S. 1319 · In committee · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Sponsor: Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

What it does

• Withdraws Federal land in the Pecos Watershed area of New Mexico from all forms of entry, appropriation, disposal, and mining under public land and mining laws.
• Withdraws the designated Federal land from location, entry, and patent under mining laws and from disposition under mineral and geothermal leasing laws.
• Designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land in New Mexico as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area and adds it to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
• Allows continuation of livestock grazing in the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area if established before enactment, and permits wildfire, insect, and disease control measures as determined necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture.
• Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to file a map and legal description of the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area with Congress within a practicable timeframe after enactment.

Latest action

Dec 2, 2025: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.

Committee: Senate Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee