A proposal by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to put 31 oil and gas leases near Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico to bid this September has been put off, according to watchdog groups.

Conservationists are concerned, however, that the leases might be brought back to life down the road.

“It is vital that some permanent safeguards are put in place not just to defer leasing to a future date. Withdrawal of leasing in critically sensitive areas would provide a permanent protection," said Jim Goodbar, a cave expert and former Carlsbad/BLM employee. "Responsible lands management is difficult, especially when there is such a strong oil and gas dominance and lobby. Regardless of this, the BLM is a multiple-use land management agency bound by specific laws, regulations and guidance that should guard against any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

"In the case of highly sensitive karst resources, such as critical karst groundwater supplies for Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the City of Carlsbad and local ranching operations, it is vital that some permanent safeguards are put in place. Every possible activity does not have to happen on every parcel of land," he added.

National Parks Conservation Association staff was happy with the decision, but said pressure must be kept on the BLM to protect the national park.

“We are very pleased the BLM listened to the public’s concerns by recognizing that these are delicate and rare resources that need to be further studied and analyzed," said Ernie Atencio, NPCA's New Mexico program manager. "The BLM has rushed lease sales to auction without a public process as required. (Monday's) decision to keep the public involved in the future of our public lands across the Southwest is a step in the right direction.

“We recognize that the delay is only temporary, so we must continue to fight to protect Carlsbad Caverns National Park and limit impacts from oil and gas development on this still unexplored underground cave karst system," he added. "The administration’s incoherent approach to energy development in this region is not smart or sustainable without consultation of key stakeholders and the consideration of their concerns."