The Center for Western Priorities' Keep Parks Public road trip traveled through New Mexico and Arizona over the weekend, making stops with local conservation leaders in Las Cruces and Tucson.
New Mexico's Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is one of the monuments targeted by the Trump administration for elimination or a reduction in land protection.
“As a business owner, I know firsthand how public lands contribute to our local economy,” said Mesilla, New Mexico Mayor Russell Hernandez. “As a father, I want to ensure my kids and grandkids will always have the same access to New Mexico’s treasured public lands, including Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.”
In Tucson, local and county governments have passed resolutions in support of Ironwood Forest National Monument, another targeted park.
“Public lands aren’t just a backdrop — they are at the core of conservation in Southern Arizona,” said Kate Hotten, co-executive director of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. “We are so grateful for the strong support of Ironwood Forest National Monument and our other public lands from our community, the Town of Marana, and Pima County, and look forward to similar support from our representatives.”
The Keep Parks Public tour kicked off with a live podcast episode in Denver, and we'll be recording two more this week, in Salt Lake City on Thursday, August 21st, and in Grand Junction on Friday, August 22nd. RSVP today to join us!
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