The Wilderness Society is working to pass legislation that would permanently protect this beloved wild place.We are working on-the-ground in New Mexico and with members of Congress to turn Columbine Hondo into an official wilderness area.
The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act
The Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act, introduced by senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, would protect 43,760 acres of pristine wild and roadless mountains that are treasured by hikers, hunters, anglers and wildlife lovers.
The areas to be protected provide a refuge for an array of wildlife and preserve many cultural and historical traditions including horseback riding.
In 1980, Congress formally recognized the wilderness values and character of the Columbine Hondo and gave it interim protection as a Wilderness Study Area (WSA). Now we can look forward to designation as wilderness, which is the highest form of protection and bars any development.
Who supports the legislation?
People from across New Mexico and the country support protecting Columbine Hondo as wilderness. These supporters include:
- Local governments and elected officials
- Nonprofit organizations
- Land Grant and acequia associations
- Neighborhood associations
- Local businesses and schools
Helpful links
- Columbine Hondo Wilderness Coalition:
- Rivers and birds:
www.riversandbirds.org/project/86328-columbine-hondo-wilderness-protection-project
- Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act:
www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s2468
