A win for community-led conservation: Valle de Oro Urban National Wildlife Refuge to be expanded
A sandhill crane in Valle de Oro Urban National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
Barbara Stewart Hager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The expansion of the Southwest’s first urban refuge in New Mexico will protect bosque and wildlife habitat, as well as add Rio Grande access
On October 10, New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced her decision to proceed with a transfer of 212 acres of state trust land to grow the Valle de Oro Urban National Wildlife Refuge. This land, which borders the Rio Grande in Albuquerque’s South Valley, would expand the 570-acre Valle de Oro by almost half. The refuge was designated over a decade ago as the Southwest’s first urban refuge.
“This is what community-led conservation looks like. I'm grateful to Commissioner Garcia Richard for her meaningful engagement in this process and for listening to the overwhelming public support for adding this state land to the refuge,” said Michael Casaus, New Mexico state director of The Wilderness Society. “This expansion will add a bosque ecosystem that the refuge currently lacks and will provide crucial wildlife habitat for native and migratory species. The area also features a network of trails and offers essential space for outdoor learning programs, ensuring the long-term protection of public access.”
Commissioner Garcia Richard announced her decision after extensive public outreach. The State Land Office first consulted with the Pueblo of Isleta about Tribal government’s interest in reacquiring their people’s ancestral lands. According to the State Land Office, the Pueblo expressed support for the parcel becoming part of Valle de Oro.
This decision from the Commissioner initiates a process by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to acquire the land from the State Land Office; the Service will conduct its own public process to finalize the transfer. Given the strong community support, we urge the USFWS to expedite this process.
Community as the driving force
Valle de Oro is the first refuge to be developed from the ground up under the USFWS Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. It is located 30 minutes from half of the state's population and was uniquely developed with the grassroots support of its surrounding Mountain View community, who were the driving force in the refuge’s establishment.
In June, 29 organizations representing a diverse coalition of environmental justice, community and conservation groups in New Mexico, including The Wilderness Society, urged the Commissioner to transfer this parcel to the USFWS to expand the Valle de Oro Urban National Wildlife Refuge.
“This exchange will help protect a cherished ecosystem and ensure it remains accessible to the public for future generations. I believe this exchange will lead to more outdoor recreation opportunities that are safe and well-managed right on Albuquerque’s doorstep,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard in a press release. “Community members have been engaged throughout this process and have helped me gain a clearer picture of the concerns that could come with any next steps. I am incredibly grateful for their input and positive civil discourse.”
Valle de Oro attracts people from throughout the state who welcome the chance to see waterfowl and over 200 species of birds as they migrate through the continentally vital Rio Grande corridor. It also serves as an important community hub for educational and environmental justice programs. The refuge hosts over 6,000 students, offers more than 100 paid jobs to youth through partnerships and organizes more than 20 community events annually. It is the crown jewel of the country’s urban national wildlife refuge system.
For more information about the expansion contact Gaby Diaz, communications manager, at gaby_diaz@tws.org
