This was originally published in-print-only on the Deming Headlight.
Dear editor,
As the first hints of autumn come to the New Mexico landscape, dove hunting season is underway. This annual tradition is not only about the thrill of the hunt but also a broader appreciation for the place we call home. National monuments play a vital role in supporting sustainable hunting practices and preserving our hunting heritage.
Established to protect landscapes of historical, cultural, and natural significance, national monuments serve as more than merely scenic backdrops. They are vital ecosystems that support a diversity of wildlife. In New Mexico, these protected areas are not only havens for endangered species and diverse habitats but also contribute to the sustainability of hunting.
Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks National Monument, for example, protects important dove habitat. Since the monument was designated, an economic boom has come to neighboring communities thanks in part to the people who come from elsewhere to hunt this area. In New Mexico, monuments have world-class recreational activities that broaden economic opportunities.
National monuments also provide access to lands that may otherwise become unavailable for recreational use.
The conservation efforts within these areas help prevent habitat loss due to development, ensuring that there are ample places for doves and other game species to thrive. This not only benefits hunters but also helps maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
Every day…
Read the full LTE at the Deming Headlight: https://www.demingheadlight.com/
Print also accredited this Letter-to-the-Editor to Ray Trejo when BJ Trejo is the author.
