National Forests Consolidation

New Mexico’s five national forests are a place of refuge for people and animals alike. These wild and scenic lands sometimes seem a world away, so it may come as a surprise that they contain “inholdings”—unprotected, privately owned tracts of land within the forest boundaries. Development of these properties can restrict public access to the forests and harm the delicate ecosystems that shelter wildlife and protect the quality of our drinking water.

The Trust for Public Land is working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to bring these critical lands into public ownership and ensure that New Mexico’s forests are protected and available for public use.