Heinrich, Gov. Lujan Grisham, Tribal Leaders, Trust For Public Land Celebrate Protection Of Historic L Bar Property, Expansion Of Marquez Wildlife Area

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Tribal leaders, and Trust for Public Land to celebrate the new addition to the Marquez Wildlife Area in New Mexico. Heinrich has worked to support this acquisition that will make the Marquez Wildlife Area the largest state-owned recreation property in New Mexico. This project will contribute significantly to New Mexico’s conservation goals by protecting biodiversity and landscapes sacred to the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, and the Navajo Nation.

The celebration featured remarks by federal, state, and Tribal leaders, and partners. The event also included cultural presentations from Tribes and an exclusive opportunity to experience and view the new land acquisition.

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Leaders Celebrate Protection Of Historic L Bar Property, Expansion Of Marquez Wildlife Area

"I am thrilled to welcome one of the greatest new additions to New Mexico's protected public lands in a generation,” said Heinrich. “I am deeply grateful to all of the partners including Trust for Public Land, Tribal Nations, and the State of New Mexico who have made this incredible example of landscape-scale conservation happen. This landscape was also protected for future generations thanks in large part to federal dollars from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. I cannot wait for New Mexicans to see just how special this place is."

"The L Bar property truly represented an incredible conservation opportunity to not only expand recreational access, but to also ensure Tribal access to culturally significant areas and protection of diverse habitats to help mitigate climate change impacts," said Jim Petterson, vice president of Trust for Public Land’s Mountain West region. “We’re proud to have played a role in working with Native American communities, Governor Lujan Grisham, Senator Heinrich, and fellow New Mexicans to preserve this sacred landscape and create the largest state-owned recreation property in the state."

Earlier this month, Trust for Public Land announced the acquisition of two adjoining properties that make up the L Bar project and the phased conveyance of the 54,000 acres to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to become part of the adjacent Marquez Wildlife Area. The L Bar property will formally open to the public at a future date.