Your Views on Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a national model for community-driven conservation and the culmination of decades of advocacy from a broad coalition of local elected officials, tribal and Hispanic leaders, local businesses, sportsmen, veterans, faith leaders, and community members across southern New Mexico who recognized the national treasure outside their backyards. The monument permanently protects iconic landscapes and historical sites, maintains recreational access to public lands, and has become a major driver for the local economy.

In the three years since the monument was created, Doña Ana County has been literally put on the map as a must-see destination in numerous national and international travel publications. Visitation to Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks doubled last year alone. These new visitors are great for small businesses and boost the tourism economy. The monument is also frequently celebrated with tailored local products.

I was proud to stand with the diverse coalition of New Mexicans who worked tirelessly for years to permanently protect the natural and cultural resources throughout the monument’s granite cliffs and grasslands. Together, we ensured that a piece of our shared outdoor heritage will be protected for us now and for future generations of Americans to enjoy. I remain deeply committed to conserving our public lands like Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, and I will oppose any effort by the Trump administration to turn back the clock on the progress we’ve made or roll back protections for the places we hold dear.