Monument Review Update
The 60-day comment period for national monument review came to a close on July 10, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 26 directing the Department of the Interior to review two decades’ worth of national monument designations, including Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks.
At the outset of this review, there was no question for our staff and board that our Monument, which protects some of Southern New Mexico’s most important cultural, historical and natural resources, is embraced and deeply loved by a diverse and bipartisan majority of Doña Ana County residents. Still, the degree to which our community and its leaders activated in response over the last 60 days has truly reminded us of why our Monument was designated in the first place, and why it matters for future generations of New Mexicans.
After the April 26 announcement, Doña Ana county leaders and residents wasted no time in organizing. Over 300 people turned out to a “Stand with our Monument Rally” at the Ramada Inn. In the weeks following, local tribal leaders, business leaders, faith leaders, elected officials, sportsmen and women, recreation users, scientists, and the general public raised their voices in local media and public meetings to show support. Local leaders traveled to Washington to carry our message. The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners, City of Las Cruces, Town of Mesilla, City of Sunland Park and City of Anthony passed formal resolutions in support of the monument. Southern New Mexico residents jumped at the chance to submit thousands of comments to the Department of Interior on why our Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks needs to be protected.
Thank you
For all of your effort, our staff and board extends a tremendous thanks to everyone – from regular folks to elected officials – who stood up, spoke out and submitted comment to the Department of Interior in the last 60 days.
It’s not over yet
The Monument Review process runs until August 24, 2017. Secretary Zinke stated in a July 11 press release that he plans to visit New Mexico in the coming weeks. This is the most crucial time for public outpourings of support yet – we need you to be ready to stand up and join us to show Secretary Zinke how much we value our Monument.
Next Steps
We’ll keep you posted on Zinke’s visit to New Mexico and how to show your support via Facebook, Twitter and e-Newsletters (click Join us then “Subscribe”) from our home page.
Recent Media Highlights
Click the title to read:
Hundreds attend rally in support of national monument
Supporters Of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Rally In Las Cruces
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument: Decades in the Making
Events Celebrate Three-Year Anniversary of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
OMDP anniversary celebrations start Saturday
The Amazing Playground: Political Threats, Economic Promise
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument a geological wonder
This is our land’: New Mexico’s tribal groups gear up to fight for their home
Monuments tell the story of our nation
Celebrate, speak out on our monument’s anniversary
Las Crucens Trek to DC in Support of OMDP
Tell The Trump Administration: Protect Our Monuments
This NM national monument has brought millions to the local economy since its designation
Our view: Yes, let’s leave ‘a better land’
Local Business Owners Say Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Has Inspired Opportunity
Secretary Zinke: Please Leave Our National Monuments Alone
Meddling with our monument a waste of time and money
Communities near large sites see economic growth — report
Veterans Fought For Our Monuments, Urge Trump and Zinke to Not Undermine Them
New Campaign Unites Latinos on National Monument Protections
Trump, Pearce abuse power on monument
Despite Public Support, Ryan Zinke Recommends Shrinking Bears Ears National Monument
Heinrich On Secretary Zinke’s Recommendation To Significantly Shrink Bears Ears National Monument
Green Chamber poll: Residents support Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
NM must speak up again for its livelihood
Mayors urge support for national monument
We join mayors in support of monument
Calling out Pearce on monument stance
Feds created Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks monument at community’s request
City council unanimous in support of monument
City councilors formally oppose elimination of Organ Mountains National Monument
Letters: Pearce not honest about monument
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks monument was no abuse of Antiquities Act
NM delegation pushes Interior secretary of monument reviews
Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks is a National Treasure
County Commissioners vote 4-1 to protect Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument
Commission supports keeping OMDP intact
County takes stand for the monument
Resolution supporting monument formally submitted to feds
Organ Mountains National Monument protects prime acreage for future generations
Las Cruces-Area Leaders Tell Feds: Don’t Touch Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument
City of Anthony adds to support for OMDP
National monument review nets more than 1.2M online comments
National monuments key to Hispanic culture
As public comment period ends, sportsmen speak up for National Monuments
We need your support
Friends of Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization committed to the protection and restoration of the ecological, natural, cultural and historic resources of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument and National Conservation Lands. Our work will ensure the protection of the resources and responsible access regardless of wealth, privilege or social standing.
