Land exchange with facts not misinformation

As the state representative in House District 52, where a land exchange is being proposed between the Mescalero Apache and the State Land Office, I have been receiving many phone calls, emails, and text messages from my constituents who are understandably very concerned about the plan.

After reading several news stories about the proposed exchange and hearing various accounts of what the exchange will entail, I was concerned that misinformation was being spread and decided to do some of my own fact finding on behalf of my constituents.

While in Santa Fe earlier this month for the special session, I reached out to State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard to express my opposition to the proposed exchange and asked if we could meet so I could get good information to educate myself and to share with my constituents.

In this meeting on Friday Oct. 3, I learned that this process is in its beginning “draft phase,” which is expected to take a minimum of six months. The usual time frame for tribal exchanges has been a year and a half – and that’s when there is no controversy. I believe there will be plenty of controversy with this exchange.

I confirmed that the 640-acre section of land being considered is off Sonoma Ranch Blvd. and Camino Escondida, beginning where Telbrook Road ends. According to preliminary observations, the top half of the section, or 330 acres, should be considered for development. Within those 330 acres, only a portion looks to be suitable for development. I also learned that there are no utilities at this site.

If this exchange goes through, the Mescalero Tribe would own the land “in fee simple”— a form of ownership like any other private party who owns land. It would not be “tribal” land or “trust” land. This is a federal designation that takes years to receive. The Tribe would need “trust” land designation to begin the process of “off reservation” gaming, for example, which takes many more years and only after federal and state permission. If the Mescalero Tribe owns the land “in fee simple,” it would still be subject to all county ordinances and zoning.

The next step in the planning process is a meeting with the local homeowners association in early November, followed shortly by a larger meeting for the general public, held in Las Cruces, and allowing for virtual participation. I was assured that there will be plenty of notice of the public meeting, and my office will also be alerting my constituents and other stakeholders by social media and newspaper advertising.

In the meantime, I have requested a meeting with the Mescalero Tribe to get its perspective and to encourage it to participate in all public meetings to make its concerns heard.

As with all work that affects our communities, decisions must be rooted in correct information. We need to educate ourselves and have the facts when we speak in public forums.

My goal is to make sure ALL interested parties, including my constituents, the Land Office, the Mescalero Tribe, Dona Ana County, NMSU, and community members are at the table for these important discussions in the months and years ahead.

Rep. Gallegos (District 52) represents the land where the proposed land exchange is proposed in Doña Ana County.