New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has issued Executive Order 2024-001, which prohibits mining, the construction of large transmission lines, and major thoroughfares on state lands within the Caja del Rio Plateau. This order affects 3,487 acres of surface land and 5,523 acres of mineral rights on state trust lands in the area.
Although a draft decision by the U.S. Forest Service for a 14-mile transmission line does not involve state lands, this executive order complements previous efforts to safeguard cultural resources on the plateau. The order is effective immediately and will remain in place until December 31, 2044 unless extended.
Commissioner Garcia Richard emphasized her responsibility to protect these landscapes: “The Caja del Rio represents a wealth of New Mexico history and culture just minutes away from Santa Fe. It is my duty as the State Land Commissioner to protect the state lands located on our most cherished landscapes because once they are gone, they are gone forever.”
Governor Milton Herrera from Pueblo of Tesuque expressed gratitude for acknowledging their cultural ties to Caja del Rio: “The Pueblo of Tesuque thanks the state land commissioner for recognizing the unique and special character of the Caja del Rio.”
Brophy Toledo from Jemez Pueblo highlighted ongoing environmental stewardship: “We earthpeople are stewards of the environment and have been able to keep the land from further destruction.”
Reverend Andrew Black praised this protective measure: “It’s long overdue to protect this important area.”
Julia Bernal from Pueblo Action Alliance supported upholding tribal sovereignty in conservation efforts: “To protect...our ancestral lands...non-tribal governmental partners need to uphold...the sovereignty and consent of tribes who wish to protect biodiversity.”
Carmichael Dominguez noted traditional practices tied to these lands: “The communities...maintain deep ties...through pilgrimage, prayer, hunting, grazing and firewood gathering.”
Santa Fe County Commissioner Anna Hansen reiterated local support for preservation measures: "On multiple occasions...resolutions supporting preservation have been passed."
Garrett VeneKlasen urged further action towards national monument designation: "We hope all our congressional delegates will push with all their political might."
Paul F. Reed commended Garcia Richard's bold actions: "Bold action by Commissioner Garcia Richard will ensure that these resources are protected."
Maude Dinan called for responsible energy planning following this step: "This order is an important step toward protecting..."
Michael Casaus applauded leadership setting an example for federal agencies: "The leadership by State Land Commissioner Garcia Richard should set a model..."
Stephanie Garcia Richard was elected in 2018 as New Mexico's Commissioner of Public Lands. Since assuming office in January 2019, she has overseen significant financial contributions to public institutions while managing over 13 million acres leased for various uses.
