TAOS, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management will begin a 30-day public scoping period on Friday, Aug. 11 to inform the upcoming environmental analysis of a resource management plan for the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. The plan will protect the resource values for which the monument was designated and provide for traditional, recreational, and other uses of monument lands and resources. The scoping period closes Sept. 10, 2023.

The monument was designated on March 25, 2013, by Presidential proclamation under the authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906. The monument, administered by the BLM Taos Field Office, encompasses a diverse array of nationally significant natural, cultural, and scientific values on 247,852 acres within Rio Arriba and Taos counties in northern New Mexico. 

A Notice of Intent will post in the Federal Register tomorrow announcing BLM’s intent to amend the Taos Resource Management Plan, which involves the preparation of an environmental assessment to evaluate issues and alternatives as part of its decision-making process. Once the draft plan amendment and environmental assessment are completed, they will be made available for a 30-day public review and comment period.

The BLM invites the public to identify concerns, issues, or management options that should be considered during the planning process. Public meeting information is as follows:

August 28, 2023
6-8:00 p.m. MDT
Taos Sagebrush Inn
1508 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, N.M. 87571

August 29, 2023
6-8:00 p.m. MDT
BLM New Mexico State Office
301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, N.M. 87508
 
Information about a virtual public meeting opportunity will be provided at least 15-days in advance. 
 
Comments may be submitted through the BLM National NEPA Register, during public scoping meetings, or mailed to Bureau of Land Management, Attn:  Brad Higdon, 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571.
 
For additional information please contact project manager Brad Higdon at (575) 751-4725 or blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov .