January 26, 2017
For immediate release
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is excited to be hosting our third annual Public Lands Rally at the Roundhouse. Last year, 400 citizens from across New Mexico attended the event, we hope for an even bigger attendance this year as calls to sell off our public lands grow more fervent.
Our public lands – the places we hunt, fish, hike, and camp in – are a uniquely American institution. They provide all New Mexicans with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate our shared cultural heritage. Now, our national monuments and public lands as a whole are coming under attack. Politicians are requesting the new administration to overturn our national monuments and sell our public lands to the highest bidder. On Wednesday, February 1st New Mexico citizens will rally together to say they support keeping public lands in federal control and keeping access open to all.
Our speakers represent New Mexicans from all walks of life, including leaders in the faith, veteran, land grant, Latino, and Native communities, as well as youth and local business owners. Legislators William Soules, Bill McCamley, Angelica Rubio, and Nathan Small will join us to speak on behalf of public lands during the rally as well.
“I can’t remember a time when our public lands faced a more immediate threat,” said Executive Director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Garrett Vene Klasen. “We’re seeing calls to reverse national monuments, threats to funding, and more and more calls to sell off our public lands and close them forever. Without our public lands, who do we become as a nation? I don’t want to find out and I know a lot of New Mexicans feel the same way. We are looking forward to making this point with a big showing on February 1st.”
We will begin assembling outside the Roundhouse at 11 am on Wednesday, February 1st. A lobby training provided by lobbying professionals will be available to any citizen that wants to get more involved and versed on how to discuss the issues.
Students from the Pueblo Pathways Project at the Santa Fe Indian School and community leaders from across the state will be gathering to celebrate our public lands outside before heading into the Rotunda. The speaker’s portion will begin at 1 pm in the Capitol Rotunda.
Some transportation will be provided from Las Cruces. Contact our office for more details.
