WASHINGTON - Members of the New Mexico delegation today announced that Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will visit Taos on Saturday, December 15th to host a public meeting and listening session on exploring the best ways to protect the Río Grande del Norte in Northern New Mexico.
"I look forward to hearing from New Mexicans about what the Río Grande del Norte means to their community and what their vision is for its future," said Secretary Salazar. "Public lands provide huge economic benefits to communities through tourism and outdoor recreation, and the Río Grande del Norte is no exception. We need to ensure that generations to come have the opportunity to experience this iconic western landscape."
The Bureau of Land Management, under the direction of the Department of the Interior currently manages the 240,000 acres of land in Northern New Mexico. U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, as well as Rep. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich, have worked to pass legislation through Congress to protect the Río Grande del Norte as a National Conservation area and protect two additional areas.
"The Río Grande del Norte area in Taos and Río Arriba counties is a crown jewel of northern New Mexico that has supported a rich culture and economy through hunting, fishing, river rafting, and hiking, to name a few. My office has been working on legislation to protect this landscape since 2007, and in that time, the community support for this effort has grown tremendously," Bingaman said. "It is my hope that by protecting the Río Grande del Norte, we will preserve traditional activities important to hunters and anglers, ranchers and land grant heirs, while also promoting the tourism economy and jobs in northern New Mexico."
"This visit is a welcomed opportunity for the Department of the Interior to learn about our community's leadership in protecting these areas," Udall said. "Secretary Salazar knows how special Northern New Mexico is, and I look forward to working with him on any possible monument declaration in our state."
"I look forward to welcoming Secretary Salazar to Taos so that he can hear how important the Rio Grande del Norte is to the economy and culture of New Mexico. This majestic land has sustained generations of New Mexicans and this opportunity to hear directly from the people whose livelihoods depend on the protection of this area will send a powerful message," Luján said.
"Educating the public and engaging with our communities about protecting the Río Grande del Norte is essential to ensuring our sons and daughters have the same access to the outdoors that we enjoy today," said Heinrich. "Outdoor recreation, like hunting and fishing, contributes a great deal to New Mexico's economy, particularly in our rural communities. The Río Grande del Norte has deep roots in our state's history and culture, and should be preserved for future generations."
In an October 25th letter, Bingaman and Udall asked President Obama to consider designating the area for National Monument status.
Salazar's visit to the area is in response to the Senators' request that local communities are consulted as National Monument declaration is explored after crafting legislation that has enjoyed deep community involvement and enjoyed broad support.
Credentialed news media members are invited to attend the public meeting.
WHO:
Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior
Congressman Ben Ray Luján
Jesse Juen, Bureau of Land Management State Director
WHAT:
Public meeting on Northern New Mexico's Río Grande del Norte
WHEN:
Saturday, December 15, 2012 @ 11:00 a.m. MDT
WHERE:
Kachina Lodge, Resort Hotel and Meeting Center
