Natural History and Heritage
New Mexico
New Mexico boasts some of the nation’s most unique wildlands and natural landmarks — from the snowy peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the wind-tossed grasses of Otero Mesa.
New Mexico has some of the wildest public lands left in the west. Yet, it also has less federally designated wilderness than any western state.
New Mexico’s wildlands reflect a living history of the state. Visitors to New Mexico wilderness encounter many natural landmarks, including:
- Remnants of cindercones from New Mexico’s volcanic past
- Fossils left from receding oceans
- Petroglyphs indigenous peoples carved in the rocks
At Wilderness, we are working to protect New Mexico’s wildlands and natural landmarks from threats like:
- Mineral exploitation
- Oil and gas development
- Abusive off-road vehicle use
- Climate change
Stories from New Mexico
See New Mexico’s wildlands through the eyes of its residents and get a first-hand look at this wild and beautiful state.
Focus areas
Learn about important wildlands in New Mexico that deserve the highest level of wilderness protection.
Other campaigns
Learn about campaigns to protect New Mexico’s natural landmarks, places like the Valles Caldera.
Help protect wilderness in New Mexico
You can help ensure that New Mexico’s wildlands and natural landmarks remain wild.
Notes from the Field
Learn more about issues affecting the places we work to protect with our Notes from the Field.
Take Action
Add your voice to important wilderness causes and take action to stop threats to our wildlands by joining our community of wilderness activists.
Policy and Science Library
Find fact sheets, reports and other resources related to wilderness policy and conservation.
Monday, June 17, 2013Idaho’s Clearwater Basin now has a blueprint for the future to protect world class recreation opportunities and pristine landscapes, in addition to creating jobs and providing funding for wilderness stewardship.
Saturday, June 15, 2013Planning a vacation this summer? Be sure to pen in some time for Wilderness during your travels!
Whether you intend to visit a major city, or you live in one and are looking for a quick weekend trip, a visit to Wilderness may be just what you need to unwind and relax.
Friday, June 14, 2013Just as you rely on wild places to rejuvenate and restore you, those places rely on you to keep them in good condition.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia transmission project raises serious concerns about impacts to Arizona’s sensitive San Pedro Valley.
Friday, June 7, 2013The memorandum specifically calls on federal agencies to collaborate on identifying suitable places on public lands that avoid sensitive na
Wednesday, May 15, 2013Yet, here we are, with people and the government unable to stop furloughs, job losses, and lower revenue to keep the government functioning. Our public lands have certainly not been spared from this indiscriminate budget ax.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013But Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski refused to accept that decision. She and residents of the tiny community of King Cove are fighting to have the decision overturned.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013Birdwatchers travel from far and wide to northwest Colorado to see male sage-grouse strut their stuff in hopes of attracting a mate. Early spring is prime season to catch these timid grouse dancing on the lek and shaking their tail feathers through organized tours.
Dear Representative Gosar:
On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), I am writing to express our support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R. 596). This landmark legislation would extend royalties and lease income from solar and wind projects developed on Federal lands to home states and counties.
Dear Representative Gosar:
We are writing to express our support for sharing with states and counties renewable energy royalty revenues from federal lands. The language contained in the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (HR 596) which you have introduced in the House would enact such revenue sharing.
Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of six national, member-based organizations, including Access Fund, American Canoe Association, American Hiking Society, American Whitewater, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Winter Wildlands Alliance, represents the interests of the millions of Americans who hike, paddle, climb, mountain bike, and backcountry ski on our nation’s public lands, waters, and snowscapes. Collectively, Outdoor Alliance has members in all fifty states and a network of nearly 1,400 local clubs and advocacy groups across the nation.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia Southwest transmission project was released today by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identifying the agency’s preferred routes in Arizona and New Mexico.
Friday, June 14, 2013Ken Salazar receives Ansel Adams Award
Washington, DC (June 14, 2013) – Former Colorado Senator and Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, received the Ansel Adams Award on Thursday for his enduring dedication and commitment to America’s wild public lands.
The Ansel Adams Award is presented to a current or former federal official who has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of conservation and the fostering of an American land ethic.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013The Wilderness Society today took a position on eight bills being marked-up in the House Natural Resources Committee:The Wilderness Society opposes: