New Mexico has protected nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River as a new wildlife area

Conservationists and state officials in New Mexico have completed a deal to buy nearly 11,000 acres of ecologically rich land along the Mimbres River, permanently protecting an important desert watershed and creating the state's newest public conservation preserve.

The purchase secures the newly created Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a large property bordering the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico. The project was completed with help from the national non-profit Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the state government. The acquisition places about two miles of the Mimbres River under public ownership while protecting historic water rights that date back more than a century.

The property also creates a large, connected area for native wildlife and expands public access along the scenic Trail of the Mountain Spirits Byway.

Protecting water rights and desert habitat

A key part of the deal is the permanent protection of important pre-1907 water rights connected to the Mimbres River. In the dry American Southwest, these water rights have major legal and environmental importance. They were established before New Mexico adopted its wider water code and have senior priority under state law.

Protecting the rights will help keep water flowing through the river rather than being diverted for industrial or large-scale municipal use.

This will support the river's surrounding riparian bosque, a green area of trees and plants that depends on the water. The Mimbres River is part of a rare closed-basin desert stream system. Its water stays within the basin instead of flowing into an ocean or another major river system.

This unusual system has created a unique habitat for plants and animals adapted to the valley."At a time when public lands are under threat across the country, New Mexico is leaning in on conservation," said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in an official release published by the State of New Mexico Newsroom. "Protecting nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River means healthier wildlife, cleaner water, and more places for New Mexico families to hunt, fish, and get outside.

New Mexicans will benefit from this investment for generations to come.

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Protecting rare fish and wildlife

The new wildlife management area contains a mix of Southwestern habitats, including high-desert grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, cottonwood forests along the river and areas of ponderosa pine. These habitats support large animals such as Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, black bears and mountain lions. They also provide habitat for birds including Merriam's turkey and quail.

The property also contains designated critical habitat for federally protected species, including the western yellow-billed cuckoo and Chiricahua leopard frog.

State fisheries biologists said the property is also important for protecting native fish found in the Mimbres drainage."This will create additional habitat for conserving the Rio Grande sucker and Chihuahua chub," said Kirk Patten, Chief of the Fisheries Management Division at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, in coverage reported by Organ Mountain News.

"Both these fish are native to the Mimbres drainage, and this acquisition will ensure they continue to thrive there for years to come." The WMA will also connect with the Gila National Forest and existing protected areas, including The Nature Conservancy's Mimbres River Preserve.

This will join previously separated habitats into a larger, more connected landscape.

Broad support for the project

The project received funding and legislative support through state conservation programmes, with environmental groups providing technical help.

Representative Nathan Small, a Democrat from Las Cruces who supported funding for the project in the state legislature, highlighted the importance of the river and surrounding land. "Here in New Mexico, our land and water are sacred. The Mimbres River and its surrounding uplands vibrate with life, supporting hundreds of plant, animal, bird, and even rare fish species," Small stated in the official announcement published by Trust for Public Land.

"The Mimbres Ranch WMA will enhance this ecosystem and create new recreation opportunities, including opportunities for New Mexico resident hunters." The property is also important for its history. It was once home to the ancient Mimbres culture, part of the Mogollon tradition and known for its distinctive black-on-white pottery made between about 1000 AD and 1150 AD.Jim Petterson, Mountain West Region Vice-President for the Trust for Public Land, said the purchase was the result of several years of cooperation between different groups.

"This project represents a major win for wildlife, water and communities across New Mexico," said Petterson in an official press release. "By protecting this ecologically rich property, we are ensuring that this extraordinary landscape, home to rare species and critical waterways, will remain intact and accessible to the public for generations to come.

"State officials also described the acquisition as a long-term investment in conservation, tourism and outdoor recreation.

"This acquisition represents an investment in the long-term sustainability of New Mexico's treasured wildlife, as well as its outdoor heritage," said Mike Sloane, Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, in statements carried by the Governor's Office. "Protecting this landscape helps conserve habitat for big game, native fish and other species, while creating new opportunities for the public to enjoy our state's outdoor spaces.

"Located near both the Gila Wilderness and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, the Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area is expected to eventually offer hiking, licensed seasonal hunting, horseback riding and bird watching. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said detailed management plans and rules for public access will be released after initial assessments of the property are completed.