Las Cruces, NM. A report from the Department of the Interior, leaked by the Washington Post, has brought attention to Secretary Zinke's recommendations regarding public lands in New Mexico. The document suggests changes in management for the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks and Rio Grande del Norte National Monuments, potentially allowing activities such as fossil fuel extraction, mining, and logging. This has raised concerns among local communities who plan to hold events today and Tuesday to oppose these recommendations.

The report has been criticized for ignoring over 2.8 million public comments, with 98% advocating for maintaining current protections. Daniel Lorimier from the Sierra Club Rio Grande Conservation expressed disapproval of the proposed changes.

Scheduled events include rallies titled "Hands Off Our National Monuments" in Albuquerque and Mesilla today at 5 p.m., and another rally on Tuesday at Taos Fly Shop.

The Sierra Club, a prominent environmental organization with over 3 million members, is actively involved in opposing these recommendations through grassroots activism and public education efforts.