ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9131ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 9131

Establishment of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

President Obama established the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico, withdrawing approximately 496,330 acres of federal land from development, mining, and other disposition under public land laws. The monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management to protect scientific, historic, prehistoric, and cultural resources, with restrictions on motorized vehicle use and requirements for tribal consultation and public involvement in management planning.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 30431

Impact dates

  1. Management plan preparation and maintenance

Key directives

  • Establish Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument on approximately 496,330 acres
  • Withdraw all federal lands within monument boundaries from entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, mining laws, and mineral/geothermal leasing
  • Secretary of Interior shall manage monument through BLM as unit of National Landscape Conservation System
  • Secretary through BLM shall prepare and maintain management plan with maximum public involvement
  • Motorized vehicle use permitted only on designated roads; non-motorized mechanized vehicle use only on designated roads and trails
  • No additional roads or trails for motorized/mechanized use unless necessary for public safety or protection of objects
  • Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes to protect religious and cultural sites and provide access for traditional uses
  • Existing grazing permits/leases continue under BLM policies consistent with protection of objects
  • Existing utility line rights-of-way may be renewed or upgraded; new rights-of-way only if necessary for care and management
  • Watershed restoration and small-scale flood prevention projects may be authorized if consistent with protection

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Monument establishment and land withdrawal take effect upon proclamation
  • All federal lands within boundaries appropriated and withdrawn from entry, location, sale, leasing, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Interior through BLM to begin management plan development with maximum public involvement
  • Consultation with tribal, state, and local governments on management plan

Long term

  • Management plan preparation and maintenance for ongoing monument protection
  • Potential acquisition of non-federal lands within boundaries for inclusion in monument

Risks & tensions

  • Potential conflict between conservation restrictions and existing grazing/economic uses in the region
  • Tribal access and site protection commitments may create implementation complexity with multiple stakeholder interests
  • Military overflight and training route provisions preserve defense flexibility but may conflict with wilderness experience goals
  • Border security MOU preservation suggests ongoing tension between conservation and national security priorities in this region
Proclamation 9131: Establishment of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument · Executive Orders