This is an urgent call to preserve more than 2.5 million acres of forests in western states to achieve the 30×30 goal of safeguarding 30 percent of U.S. land and waters by 2030. Not only would this protect the carbon currently stored in trees and soil but also maintain the ability of forests to draw carbon from the atmosphere in the future while preserving wildlife habitat and clean water sources. Only 6 percent of New Mexico is currently protected as federal wilderness, the lowest of any western state.
We are asking Governor Lujan Grisham to take charge of New Mexico’s failing 30×30 initiative, part of the nationwide effort to protect 30% of the nation by 2030. This visionary proposal has fallen under the influence of New Mexico’s powerful extractive industries seeking to rubber stamp the failing policies of the past. Asks that New Mexico follow internationally agreed upon scientific standards for conservation of protected areas as used by the United Nations. Contact the Governor at constituentservices@exec.nm.gov or call 505-476-2200 and ask to speak with Travis Kellerman. For more information see letter to Governor here.