SANTA FE, N.M. – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), and supported by a broad range of community stakeholders, will conserve important wildlife migration corridors, protect hunting and cultural traditions, and benefit local ranchers. The bill, which has companion legislation in the U.S. Senate sponsored by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), would establish the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. 

“Conserving the wilderness area of Cerro de la Olla is key to tackling the biodiversity and climate crisis by maintaining important wildlife habitat and migration corridors for elk, deer, pronghorn and other species in the Upper Rio Grande basin,” said Andrew Black, public lands field director at the National Wildlife Federation. “The strong community support for this legislation shows how New Mexicans prioritize protections for wildlife habitat and support conserving cultural sites and traditions. We are grateful to Rep. Leger Fernandez for her leadership and hope Congress will swiftly approve this legislation.”