BLM to Host Public Community Meeting 2018 Dripping Springs Natural Area Overview Plan
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – On April 19, 2018, the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District will hold a community meeting to present the Dripping Springs Natural Area 2018 Overview Plan. The meeting will be held at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The BLM is developing a plan to address the increased use of the Dripping Springs Natural Area and to enhance the visitor experience. The agency has been working with ASA Architects, a local firm that is teamed with planning and preservation specialists Limbacher & Godfrey. At the meeting, the BLM will provide the public with preliminary concepts for renovations and additions to the buildings and grounds.
It is BLM’s goal to inform the public about the plan and get their input to move the concepts closer to a final design. The meeting will also give the public an opportunity to verbally share their experiences with the existing facility capacity, and educational and recreational opportunities. In developing the plan, the BLM and ASA Architects have been careful to preserve and protect the unique natural and cultural values of the Dripping Springs Natural Area.
If unable to attend the meeting, the public can go to the BLM website at www.blm.gov/new-mexico on April 20, to see the plan information and concepts. They can also send their input via email to BLM_NM_LCDO_Comments@blm.gov, noting “Dripping Springs Natural Area 2018 Overview Plan” in the subject line of the email.
Popular with visitors, the Dripping Springs Natural Area has more than four miles of hiking trails that highlight the majestic Organ Mountains and desert scrub, and low-elevation piñon-juniper and oak woodlands. In addition, it boasts excellent wildlife-viewing and environmental education opportunities. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the Visitor Center offers interpretive displays, brochures and maps
For more information on the plan, contact ASA Architects at drippingsprings@asa-architects.com or Jessica Knopic at jknopic@blm.gov.