Jan. 28, 2016
For immediate release
ALBUQUERQUE – Outdoor users of New Mexico public lands got a huge win today with the announcement of the opening of the Sabinoso Wilderness area. The 16,000 acre area was previously land locked as it could only be accessed through private lands. Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced a partnership with the Wyss Foundation and the Wilderness Land Trust to make this area open to public access.
Created by Congress in 2009, The Sabinoso Wilderness is a backcountry area east of Las Vegas, New Mexico that is home to mule deer, turkey, elk and a wide range of plant and animal species. A $3,150,000 contribution from the Wyss Foundation allowed the Wilderness Land Trust to purchase the Rimrock Rose Ranch, which is the key to accessing the Sabinoso Wilderness area. The Wilderness Land Trust plans to donate this new acquisition to the Bureau of Land Management so the public will be able to access this unique landscape.
“Public access to the Sabinoso Wilderness is a big win for the sportsmen and women of New Mexico,” said New Mexico Wildlife Federation Executive Director Garrett Vene Klasen. “By working together, Senators Udall and Heinrich and the Wyss Foundation and the Wilderness Land Trust have given a great gift to everyone in New Mexico who loves the outdoors.”
While today’s announcement is a great step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done when it comes to making public lands accessible to all. Almost 600,000 acres of public land are currently inaccessible to New Mexicans because they are blocked by private roads or land.
We look forward to continuing to work with our elected officials and organizations throughout the West to make public lands accessible for all who want to use them and applaud the expansion of the Sabinoso Wilderness.
