Las Cruces District BLM Invites Local Feedback on Gila Lower Box Area Management Plan

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 runs from April 17 to May 17, 2024. The Gila Lower Box RAMP planning area covers 11,200 acres in Hidalgo and Grant counties, about 20 miles northwest of Lordsburg. It includes the Gila Lower Box Wilderness Study Area, the Area of Critical Environmental Concern, and the Special Recreation Management Area.

The plan's goal is to guide future development and manage recreation resources in the Gila Lower Box Area. This area, known for its cliffs and steep canyon sides, is a significant riparian area. It hosts several threatened and endangered wildlife species and is a critical habitat for these species. It also supports a variety of native plants and wildlife.

However, uncontrolled recreational use has caused damage to sensitive resources. Therefore, there's a need to implement sustainable recreation actions to protect the Gila Lower Box Area. This aligns with the 1993 Mimbres Resource Management Plan's goal of protecting riparian values.

Dave Wallace, Las Cruces District Assistant Manager for Multi-Resources, said the plan aims to enhance recreational experiences in the Gila Lower Box Area and protect its cultural and biological resources. This will be done by developing and implementing recreation infrastructure that aligns with the area's primitive recreational values.

The public is invited to review the final documents and submit comments or concerns by 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on May 16. All comments will be considered and evaluated. Comments can be submitted through the BLM’s ePlanning website or by U.S. mail to the Bureau of Land Management, Las Cruces District Office.

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