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Friday, November 20, 2009
UPDATED: Governor Concerned About Proposed N.M. Land Swap
Associated Press
SANTA FE — Gov. Bill Richardson said Friday he is concerned about a proposed land swap in northeast New Mexico that would result in a net loss to the state of almost 4,000 acres of alpine meadows and pristine forest.
Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons has said the proposed trade in the White Peak area would reduce conflicts among landowners, sportsmen and the state by better consolidating state trust land.
Sportsmen argue the deal would only benefit private landowners and eliminate public access to hunting and recreational areas.
Richardson said he was particularly concerned about how the proposed swap was arranged, with sealed bids and virtually no public notice. Bidding is scheduled to end at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"This should not be acceptable for any major transaction involving public trust lands, much less lands that for centuries have been used for traditional purposes such as hunting, trapping and recreation," the governor said in a statement.
Richardson said he has heard from dozens of citizens, state lawmakers and members of New Mexico's congressional delegation about the proposed swap. Until the concerns are addressed, he said he, his departments and commissions cannot support "this ill-conceived deal."
State Land Office assistant commissioner Kristin Haase disputed the governor's claims and offered to brief Richardson on the matter.
"This exchange will create a quality game and wildlife area and I believe this is the right decision for sportsmen, recreationalists, private land owners and the trust," she said.
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