Despite calls for national monument status, Biden’s inaction leaves advocates seeking new paths for protection of Caja del Rio
Santa Fe: So, it looks like the push to make Caja del Rio a national monument didn’t pan out. In the last weeks of Biden’s presidency, there was a lot of buzz about it. Local leaders and community advocates were really hoping for some action.
But when Inauguration Day rolled around, nothing happened. The 107,000 acres of land just west of Santa Fe didn’t get the protections everyone was hoping for. It’s a bit of a letdown, but the advocates aren’t throwing in the towel just yet.
Jim James, an attorney for the Pueblo of Tesuque, mentioned that there’s still hope. He believes the new administration might look at public lands differently. They’re planning to reach out to the new Interior Secretary and keep the conversation going.
Former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is stepping into the role, and folks are curious about how he’ll handle things. James thinks the Caja is a unique landscape that deserves better protection, and he’s optimistic about the future.
There’s been a lot of chatter about the area, especially after a new power line proposal that would cut through the land. It’s not just that, though; there have been issues like illegal shooting and littering for a while now.
Getting national monument status could really help raise awareness and bring in more resources to tackle these problems. Plus, it might even boost tourism, which means more cleanup efforts would be needed.
James pointed out that the designation doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach. There could be rules in place to limit access if needed. Meanwhile, Joni Arends from Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety is gearing up to fight against that power line project.
She’s planning to create fact sheets and prepare for public hearings. It’s all about making sure the community is informed and ready to voice their concerns.
Rev. Andrew Black, who’s been involved in protecting the Caja for years, feels like this was a missed opportunity for the Biden administration. He’s seen a lot of support from various groups come together, and it’s a shame that the timing didn’t align.
He believes the Caja isn’t just about the land; it’s about bringing people together from different backgrounds. Former Santa Fe city councilor Carmichael Dominguez also sees the importance of protecting this area, especially for the local community.
He’s been frustrated by the illegal dumping and shooting that’s been happening. Volunteers have worked hard to clean up the area, but it seems like it’s a never-ending battle.
Dominguez thinks that local actions, like enforcing laws against illegal shooting, could really help alongside federal protections. He’s passionate about making sure everyone has access to open lands, especially for those in lower-income areas.
