S. 1497: Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act

This bill, titled the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act, aims to establish a new protected area called the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, located in New Mexico. Here’s a breakdown of what it proposes:

Designation of Cerro de la Olla Wilderness

• The bill formally designates approximately 12,295 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Taos County, New Mexico, as the "Cerro de la Olla Wilderness."
• This wilderness designation will include specific protections to preserve the natural environment and restrict certain activities that could impact the area negatively.
• It will incorporate a map that outlines the boundaries of this new wilderness area.

Modification of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument Boundary

• The bill modifies the existing boundary of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument to include the newly designated Cerro de la Olla Wilderness area.
• The changes to the boundary are detailed in the same map referred to for the wilderness designation.

Wildlife Management

• The bill allows for the development of wildlife water projects, such as guzzlers (structures that collect and store water for wildlife), within the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness.
• Before any such projects can occur, they must be evaluated by the Secretary of the Interior to ensure they enhance wildlife populations and minimize visual impacts on the wilderness.
• Additionally, a cooperative agreement must be established between the Secretary and the State of New Mexico to outline terms for wildlife management activities in this area within one year of the bill's enactment.

Clerical Amendments

• The bill includes clerical changes to update references in the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act concerning the new wilderness designation and the modified boundaries.

Overall Impact

The bill seeks to enhance conservation efforts within the specified area by establishing legal protections, promoting responsible wildlife management, and modifying existing boundaries to reflect these designations. It aims to serve both environmental protection goals and support local wildlife. This action is expected to contribute to the overall preservation of the natural landscape in New Mexico.

Relevant Companies

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