Land including the Organ Mountains, shown here, would be protected under the pending bill. (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
With a bill to designate the Organ Mountains and other areas in Doña Ana County as wilderness pending in Congress, several groups plan a conference Saturday in Las Cruces to highlight the economic benefits of land conservation.
The event is free and open to the public.
U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. and sponsors of the pending bill, will be on hand for the conference, which is sponsored by the Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces, High Tech Consortium of Southern New Mexico and New Mexico Wilderness Alliance.
The goal of the conference, according to a news release, “is to learn from national and local experts about the range of economic development opportunities that can be developed in Doña Ana County through the protection of important local landmarks such as the Organ Mountains as federal wilderness and national conservation areas.”
“Wilderness designation has helped communities across America protect their nearby natural treasures and boost local economies,” Gilbert Apodaca, President of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces, said in the release.
“Wilderness economics and land conservation can create wonderful new opportunities for our region, particularly in attracting high-tech companies and workers,” said Gary Gomes, President of the High Tech Consortium of Southern N.M. “These opportunities will benefit all of us in one way or another.”
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served. To RSVP, call (575) 527-9962.
For more information, click here.