Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region to become national monument

President Obama is using his executive authority to designate the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks region as a national monument. He has the authority to do it under the Antiquities Act of 1906, which grants places important to the U.S.’ military history federal recognition.

“It’s a great day for our democracy,” said Southwest Environmental Center Executive Director Kevin Bixby. “The President has heard the people speak.”

Wednesday the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks mountain range will become a national monument. The Organ Mountains are home to 24 large bulls eyes or aerial bombing target. These targets where used to train WWII Army Air Corp pilots.

“He’s heard from our US Senators and he’s taking action,” Bixby said.

Current senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich called for the designation through legislation last December. Veterans and environmentalist in support say it protects a prized part of the county, including Bixby.

“It’s a great thing for the economy, for the public lands, for the wildlife for the people of Dona Ana County and southern New Mexico,” Bixby said.

Congressman Steve Pearce has a different point of view. He wrote in a statement: “With this land grab, the President is once again going out of his way to derail any attempt to form a consensus, and do what local people want. Residents of Doa Ana County deserve the assurance that first responders and Border Patrol can protect the public, flood control structures will be maintained, ranchers will have their grazing rights, and hunters can have the access they’ve always enjoyed.”

But Bixby said the monument declaration pushes back the southern borders of the monument from the border to accommodate border security concerns. Congressman Pearce calls it a land grab, but others say it’s an opportunity.

“The main thing a monument designation does it put this area on the map,” Bixby said.

Bixby said putting the mountains on the map could lead to more tourism.