State protects 11,000 acres of wildlife habitat in Mimbres Valley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leah March Office of the Governor Leah.March@exec.nm.gov

August 12, 2026

State protects 11,000 acres of wildlife habitat in Mimbres Valley

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Wildlife today announced the acquisition of nearly 11,000 acres in the Mimbres Valley, protecting critical habitat for native fish and wildlife in southwestern New Mexico.

The property borders the Gila National Forest and includes a roughly 2-mile stretch of the Mimbres River. The diverse landscape features high-desert grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodlands, as well as riparian bosque habitat and ponderosa pine stands. The property protects important habitat for two native fish species that are found in the area.

The acquisition will also benefit surrounding communities by protecting public lands and increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“At a time when public lands are under threat across the country, New Mexico is leaning in on conservation,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Protecting nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River means healthier wildlife, cleaner water, and more places for New Mexico families to hunt, fish, and get outside. New Mexicans will benefit from this investment for generations to come.”

The property was acquired through the Trust for Public Land – a national conservation nonprofit focused on preserving public lands across the country. The acquisition resulted from a partnership between state leaders, conservation organizations and local communities aimed at protecting the Mimbres Valley for future generations.

“Here in New Mexico, our land and water are sacred. The Mimbres River and its surrounding uplands vibrate with life, supporting hundreds of plant, animal, bird and even rare fish species. The Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area will enhance this ecosystem and create new recreation opportunities, including opportunities for New Mexico resident hunters,” said Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), who advocated for the land’s acquisition and allocated funding for the project. “I’m especially excited for New Mexico kids, whether with school friends or with their families, to see this exquisite gem and support its ongoing stewardship.”

“This acquisition represents an investment in the long-term sustainability of New Mexico’s treasured wildlife, as well as its outdoor heritage,” Department director Mike Sloane said. “Protecting this landscape helps conserve habitat for big game, native fish and other species, while creating new opportunities for the public to enjoy our state’s outdoor spaces.”

“This will create additional habitat for conserving the Rio Grande sucker and Chihuahua chub,” Fisheries Management Division Chief Kirk Patten said. “Both these fish are native to the Mimbres drainage, and this acquisition will ensure they continue to thrive there for years to come.”

Along with the Rio Grande sucker and Chihuahua chub, the new conservation area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bears, mountain lions, wild turkey and quail. Its location adjacent to the Gila National Forest creates a large block of connected wildlife habitat — and gives several of the state's rarest and most vulnerable species more room to thrive.

“This project represents a major win for wildlife, water and communities across New Mexico,” said Jim Petterson, Mountain West Region vice-president for the Trust for Public Land. “By protecting this ecologically rich property, we are ensuring that this extraordinary landscape, home to rare species and critical waterways, will remain intact and accessible to the public for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Rep. Nathan Small for their leadership and support in making this project possible.”

“New Mexicans rely on and value our public lands, healthy wildlife populations and the economic benefits they bring to rural communities,” said Brittany Fallon, Ph.D., policy manager for Western Resource Advocates. “The brand-new Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area represents years of bipartisan and community collaboration, and the dedication of state leaders like Gov. Lujan Grisham and Rep. Small to expanding conservation and recreation opportunities across the state.”

Additional information about future public access and management of the newly acquired property will be announced as efforts move forward.

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