MARCH 15, 2021 (Santa Fe, NEW MEXICO) — Today, Congresswoman Haaland made history when she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Secretary of the Interior, making her the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet member.
“Representative Haaland has been a leading voice for the protection of our National Parks, Forest, Trails, and Waters during her time in Congress representing the people of New Mexico. Her nomination will continue to help us acknowledge the role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in the stewardship of these special places, as well as help to reevaluate and reconceive what conservation and sustainability for all people looks like along the Continental Divide,” said Teresa Martinez, CDTC Executive Director. “CDTC looks forward to her continued leadership, passion, and dedication to our nation’s most iconic landscapes, and we are excited to work with her in her new role.”
The Department of the Interior is responsible for the oversight and stewardship of most federal land and natural resources, and directs critical agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other related agencies.
“This is a historic moment for people in New Mexico and throughout the West who will see their voice and perspective represented in the Cabinet, perhaps for the very first time for many,” says Martyn Pearson, co-owner of Gila Hike and Bike. “In her time serving the people of New Mexico, Congresswomen Haaland has proven herself as a dependable listener and pragmatic leader to many constituents and towns that depend on robust environmental protections. The vitality of many communities in the West depend on public lands to not only provide clean water to drink, air to breathe, and food to eat, but also to provide an opportunity for the outdoor recreation industry and tourism that are pivotal for rural economies. Rep. Haaland understands the critical nature of these landscapes, and her confirmation today will help to ensure those communities are heard.”
Since being elected to Congress in 2018, Rep. Haaland has been a champion for public lands, sponsoring and supporting legislation for the conservation of public lands, watersheds, wildlife, and natural resources, including the Thirty by Thirty Resolution, aimed to conserve 30% of U.S ocean and land by 2030. In her time as Chair of the National Parks, Forest, and Public Lands subcommittee, Congresswoman Haaland led efforts to examine how we protect our nation’s most valuable natural resources so that they are preserved in perpetuity.
“Representative Haaland is uniquely qualified to meet the urgent needs of this moment in the climate crisis, to help mitigate and remedy the striking damage of climate change. She has proven her commitment to the health of our lands and waters, protection of our nation’s diverse cultures and traditions by consistently being an outspoken leader against the degradation of our open greenspaces, by industries like oil and gas,” say Ángel Peña, Executive Director of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project. “As a father of three, a Mexican American and strong conservation advocate the nomination of Representative Deb Haaland is not only about the current state of our public lands but is also about redefining what federal stewardship will look like as we move forward.”
Given the Biden administration’s recent executive order strengthening the federal government’s coordination with Tribal Nations and the Interior’s role in conducting these affairs, Rep. Haaland is positioned to reimagine this collaboration and chart a new course forward between the U.S government and Indigenous communities as well.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition looks forward to working with Secretary Haaland to protect our public land and waters, manage landscapes and trails that serve as some of our nation’s most crucial natural infrastructure, and advocate for communities to achieve the most enjoyable, equitable experience for all along the Continental Divide.
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About Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project
The Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project was created in 2017 by a group of Latinx/Hispanic conservation advocates whose experience has shown them the need to provide communities of color with sustainable opportunities for community engagement, access and education around public lands and waters. Their people-focused mission is to ensure that Frontera (border) communities have access to the outdoors—and that their history, values and people are reflected in public lands management through education, advocacy and empowerment.
About Gila Hike and Bike
Gila Hike and Bike has been serving the cycling, outdoor, hiking and backpacking needs of Southwest New Mexico for over 30 years. Located in downtown Silver City, Gila Hike and Bike stocks gear, equipment, and supplies, as well as provides rentals, for a variety of outdoor activities. More than just a shop, Gila Hike and Bike is also home to a full-service work center which offers a wide range of service work in-house.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
