Forest Legacy Program secures protections for Brazos Cliffs in Northern New Mexico
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: George Ducker
Communications Coordinator
george.ducker@emnrd.nm.gov
505-699-0601
July 30, 2024
Forest Legacy Program secures protections for Brazos Cliffs in Northern New Mexico
Federal grant enables conservation of 6,780 acres
SANTA FE – The breath-taking Brazos Cliffs, often referred to as the "Yellowstone of New Mexico," will remain undeveloped thanks to a 6,780-acre conservation easement finalized this month by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Forestry Division .
This protection is made possible through the Forest Legacy Program , a USDA Forest Service effort administered through a grant to the New Mexico Forestry Division. The program aims to sustain important wildlife habitat and critical watersheds and maintain working forest lands. This marks the fourth Forest Legacy project completed in the state since the program’s inception in 1990.
Under this program, conserved private lands are protected from future development, while allowing traditional uses like hunting, hiking and forest management. The Brazos Cliffs, a landmark in Rio Arriba County, feature a spectacular waterfall visible throughout the Chama Valley, and public trails accessible to all.
“We are thrilled to conserve this New Mexico landmark,” said EMNRD Secretary Designate Melanie Kenderdine . “While housing growth is necessary in some places, this permanent conservation easement ensures that the area surrounding the scenic Brazos Cliffs will provide wildlife habitat and water for generations to come.”
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund that was fully funded by the state legislature last year, will make more projects like this possible by providing a new revenue stream for the 25% state funds match that is necessary to secure Forest Legacy Program funding.
“The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund and the Forest Legacy Program combine to offer a beneficial tool to landowners in New Mexico, and ranch-owning families in particular,” said State Forester Laura McCarthy. “They can help alleviate the financial pressure many ranchers face when deciding how to manage the generational transfer of their property, which means more of them may agree to have theirs land dedicated to conservation.”
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the USDA Forest Service were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Non-profit land trusts like TPL, the New Mexico Land Conservancy, and others are critical partners to help landowners develop viable proposals and compete nationally for the Forest Legacy Program funding.
"Protecting the Rio Brazos Watershed is not just about preserving the natural beauty of this spectacularly beautiful landscape, it's also about ensuring clean, abundant water and protecting vital wildlife habitat for future generations," said Jim Petterson, Trust for Public Land's Mountain West Region Vice President . "Keeping landscapes like this intact is critical to achieving New Mexico's 30X30 goals and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate. TPL is proud to support these efforts."
“These investments give state land management agencies the resources they need to conserve the most critical forestlands and ensure that working forests remain working for years to come,” said USDA Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester, Michiko Martin . "Forests conserved under the program provide recreation opportunities, support critical habitat protection, sustain traditional uses and supply sustainably sourced timber and other products.”
More information about the Forest Legacy Program can be found on the Forestry Division’s website .
Water falls from the Brazos cliffs. Photo by: Jose Carrillo
Looking out from the Brazos cliffs. Photo by: Peter Ives
Link to this press release available here .
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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and renewable energy resource development services to the public and other state agencies.
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov