Bernalillo County commissioners are calling on New Mexico’s congressional delegation to oppose any federal legislation that would reduce public land protections, citing concerns about potential sales or transfers of federal lands that include the Sandia Ranger District near Tijeras.
Commission Chair Eric Olivas and Commissioner Barbara Baca introduced a resolution at Tuesday night’s meeting supporting continued federal stewardship of public lands within the county and statewide.
“This resolution is in response to the current federal government discussions of the sale or transfer of federal land for the benefit of billionaire oligarchs,” Olivas said. “We are asking our New Mexico Congressional Delegation to continue to strongly oppose any federal legislation that would slash public land protections, weaken the Antiquities Act or reduce any existing national monument areas.”
The Sandia Ranger District, part of the Cibola National Forest, encompasses much of the mountainous terrain east of Albuquerque and surrounds the village of Tijeras. The district provides recreational opportunities for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts while serving as critical wildlife habitat in the East Mountains region.
Along with Petroglyph National Monument on Albuquerque’s west side, these federal lands make up a portion of the 21% of New Mexico that is publicly owned. The areas provide grazing opportunities, recreational spaces and wildlife habitats that county officials say are vital to the region’s economy and cultural heritage.
The outdoor recreation industry generates $3.2 billion in value-added income and supports more than 29,000 jobs statewide, according to county data.
“We are opposed to any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of any of our public lands,” Olivas said, emphasizing the county’s support for multiple-use land management and collaboration between federal agencies, local governments, tribal nations and community groups.
Commissioner Baca noted that outdoor recreation is deeply embedded in New Mexico’s culture.
“New Mexicans have long cherished the opportunity for outdoor recreational activity including fishing, camping, skiing, hiking, hunting and biking,” Baca said. “Public lands are integrated into our heritage and substantially contribute in many ways to the beauty of our state.”
The resolution comes as federal discussions about public land management continue to evolve. The commissioners stressed that these lands should remain accessible to all residents without limitations.
