Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Designated a National Monument

May, 2014 – On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, President Obama signed a proclamation designating the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks a National Monument. This action will permanently protect nearly 500,000 acres in south-central New Mexico.

The new national monument won’t just preserve these natural lands for future generations, it will also help grow the economy and create jobs. According to the White House, a recent study demonstrated that the new national monument could generate almost $7.5 million in new economic activity each year.

The Organ Mountains stand just east of Las Cruces, extending for 20 miles and rising to nearly 9,000 feet in elevation. The area is home to a diversity of wildlife, including peregrine falcons and other raptors, as well as mountain lions and other mammals.

The Bureau of Land Management currently manages all of the public lands within this new national monument for a range of multiple uses, which will continue, including grazing, conservation of natural and archeological resources and outdoor recreation, such as hunting, hiking, biking, and camping. The area also hosts significant cultural and historic sites.

On Friday, May 23, 2014, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will join the local community and other federal, state, tribal and local leaders to celebrate President Obama’s designation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.