WASHINGTON - Legislation to designate more than 17,000 acres in San Miguel County as wilderness is now headed to President Obama to sign into law. The public lands package, including the Sabinoso Wilderness Act, passed the House today by a vote of 285 - 140. Senator Tom Udall, who authored the Sabinoso bill when he served in the House, and Senator Jeff Bingaman, who included it in his package of public land bills, lauded its advancement.
"The Sabinoso is a spectacular piece of land with abundant wildlife and fantastic recreational opportunities," said Udall. "I am proud that after years of work on the local, state and federal levels, we are just one step from ensuring its permanent protection."
"The Sabinoso Wilderness will protect a rugged and beautiful landscape that is home to an important watershed and wildlife habitat. I hope our efforts to permanently protect this area will ensure that New Mexicans can enjoy this area for decades to come," Bingaman said.
Udall, the BLM and local landowners worked together to develop the legislation to designate the area as wilderness, to protect the rugged and dramatic landscape. The area includes scenic canyons and mesas, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, mountain lions, and wild turkey. It is also rich in canyon vistas, including the 1,000-foot tall Canyon Largo, and impressive rock formations - all part of a vibrant Great Plains ecosystem.
The New Mexico State House of Representatives, led by Representative Thomas Garcia, and the San Miguel County Commission both passed resolutions calling on the New Mexico Congressional delegation to support the establishment of the Sabinoso Wilderness Area. The wilderness area would be open for grazing, hunting and other recreational uses.
