Home / Environment / NM Buys 11K Acres for River Preserve
NM Buys 11K Acres for River Preserve
26 Aug
Summary
- Nearly 11,000 acres along Mimbres River now protected.
- Deal preserves crucial pre-1907 water rights for river flow.
- New preserve creates connected habitat for diverse wildlife.
New Mexico has successfully purchased nearly 11,000 acres of ecologically vital land along the Mimbres River. This acquisition establishes the new Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in southwestern New Mexico, bordering the Gila National Forest. The initiative, a collaboration involving state officials and the Trust for Public Land, permanently safeguards a critical desert watershed.
The Mimbres Ranch WMA now includes approximately two miles of the Mimbres River under public ownership. Crucially, the deal protects historic water rights dating back over a century, predating New Mexico's water code. These senior water rights are essential for maintaining water flow within the river's unique closed-basin system, supporting its delicate riparian bosque.
This expansive property enhances habitat connectivity for native wildlife such as elk, deer, bears, and mountain lions. It also provides critical habitat for protected species, including the western yellow-billed cuckoo and Chiricahua leopard frog. Furthermore, the WMA will aid in conserving native fish like the Rio Grande sucker and Chihuahua chub.
The Mimbres River valley holds significant historical importance, having been home to the ancient Mimbres culture, known for its distinctive pottery around 1000-1150 AD. The new WMA will eventually offer public recreational opportunities, including hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and bird watching.
Officials emphasized the acquisition as a long-term investment in conservation, tourism, and outdoor recreation, benefiting New Mexico for generations. The Mimbres Ranch WMA, located near major wilderness areas, will ultimately connect with existing protected lands, creating a larger, more cohesive wildlife landscape.
