HECHO Supports the Proposed 20-Year Administrative Mineral Withdrawal of the Pecos Headwaters
Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) supports the proposed 20-year mineral withdrawal of approximately 165,000 acres of public lands in the Upper Pecos watershed in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This action aims to protect these lands from new mining claims and the issuance of new federal mineral leases, while respecting valid existing rights.
The Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, initiated this process, and the BLM published an announcement in the Federal Register, starting a 90-day public comment period to gather input on the proposal.
“When this temporary two-year withdrawal period is implemented, it will provide immediate protection for the water, land, and communities along the river from the threats posed by extensive new mining proposals. Hispanic communities along the Pecos River have directly experienced the devastating effects of past mining operations from the 1990s. They cannot afford to let this happen again, as their lives, traditional practices, and acequia culture depend on the health of this vital water resource,” said Camilla Simon, the executive director of HECHO.
The proposed 20-Year Administrative Mineral Withdrawal is an important step in protecting this watershed. However, HECHO continues to urge Congress to pass the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, which is championed by Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with Representative Teresa Leger Fernández. This legislation will permanently prevent future mining contamination and safeguard water quality and community health
The lands and waters of Pecos have long sustained Native Americans and the Pueblo people who have lived there for centuries. This watershed has been essential for agriculture and has allowed communities to thrive.
“We are proud to have participated in efforts to protect this watershed and to see progress being made toward that goal. HECHO and members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council have actively advocated for its protection in Washington, D.C. HECHO requested that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus officially endorse the Pecos Watershed Protection Act, and they did,” stated Simon.
HECHO is part of a broad and strong coalition that has united to protect the Pecos River for both present and future generations.
Public comments should be sent to the State Director, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508. All comments must be received by March 17, 2025.
Additionally, a public meeting to discuss the proposed withdrawal will take place on February 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Village of Pecos Conference Room, 92 South Main St., Pecos, NM 87552.
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