AFTER DELAY, SABINOSO IS OPEN TO PUBLIC
Ranch donation enabled passage
The U.S. Interior Department announces that the pristine habitat for elk, mule deer and other wildlife in northern New Mexico is now accessible for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.
WASHINGTON — After a yearslong delay, the Sabinoso Wilderness in northern New Mexico finally became accessible to the general public on Friday at noon.
The U.S. Interior Department announced late Thursday that the pristine habitat for elk, mule deer, and other wildlife is now for the first time accessible to the public for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. The 16,000-acre Sabinoso had been surrounded by nonfederal land, making it inaccessible to the general public.
The private donation of 3,595 acres formerly known as the Rimrock Rose Ranch adjacent to the wilderness was accepted by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and will allow for the public access.
Air Force veteran Brad Jones of Albuquerque — eager to hunt turkey — was the first person into the newly-accessible wilderness area on Friday. Sarah Schlanger, Taos field office manager for the Bureau of Land Management, was on hand to open the new gate and let him in.
“I’m happy to announce the Sabinoso Wilderness Area is finally open and accessible to hunters and all members of the public for the first time ever,” Zinke said.
The rugged and remote wilderness area is east of Las Vegas in northeastern New Mexico. The Sabinoso Wilderness boasts some of the most pristine elk habitat in the country. Zinke had previously voiced concerns about accepting the donated ranch as wilderness itself and whether there should be other kinds of access beyond on foot or horseback.
“I originally had concerns about adding more wilderness designated area; however, after hiking and riding the land it was clear that access would only be improved,” Zinke said Thursday.
The rugged area in San Miguel County was designated by Con-
gress as a wilderness area in 2009. Sen. Martin Heinrich, an ardent hunter, had introduced legislation to open the Sabinoso Wilderness to the public. Heinrich, Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan all cheered the announcement.
“This is a major gain for New Mexico and would not be possible without the generosity of the Wilderness Land Trust and the dedication of the local community and sportsmen who have championed this effort for many years,” Heinrich said.
Land Tawney, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers president and CEO, said Thursday was “a good day for public access.”
“Senator Heinrich and Senator Udall deserve major kudos for their unwavering doggedness to get this project across the finish line,” Tawney said. “Secretary Zinke deserves credit for listening to hunters and recognizing a good deal for all Americans. The generous landowner who made possible this victory has set an example for others to follow. Finally, sportsmen and women deserve credit for raising their voices. We have been heard.”