
New Mexico
New Mexico boasts some of nation’s most majestic wildlands, from the snowy peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the wind-tossed grasses of Otero Mesa, all linked by the mighty Rio Grande.
We are dedicated to ensuring that development, oil and gas drilling, mining and other threats don’t fragment the state’s natural wonders, which would damage wildlife habitat and hurt local economies.
Some of the wildest land left in the Rocky Mountain West is in New Mexico, but only about two percent of the state is protected as federally designated wilderness. Among areas especially in need of protection, the Rio Grande Watershed—a cornerstone of the state’s ecology, culture and economy—is likely to be hit hard by drought and other effects of climate change in the years ahead.
The Wilderness Society will work works with partners to protect New Mexico wildlands, wildlife habitat and sites of cultural value from intrusive development while helping to guide renewable energy development away from sensitive areas.
Areas of focus:
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
Despite the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks national monument designation, this stunning area’s landscape, wildlife, cultural landmarks and pockets of solitude—remains vulnerable. We are working to protect wilderness in this treasured landscape.
Rio Grande del Norte
The Rio Grande del Norte region of northern New Mexico is at the heart of one of the oldest continually inhabited landscapes on the continent, and deserves the highest level of protection from development.
Otero Mesa
Otero Mesa is a biologically-diverse remnant of wild Chihuahuan desert with an enduring connection to Native American tribes. We are working to secure critical protections from oil and gas drilling, mining and other threats that threaten the area and its wildlife.
Cibola National Forest
As Cibola National Forest overhauls its outdated management plan, we are working to protect the wildest areas in this distinctive series of “sky islands.”
Help protect New Mexico
You can help ensure that New Mexico wildlands remain protected for generations to come.
Make a donation to help protect New Mexico.
Notes from the Field

Learn more about issues affecting the places we work to protect with our Notes from the Field.
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Policy and Science Library

Find fact sheets, reports and other resources related to wilderness policy and conservation.
2016 Form 990
The Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program (LRT) was established by Congress in 2008 to address the budgetary needs of the U.S. Forest Service's massive road and trail system, which suffers due to chronic underfunding and rising fire-fighting costs. It delivers funds to address critical road issues in real time, enabling the Forest Service to efficiently design and implement projects appropriate for the specific area and local needs.
Opposition letters