Pecos Watershed Protection Act

This legislation aims to enhance environmental protection in New Mexico by withdrawing specific federal lands within the Pecos Watershed area from various forms of development. It prohibits mineral entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws, as well as location, entry, and patent under mining laws. Furthermore, it prevents disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials, safeguarding the area from extractive industries. In addition to the watershed protection, the bill designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area , integrating it into the National Wilderness Preservation System. This new wilderness area will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the Wilderness Act, while preserving existing livestock grazing rights and the State's jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management. Importantly, the designated wilderness area is also withdrawn from mineral entry and other forms of disposition, reinforcing its protected status.