Heinrich Introduces Legislation To Protect Crest of Montezuma Area in Central NM

Rep. Martin Heinrich (D, NM-01) has introduced legislation that would protect two areas of land in central New Mexico. The bill adds the Crest of Montezuma to the north end of the Cibola National Forest and extends a wilderness designation to the Manzano Wilderness Study Area to the south.

“For families living near Placitas, this legislation will ensure their access to critical water infrastructure for farm irrigation and other important uses,” said Rep. Heinrich during a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today. “It will also ensure that East Mountain families can use these places for recreation. Finally, it will preserve the areas’ critical role as a wildlife corridor for animals that migrate from north to south across our state.”

"The Sandia and Manzano mountains are important to our quality of life, and high quality public lands are also important for attracting the jobs of the future that a strong quality of life help bring in," said Jeremy Vesbach, director, New Mexico Wildlife Federation. “We are thankful to Representative Heinrich for working to protect the mountains we all love and care about, our kids and our economy benefit from actions like this."

"Today's introduction of legislation to add land to the Cibola National Forest, including additions to the Manzano Wilderness, makes it clear that Representative Heinrich is a champion for preserving New Mexico's outstanding public lands for future generations," said Nathan Newcomer, associate director, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance.

Download the legislation

Map: Crest of Montezuma Proposed Land Transfer

Map: Manzano Wilderness Study Area