Good news! A handful of places have recently been named as new national monuments, including the stunning Rio Grande del Norte region. Spanning 240,000 acres in northern New Mexico, this area now protects the Rio Grande River, which provides water to downstream communities.
On Saturday, December 15, 2012, U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar visited New Mexico to listen to the local community that wants to protect Rio Grande del Norte.
National monuments include some of America's most interesting natural and historical sites. National monuments can either be established by Congress though legislation or by the president of the United States through the use of the Antiquities Act.
