In southern New Mexico, surrounding the city of Las Cruces, five iconic mountain ranges rise above Chihuahuan Desert grasslands: the Robledo, Sierra de las Uvas, Doña Ana, Organ and Potrillo Mountains. In 2014, these mountains were established by presidential proclamation as the The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The Dripping Springs Natural Area is a component of that monument.
Since its establishment, public interest and monument visitor numbers have spiked. Perhaps due to its convenient proximity to downtown Las Cruces, Dripping Springs has seen especially large increases. Concerned that growing visitor pressure could degrade both the natural resources and the user experience, the Bureau of Land Management commissioned The Dripping Springs Natural Area—2018 Overview Plan. Limbacher & Godfrey is playing a leadership role on the consultant team in both the planning and the public engagement process. The plan’s goal is to:
Preserve and protect the irreplaceable wilderness quality of the Dripping Springs Natural Area. Propose appropriate additions and renovations to the buildings and grounds that respect the fragility of this unique natural and historical setting, while also accommodating the growth in user demands.
This project is a collaboration with ASA Architects of Las Cruces, New Mexico.