The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed new protections for a tract of land located within the Placitas area of Sandoval County, New Mexico. The focus of these protections would be on new mining claims and mineral activity, and the BLM is currently inviting public comments on this proposal.
First announced on Sept. 18, 2023, the proposal aims to prohibit new mining claims or oil and gas development on these acres for a period of 50 years. According to the BLM, the Pueblo people of Santa Ana and San Felipe have long sought such protections for this area, which they regard as sacred, ancestral land. Additionally, members of the public frequently use this site near Albuquerque for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, hunting, and camping.
"Today we're responding to calls from Tribes, elected leaders, and community members who want to see these public lands protected. We look forward to hearing more from the public to inform decisions about how activities like gravel mining may impact these lands, including the important cultural and natural resources," said Deb Haaland, secretary of the Department of the Interior in a news release from September 2023.
In addition to preventing mining at the proposed site, the plan would also prohibit disposal activities according to a news release dated Feb. 14 that announced a new comment period.
"These public lands hold cultural and natural importance to Tribal Nations and the local community who value this area for future generations' benefit. We look forward to receiving the public's feedback regarding the analysis of the proposed withdrawal," stated Sabrina Flores, BLM New Mexico's Albuquerque District Manager in a February 14 news release.
According to information available on the BLM National NEPA Register, there are four non-contiguous parcels under consideration for withdrawal totaling 4,212.98 acres situated approximately 30 miles northwest of Albuquerque near Placitas. During an initial comment period, the BLM received 745 comment letters and emails within a 90-day scoping period, with several requests made that were not specifically related to these parcels.
The BLM has stated that individuals wishing to provide comments or review the documentation have until March 15, 2024, to do so. This information can be found on the BLM Planning page and NEPA register.
