Conservation wave builds in the West

RIO GRANDE GORGE, N.M. (AP) - Nearly 370 square miles in far northern New Mexico will be protected as a national conservation area under legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman.

The push to establish the El Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area is part of a new wave of congressional proposals aimed at protecting more than 34 million acres of public land across the West.

However, as conservationists continue with their crusade, some people who make a living off the land are digging in to oppose the effort.

The El Rio Grande del Norte legislation would permit grazing, hunting and fishing and the gathering of firewood and pinon nuts.

But no new roads would be allowed, and the land management agencies that oversee the area would not be able to lease or sell any parcels.