WASHINGTON – The Obama administration today endorsed legislation sponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall that protects and conserves the Miranda Canyon Property in Taos County. 

The bill would expand the boundaries of the Carson National Forest to include the 5,000-acre Miranda Canyon Property located just ten miles south of Taos.  The expansion would make it possible for the Forest Service to use federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase the land to protect the scenic landscapes and historical features and would open the area to the public for recreational use.

At a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands hearing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture endorsed the Miranda Canyon legislation stating, "If the acquisition of the Miranda Canyon property were to occur this would make an outstanding addition to the National Forest System." 

"This bill will help protect one of Taos County's stunning landscapes.  Having the Obama administration lend its support is important to ensuring this bill gets enacted," Bingaman said. 

"Today's committee hearing on S. 3822 brings Miranda Canyon one step closer to enjoying protection from development," said Udall. "Our legislation is reflective of the strong support from Rancho de Taos and Taos County residents who recognize the importance of careful area management to maintain the healthy watershed and forest. It is my hope that we can get this bill through the Senate before the end of the year."

The Taos County Commission unanimously passed a resolution in support of the acquisition of the property as means to ensure long term protection of the area's watershed. 

The property – which ranges from low elevation sagebrush and piñon juniper to high elevation mixed conifer forest and large aspen stands – has numerous ridges and peaks that provide breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Gorge to the west and of Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico, to the north.  Picuris Peak is located on the property along a popular hiking route.  Other geological features on the property include a unique small volcano and 1.7 billion year old rock outcrops that rival the age of rock found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. 

The property also contains historical features such as the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, a route that dates back to the 1600s when the Spanish established the first capital city near San Juan Pueblo and from there traveled north to Taos and beyond. 

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Contacts: Jude McCartin (Bingaman) 202-224-1804/ Marissa Padilla (Udall) 202-224-6621.