BLM New Mexico announces Monument Manager for the Río Grande del Norte National Monument
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TAOS, N.M. –The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) welcomes Eric Valencia as the Monument Manager for the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, located within the BLM Taos Field Office. Valencia will oversee 245,290 acres of multiple-use public lands within the monument that spans across Taos and Rio Arriba counties. The Taos Field Office is in the process of developing a Resource Management Plan for the monument and Valencia will assist in coordinating that effort.
“We are delighted to grow our team. The addition of a new manager dedicated solely to this magnificent monument speaks of its importance to New Mexico, our economy, recreation, monument visitors, and the pursuit of conservation. The Rio Grande del Norte has significant national support,” explained BLM Taos Field Manager Pamela Mathis.
Valencia, born and raised in Pecos, N.M., comes to the BLM Taos Field Office after spending over six years as the Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services for the National Park Service’s Fort Laramie National Historic Site in Laramie, Wyo. Prior to that, Valencia served as a Park Ranger at the National Park Service’s Pecos National Historical Park in Pecos, N.M., from 2004-2015. Valencia has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history and a Master of Arts in public affairs. Both educational credentials are through New Mexico Highlands University.
“I am extremely pleased to be joining the BLM family in Taos,” stated Valencia. “I look forward to many years of serving the public within the amazing resources of the monument.”
Outside of work, Valencia enjoys hiking with his two dogs, connecting with family and friends, and is excited to get back to living a traditional lifestyle in northern New Mexico. Valencia reported to the BLM Taos Field Office to assume his role as Monument Manager on June 19.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.