New Mexico has protected nearly 11,000 acres along the Mimbres River as a new wildlife area, safeguarding historic water rights, rare river habitat and a 2-mile stretch of the desert stream

Conservationists and state officials in New Mexico have completed a deal to buy nearly 11,000 acres of ecologically rich land along the Mimbres River, permanently protecting an important desert watershed and creating the state's newest public conservation preserve. The purchase secures the newly created Mimbres Ranch Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a large property bordering the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico. The project was completed with help from the national non-profit Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the state government. The acquisition places about two miles of the Mimbres River under public ownership while protecting historic water rights that date back more than a century. The property also creates a large, connected area for native wildlife and expands public access along the scenic Trail of the Mountain Spirits Byway.

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