Public Invited to Comment on Gila Lower Box Area Management Plan: Impacting Recreation and Conservation in Hidalgo and Grant Counties

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District in New Mexico has opened a 30-day public comment period for the final Recreation Area Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Gila Lower Box Area. The comment period will be from April 15 to May 14, 2024. The plan's goal is to guide future development and manage recreational resources in the Gila Lower Box Area, located about 20 miles northwest of Lordsburg, in Hildalgo and Grant counties.

The Gila Lower Box Area is a 6,490-acre site. It's a designated wilderness study area, an area of critical environmental concern, and a special recreation management area. The area is known for its cliffs and steep canyon sides, and it's a habitat for several threatened and endangered wildlife species. It also supports a variety of native plants and wildlife.

However, the area has been damaged due to unmanaged recreational use. Therefore, there's a need to implement measures to protect the Gila Lower Box Area. These measures should align with the goal of protecting the area's natural resources, as stated in the 1993 Mimbres Resource Management Plan.

Dave Wallace, Las Cruces District Assistant Manager for Multi-Resources, said the plan aims to improve recreational experiences in the Gila Lower Box Area and protect its cultural and biological resources. This will be done by creating and implementing infrastructure that supports the area's recreational needs.

The public is invited to review the final documents and submit comments or concerns before 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on May 14. All comments will be considered and evaluated. Comments can be submitted via the BLM’s ePlanning website or by U.S. mail to the Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office.

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