The informal comment period for the preliminary alternatives management strategies, which were presented at the September 22, 2010 Workshop, has been extended until November 15, 2010. If you would like to make a comment, please download the and mail it prior to November 15, 2010. |
|
The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument (Monument) was established by Congress in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (the Act). It encompasses 5,280 acres and was established to conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values.
The Monument is located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and is approximately 5 miles northwest of Las Cruces in the southern third of the Robledo Mountains. The area is popular with mountain bikers and off-highway vehicle users (OHV) and, through special use permitting, is the location for annual OHV events that draw as many as 1,000 participants for a multiple-day event.
In 1987, a major deposit of Paleozoic Era fossilized footprint megatracks was discovered in the Robledo Mountains. The trackways contain footprints of numerous amphibians, reptiles, and insects (including previously unknown species), plants, and petrified wood dating back approximately 280 million years. This collectively provides new opportunities to understand animal behaviors and environments from a time predating the dinosaurs.
The legislation that designated the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument specifically states: "Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive management plan for the long-term protection and management of the Monument." The plan is directed to describe the appropriate uses and management of the Monument and allow for continued scientific research at the Monument during the development of the management plan. The completed plan will facilitate management of the Monument as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS).
Although the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is relatively small, 5,280 acres, there is considerable public interest in the management of the area. Potential conflicts may exist between OHV use and protection of paleontological resources in the Monument. In order to address, and fully analyze, public uses, resource protection,and the long-term management of the area, the BLM has begun development of a Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact statement (RMP/EIS).
To have your name added to the BLM's Prehistoric Trackways mailing list, contact Lori Allen at (575) 525-4454, e-mail Lori_Allen@blm.gov, or write to:
BLM
Las Cruces District Office
Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Planner
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
