This is your notification that BLM has published a record of decision for the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument Resources Management Plan. The subject document is available on the eplanning website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/92170/510
The Proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (Monument) outlines and evaluates various options for the management of public lands located within the planning area of the Monument.
The Monument P-RMP/F-EIS assessed four distinct "action" alternatives, which were created to address land use management challenges and concerns that emerged during the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) preliminary evaluation of the existing management scenario. This process involved internal and external scoping, a 90-day public engagement phase, and contributions from the BLM interdisciplinary team (IDT). Additionally, a "No Action" alternative was considered, representing the existing land use designations and resource management aims for the Monument lands.
The four proposed action alternatives respond to evolving circumstances, tackle existing land use management challenges, and suggest the application of suitable Protection, Preservation, and Conservation management strategies for natural and cultural resources, resource values, and wildlife habitats. This approach aims to safeguard items of scientific and historical significance found within Monument lands.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) engaged with various stakeholders, including cooperating agencies, the public, Tribal entities, and Federal, state, and local agencies, to create a comprehensive land use plan. This plan emphasizes principles of preservation, conservation, and adaptive management aimed at safeguarding the unique features and values of the Monument, maintaining its Wilderness character, and ensuring the long-term conservation of public lands and resources managed by the BLM. This effort aligns with directives from President Obama in Presidential Proclamation 9131 and the U.S. Congress through the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019, along with other relevant laws, regulations, and agency policies.
The New Mexico State Director of the BLM officially signed the Record of Decision on January 8, 2025, thereby finalizing the land use plan for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
