ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, situated in New Mexico, is set to reopen later this month after being closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) alongside the Cochiti Pueblo tribe announced their plans for the monument’s reopening, scheduled for November 21.

In a noteworthy shift, the Cochiti Pueblo tribe will now handle the daily operations of this renowned hiking destination, which is conveniently located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Although pandemic restrictions had relaxed, both the BLM and Cochiti Pueblo mutually decided to keep the site closed to facilitate new negotiations regarding its management.

Established in 2001, the monument was intended to be managed by the BLM in close partnership with the Cochiti Pueblo, reflecting a collaborative approach.

This reopening agreement aligns with the federal government’s ongoing efforts to foster cooperation with tribal nations in the management of public lands, emphasizing the value of integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into the stewardship of these natural areas.