Caja del Rio Protection Act
Sponsored By: Senator Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create two federally administered conservation units — the Caja del Rio Special Management Area (about 67,163 acres) and the Caja del Rio National Conservation Area (about 17,837 acres) — to permanently protect cultural, ecological, and scenic values and to integrate Indigenous knowledge into planning and management.
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- Tribes and traditional communities gain formal roles in preservation and management, protected access for religious and cultural practices, and nondisclosure protections for Indigenous knowledge and sacred site locations.
- Local governments, water systems, and nearby landowners see protections for drinking water infrastructure and a limited federal authority to grant Buckman-area water rights-of-way, capped at one mile, with required coordination with Santa Fe County and state agencies.
- Recreation users, grazers, and land managers face tighter road and motorized-use rules: travel plans must be created, non-designated roads must be decommissioned within 3 years of plan adoption, and land exchanges or acquisitions follow federal appraisal rules and timelines (initiated within 18 months).
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Water infrastructure near Buckman
If enacted, the bill would preserve existing rights and rights-of-way for Santa Fe County, the city of Santa Fe, and the Buckman Direct Diversion Board for drinking water infrastructure. The Secretary could grant new permits or rights-of-way for water projects inside the Special Management Area if the work is within 1 mile of the historic Buckman area and consistent with the Act's purposes. Repairs, replacements, expansions, and new construction would have to follow the Act's conservation rules.
New protected areas and withdrawals
If enacted, the bill would create the Caja del Rio Special Management Area (about 67,163 acres) and the Caja del Rio National Conservation Area (about 17,837 acres). The official map dated April 20, 2026, would be filed with Congress and have legal effect. The bill would also withdraw the mapped federal lands from most mining, leasing, and certain disposals, subject to valid existing rights. Any federal land acquired later inside the areas would be withdrawn on the date it is acquired.
Stronger tribal rights and protections
If enacted, the bill would boost tribal participation in management and let the Secretary contract with tribes or tribal organizations for land work. Tribes could request small temporary closures to protect cultural and religious activities. The Secretary would be able to withhold Indigenous knowledge and sacred site locations from public release under FOIA. The bill would also preserve treaty and other federally secured tribal rights and allow enrolled tribal members to collect plants and minerals for noncommercial traditional uses, with limits only to protect resources.
Land swaps, buys, and grazing rules
If enacted, the bill would let the Secretary acquire land near the protected areas by donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange. The Secretary would try to start a land exchange with New Mexico within 18 months, using independent appraisals and cash equalization if values differ. Grazing that was in place before enactment could continue but would be subject to rules the Secretary sets. No exchange would happen unless both the Secretary and the State agree.
New rules for roads and access
If enacted, the bill would require long-term management plans within 3 years and a travel management plan for the Conservation Area and withdrawal area within 1 year. Motorized travel would be limited to roads shown on the map or in travel plans. Roads not designated in a plan would have to be decommissioned within 3 years of plan adoption, and managers could consider higher penalties for illegal damage or vandalism. Exceptions would apply for administration, emergency response, Tribal practices, and grazing.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 4/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov