valley to the area.
In the western plateau, vast grass and sagebrush mesas provide important habitat for vast herds of pronghorn and elk. Wilderness protection enhances the ecological future of these important game species, as well as the incredible birds.
Recreation Opportunities
The legislation would also safeguard world-class recreation opportunities. The creation of the national conservation area and wilderness areas will provide for future generations of New Mexicans continuing opportunities to hunt, fish, observe wildlife, horseback ride, and experience solitude.
You Can Help! Please use the back button in your browser window to return to our action page and ask your Senator to co-sponsor S. 874, the El Río Grande Del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act.
