On. Nov. 2, 2023, the Southwest Region of National Parks Conservation Association (Emily Wolf) and our IPL-New Mexico & El Paso affiliate Citizens Caring for the Future (Kayley Shoup) hosted a webinar examining the danger that oil & gas development poses to Carlsbad Caverns and the geological landscape in and around the Permian Basin of New Mexico.

"Deep beneath the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico is a labyrinth of more than 300 limestone caves, carved over 250 million years ago: Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The park also preserves biologically diverse desert lands above ground, as well as a portion of an exposed fossil reef. The park is also an economic driver, bringing a cumulative benefit of $27.4 million to the local economy in 2021.

But unbalanced development in the area, including a huge uptick in oil and gas drilling in recent years, can pose a threat to fragile cave ecosystems, local water supplies and public health.

In this webinar, cave experts will share about the formation and uniqueness of the incredible geology of this landscape, and you'll learn about community and regional efforts, and how you can stay involved.