An Historic Recognition of Otero Mesa

Recently, President Obama announced the first national monument designation of his presidency, Fort Monroe in Virginia. As both the landing place for the first enslaved people brought to North America and the birthplace of the Civil War-Era freedom movement, the Fort bookends an important part of our nation’s history. Fort Monroe is a national treasure worthy of national monument protections. President Obama was right to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect it for future generations and help create jobs in the region. We appreciate this important move by the President and recognize that this designation contributes to the powerful legacy he can build on public lands’ protections throughout our country.

Here in New Mexico we too share in notable landscapes, rich in history and opportunity. Otero Mesa is an irreplaceable natural treasure, our nation’s last intact Chihuahuan Grassland. Unfortunately, today Otero Mesa is under increasing threat from mining operations and the landscape scale molestation they would bring. Better protections are needed before this unique place is lost to us.

Our country has a long history of protecting our wild and historic places, from the Yellowstone National Park to Fort Monroe. Americans recognize the value of our national legacy in public lands. Over the years, the Antiquities Act has been used by presidents from both parties to better protect our most precious lands and waters. It is thanks to the Antiquities Act that national treasures like the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon exist as icons today.

We’ve seen that protecting special places like the Grand Canyon and Otero Mesa, grow tourism economies and increase recreation opportunities. In the 21 years after the 1987 designation of El Malpais National Monument up in Cibola County, population grew by 15% and real per capita income rose 67%. http://headwaterseconomics.org/apps-public/national-monuments/2011-03/pd.... Conserving public lands helps grow the economy, create jobs and attract new residents.

The future of our outdoor heritage depends on decisions made today. We need to preserve these places for future generations to enjoy through recreation and employment opportunities. A monument designation for Otero Mesa would help grow tourism locally while also protecting important habitat for the grassland’s 1,000-plus species of plants and animals as well as multiplying recreational opportunities.

The Antiquities Act was created to protect and conserve our public lands and waters. These resources define our history and provide exceptional cultural, historical and natural value. In keeping with deserving places like Fort Monroe and El Malpais, Otero Mesa certainly fits the bill. Thank you President Obama for highlighting Fort Monroe; I hope that your administration will continue to look for places worthy of national monument protection.

Margot Wilson
Sierra Club, Rio Grande Chapter
Public Lands Team