SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to fold thousands of acres into the Pecos Wilderness area northwest of Santa Fe is drawing resistance from nearby residents.
A group of people living in and around the village of Penasco, which is near forest involved in the proposed expansion, have been strongly opposed to the idea.
State lawmakers and wilderness advocates have thrown their support behind expanding the Pecos Wilderness, which includes 220,000 acres, by 30 percent with another 78,000 acres.
Residents say they are worried about still being able to hunt or gather wood if management of the forest changes.
Supporters of the plan say the proposal allows for a 14,000-acre "special management area" outside of Penasco for those activities.
Pecos Wilderness first received federal protection in 1964.