Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has initiated a two-year segregation period to temporarily withdraw around 165,000 acres of public lands in the Upper Pecos watershed in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This action prevents new mining claims and the issuance of new federal mineral leases, while respecting valid existing rights.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service will now start a process to propose a 20-year withdrawal by the Secretary of the Interior. This aims to protect water and air quality, cultural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational values in San Miguel and Santa Fe counties. The proposed area includes multiple Pecos River tributaries such as Dalton Canyon, Macho Canyon, Wild Horse Creek, Indian Creek, and Doctor Creek. It covers approximately 163,483 acres of National Forest System lands and 1,327 acres managed by the BLM.
The Upper Pecos watershed offers pristine habitats for species like Rio Grande cutthroat trout and provides clean water for agricultural users and local communities downstream. Recognized since 2022 as Outstanding National Resource Waters by New Mexico, these lands also support recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Culturally significant to Indigenous Peoples like the Pueblos of Jemez and Tesuque, the area has been used for ceremonial practices for generations. The greater Pecos River Valley supports traditional communities relying on acequia agriculture dependent on a healthy watershed.
Efforts by members of the New Mexico delegation have aimed at securing permanent withdrawal legislation for this region; however, only Congress can authorize such an action.
To assist in making an informed decision about this proposal, the BLM will soon publish an announcement in the Federal Register to begin a 90-day public comment period. During this time frame, at least one hybrid public meeting will be held by both agencies to gather feedback from stakeholders.
