The Sabinoso Wilderness is designated public land, but it's completely surrounded by private property. That could soon change.
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.
FULL STORY: Latest: New Mexico’s landlocked wilderness may become reachable
Monument Review: Recreation a Larger Economic Benefit Than Ranching and Timber Combined
Why is the Department of Interior considering a reduction of the size of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument?
Key Wins for Conservation in 2024
The year brought some important victories to advocates for public lands, national monuments, and the reclamation of Indigenous history.
More States Push Back on BLM’s Conservation Rule
Twelve states and industry groups are supporting Utah’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management, arguing the agency can’t bar extractive uses on ‘unappropriated’ public lands.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program
The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.
Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program
Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.
Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program
A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners