Office of the Secretary
For Immediate Release: January 8, 2000 Contact: John Wright
202/208-6416 Secretary Babbitt makes Monument Recommendations
to President Clinton Babbitt proposes protection for lands in Arizona and New Mexico Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt announced today that he is sending recommendations to President Clinton that two areas of federal land be considered for protection under the Antiquities Act. The proposed national monuments would be located on lands currently managed by the federal government in Arizona and New Mexico. �Both of these sites cover breathtaking landscapes,� said Babbitt. �By protecting these areas now, future generations will be able to marvel at these spectacular areas just as we do.� Sonoran Desert - The proposed Sonoran Desert National Monument is located in south central Arizona, approximately 60 miles from Phoenix. The area is a magnificent example of untrammeled Sonoran Desert landscape. It encompasses a functioning desert ecosystem with an extraordinary array of biological, scientific, and historic resources. The most biologically diverse of the North American deserts, the proposed monument consists of distinct mountain ranges separated by wide valleys, and includes large saguaro cactus forest communities that provide excellent habitats for a wide range of wildlife species. The outer boundaries of the area encompass approximately 486,149 acres of federal land. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks - The proposed Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located in north central New Mexico near Santa Fe. It is a remarkable outdoor laboratory, offering an opportunity to observe, study, and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes, as well as other cultural and biological objects of interest. Rich in pumice, ash, and tuff deposits, the light-colored cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of explosive volcanic eruptions that occurred between six and seven million years ago. The proposed monument includes approximately 4,148 acres of federal land. Elevations within the proposed monument range from about 5,560 feet to about 6,760 feet above sea level. In the past few weeks, Secretary Babbitt has visited each area and discussed protection options with local elected officials and residents. The nature and extent of protection to be provided to each area -- and the types of uses that would continue to be permitted -- would be specified at the time of monument designation, should the President decide to accept the Secretary�s recommendations. The Antiquities Act authorizes the President to create national monuments on federal land to protect objects of historic and scientific interest. - DOI - Note to Editors: Maps of the proposed monuments can be downloaded via the internet at the following web site: http://www.doi.gov. Tent Rocks National Monument Fact Sheet Sonoran Desert National Monument Fact Sheet |