Ojito Wilderness Act

The Ojito Wilderness Act designates approximately 11,000 acres of public land in New Mexico as a protected wilderness area, ensuring it remains in its natural state for future generations. The bill also transfers roughly 13,000 acres of adjacent land to be held in trust for the Pueblo of Zia, expanding their reservation while requiring the tribe to pay fair market value for the land.

For the public, this legislation guarantees continued access to the newly expanded reservation lands for recreational activities like hiking and scientific research, while protecting existing grazing rights and water rights for local users. By establishing these protections, the bill aims to preserve the area’s unique geological and paleontological features while balancing the needs of tribal sovereignty and public land management.