Caja del Rio Protection Act

Key Points

• This bill creates two new protected zones in New Mexico called the Caja del Rio Special Management Area and the National Conservation Area. Together, these areas cover about 85,000 acres of land currently managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
• The main goal is to protect the land's spiritual and cultural value for local Tribes while also preserving wildlife habitats and scenic views. It requires the government to work closely with Native American Tribes and use their traditional knowledge to help manage the land.
• New mining and mineral leasing would be banned on this land to keep it in its natural state. Most new road construction would also be stopped, and motorized vehicles would only be allowed on specific designated paths to prevent damage to the environment.
• Local traditions like livestock grazing and gathering plants or wood for personal use will still be allowed. The bill also ensures that the city of Santa Fe can continue to maintain and expand its drinking water systems located within these areas.
• The government has three years to create a long-term plan for how to run these areas. This plan will include better law enforcement to stop problems like littering, vandalism, and illegal shooting at cultural sites.

Impact Analysis

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