New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has formed a partnership with the United States Department of Defense and the New Mexico Land Conservancy. The collaboration aims to protect over 60,000 acres of state trust land in Socorro and Torrance Counties, known as Chupadera Mesa. The State Land Office received $2.8 million under this agreement to support public education and other institutions in New Mexico.
The agreement focuses on preserving cultural and biological resources while aiding the Department of Defense's military readiness by preventing developments that could interfere with testing and training missions at White Sands Missile Range. The partnership is set for a duration of 75 years.
“This agreement shows that diverse entities actually can work together to protect our most valuable resources,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. She expressed satisfaction that state lands contribute to national security while generating funds for schools.
This Land Use Restriction or Condition (LURC) does not impact current grazing leases, thus maintaining the region's agricultural values.
Chupadera Mesa, rich in historical and cultural significance, hosts diverse wildlife and ecosystems. Brian Knight from White Sands Missile Range stated, “The execution of this LURC not only protects our State’s cultural and natural resources, but it provides a source of revenue to assist the State Land Office mission and protects critical airspace for the military test and evaluation which is a crucial component of our national defense.”
Jonathan Hayden from the New Mexico Land Conservancy highlighted the collaborative nature of this project: “Protection of Chupadera Mesa isn’t just one of largest land conservation projects in the state, it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the deep respect we have for the cultural heritage embedded in this landscape.”
Stephanie Garcia Richard was elected in 2018 to lead New Mexico's State Land Office. Since January 2019, her leadership has generated over $11 billion for public institutions through various leases on state trust land.
