Many local ranching families rely on the use of federal lands for grazing their livestock, and these federal grazing permittees play an important role in conserving our undeveloped public lands, places where local wildlife continue to thrive. One such permittee shared some photos and video with us showing a massive herd of elk moving across his allotment. Permanently protecting the Rio Grande del Norte will allow these permittees to continue to use the land, and ensure that the wonderful variety of wildlife here - from eagles, hawks and falcons, to cougars, elk and bighorn sheep - will continue to have a place to call home.

Elk herd on the Rio Grande del Norte lands

Wide view of an elk herd on Rio Grande del Norte lands