Statement: Increased Sabinoso Wilderness Designation Would Make History

Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) is proud to support the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to expand the Sabinoso Wilderness in New Mexico. If accepted, the addition of the 9,855-acre parcel would be the largest donation ever added to a designated wilderness in U.S. history.  

The designation has the support of various stakeholders including local residents, recreation groups, and sportspeople, who agree that the expansion would support economic opportunity including tourism and travel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and in neighboring communities.  

For generations, New Mexicans have used the Sabinoso Wilderness for hunting, and bird watching. By increasing the acreage of the Cañon Ciruela area, the integrity of wildlife habitat would remain protected, as well as its contributing watershed.  

“New Mexicans take great pride in their connection to the land, and recognize the vast role that public lands play spanning recreational and traditional uses,” said Camilla Simon, Executive Director of HECHO. “The Sabinoso Wilderness Designation has united communities who are committed to protecting an area that has so much historical and generational meaning,” said Simon.  

HECHO urges the U.S. Department of Interior to accept the Trust for Public Land’s donation of acreage to expand the Sabinoso Wilderness.