Interview with Pastor Andrew, May 8
At the Celebration of the Caja last Friday, KSWV spoke with Pastor Andrew as new federal legislation is introduced to support the Caja del Rio. Listen to this interview and read about pending legislation that recognizes the Caja del Rio as one of the most ecologically and historically significant landscapes in the entire country.
Read More about the Legislation
Bill Would Protect 105,623 Acres of Caja del Rio Habitat, Culturally Significant Landscape by Cait Fallon, National Wildlife Federation, May 8, 2026—”The Caja del Rio Protection Act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), would designate the Caja del Rio as a Bureau of Land Management National Conservation Area and U.S. Forest Service Special Management Area to permanently protect the region….”
Politicians tout bill to protect Caja del Rio; would not impact LANL power line by Alaina Mencinger, Santa Fe New Mexican, May 8, 2026—”The Rev. Andrew Black and his daughter Brooke scan basalt boulders for petroglyphs at La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site on Friday before a news conference announcing the introduction of federal legislation to designate the Caja del Rio for special management and protections.” (Caption to photo by Matt Dahlseid)
Listen to the Interview
Interview with Andrew Black, Preserving Sacred Lands: The Caja del Rio Initiative, KSWV, May 8, 2026. “We spoke with Andrew Black about a major step toward protecting the Caja del Rio, as new federal legislation is introduced with support from New Mexico leaders. He shared how years of work and community involvement have led to this moment, along with plans for a public celebration and continued efforts to preserve the land. The conversation also highlighted the importance of stewardship, cleanup efforts, and bringing the community together to protect this culturally and environmentally significant area.”