Previously Inaccessible Wilderness Area in New Mexico Could Finally Open to the Public

Jodi Peterson writes:

East of Las Vegas, New Mexico, the 16,000-acre Sabinoso Wilderness Area, with its stark cliffs and deep canyons, is the nation’s only legally inaccessible wilderness. It’s been off-limits since it was designated in 2009 because it’s completely surrounded by private property (“Private property blocks access to public lands,” HCN, 2/2/15).

The Wilderness Land Trust recently bought an adjacent ranch, however, and this month "Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced that the Bureau of Land Management will complete the processes needed to accept the Trust’s donation of 3,595 acres of the ranch." That approval means the public will soon be able to access the Sabinoso Wilderness Area for outdoor recreation activities.

This good news, if you're a supporter of public lands, comes in stark contrast to the news last week that the Interior Department is recommending to President Trump that some national monuments be reduced in size.