NM BHA Supports Caja del Rio Monument Designation

Recognizing Caja del Rio as an Ancestral Homeland

The Caja del Rio holds profound significance as an ancestral homeland for Indigenous communities, including the Pueblo people who have lived, hunted, and stewarded these lands for generations. Its rich tapestry of petroglyphs, cultural sites, and ancient trails is a testament to millennia of human connection to the land. These sacred sites not only provide a window into the deep history of the region but also remain integral to the cultural and spiritual practices of many today.

As stewards of our shared outdoor heritage, BHA recognizes the vital importance of honoring these ancestral connections. Establishing the Caja del Rio as a national monument would ensure that these lands are preserved for future generations while promoting a deeper understanding of the intertwined history of nature and humanity in this region.

Safeguarding Hunting and Fishing Traditions

Hunting and fishing are time-honored traditions in New Mexico, deeply woven into the fabric of our community’s identity. The Caja del Rio is a cherished area for these pursuits, offering opportunities to hunt mule deer, elk, and small game, as well as fish in its nearby waterways. These activities not only provide sustenance and recreation but also foster a profound respect for the natural world and its ecosystems.

BHA is committed to ensuring that the establishment of the Caja del Rio National Monument includes robust protections for the rights of hunters and anglers. Public lands are a cornerstone of our outdoor heritage, and we believe that maintaining access to responsible hunting and fishing opportunities is essential to preserving this legacy. We urge the Department of the Interior to include provisions that protect traditional uses, ensuring that sportsmen and women continue to have a voice in the stewardship of this land.

BHA recently submitted a letter in support of a monument designation. Read the letter here.

About Kyle Klain

Kyle Klain is New Mexico's Policy Chair and is a lifelong fisherman, bowhunter, photographer and writer and is based in Santa Fe, NM.

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