Mathers Wilderness Study Area

The Mathers Wilderness Study Area is located in eastern New Mexico, approximately 40 miles east of Roswell in Lea County, managed by the BLM's Roswell Field Office. The area sits on the edge of the southern part of the Great Plains at the northern end of a 6-10 mile wide belt of sand dunes stabilized by shinnery oak. It provides critical habitat for the endangered dunes sagebrush lizard and lesser prairie chicken, designated as a National Natural Landmark. Access is via Mathers Road (caliche surface) north from US 380 near Tatum. Hiking is the primary permitted recreational activity, with a 14-day maximum stay.