Federal bill would protect 85,000 acres near Santa Fe under Forest Service and BLM oversight

What does this do?

This bill sets aside roughly 85,000 acres of federal land near Santa Fe, New Mexico into two protected zones: a Special Management Area of about 67,000 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest and a National Conservation Area of about 18,000 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A separate withdrawal area would be closed to mining, drilling, and new land sales. New permanent roads would be banned, though existing livestock grazing, wildfire management, and ecological restoration work could continue.

Who does it affect?

Native American tribes with ties to the area would keep guaranteed access for religious and traditional practices, and communities descended from Spanish and Mexican land grant holders would have their traditional uses like hunting, fishing, and wood gathering formally recognized. Santa Fe County and the city of Santa Fe would keep their existing rights to maintain drinking water infrastructure, while recreational users, off-road vehicle enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to mine or develop the land would face new restrictions.

Why does it matter?

Federal land managers would be required to create detailed management plans within three years, including decisions about which roads motor vehicles may use and which roads would be decommissioned. The federal government could also arrange voluntary land exchanges with the State of New Mexico if land values are fairly matched.

Where does it stand?