When are your state trust lands not yours?

New Mexico is truly the Land of Enchantment. The places to explore are as endless as our skies. Whether you are drawn to our unique animals, diverse plant life, historical significance or just the vast expanses of high desert beauty, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

I spend at least three weekends a month trying new country roads and hiking in places without trails. My children look forward to learning about new things and places in our rugged backyard. We lovingly call it “exploring the boonies.”

The variegated places on the map, in a rainbow of different land designations, allow for exploration on National Forest Service lands, Bureau of Land Management lands, National Parks, State Parks and (or so I thought until recently) State Trust Lands.

Recently, I was exploring near the Rio Grande River and encountered a sign that I’d never seen before. It indicated that beyond the sign were State Trust Lands, which I already knew from my GPS unit that shows land designations, but it warned that access was prohibited. I was barred from my State Trust Lands. Our adventure that day was cut decidedly short.

The next day, I spoke with a state official who educated me, in part, about State Trust Lands. He said that I could access those lands while holding a valid hunting permit for that specific area, during the specific hunt duration, or two weeks prior to scout for the target animal species.

And while I very much enjoy hunting and am at least grateful for this allowance, what about people who don’t hunt, or for the rest of the year (~360 days) when I don’t hold a hunt permit for that specific area? We are out of luck.

I have since discovered, and this particular state official failed to mention, that I can obtain a Recreational Access Permit for $35 per year. But the application process is unnecessarily cumbersome, requiring me to list the specific areas I wish to visit, including nearby landmarks or roadways, section lines, specific dates of your intended visit and the activities you plan to pursue on those lands. I also have to list immediate family members that might come with me throughout the year. All for the privilege of exploring our public lands.

I plan to immediately apply.

But when did our public lands become not our own? Do our tax dollars not pay for those lands and the maintenance of such? Who are the lands for, if not for the citizens of this state and visitors to enjoy? Why else would we and our forefathers have fought so hard to ensure they remain free and wild, if not also accessible?

However, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge what I’ve also seen on our public lands. Trash blowing in the breeze, bullet holes in anything standing upright and stationary, vehicle tracks in places they should not be.

My mom always told me that a few bad apples can ruin the whole bushel, as can a few bad visitors cause the lock down of previously accessible areas for future generations. So, is the Recreational Access Permit the first step for the state to punish us, as a society, for our indiscretions? Perhaps. And in that, perhaps they are warranted.

My only hope is that my children can continue to explore wild places that my parents took me to, without unnecessary restrictions, but also without mourning, as I too often do, to see the desecration committed by others. Our public lands belong to all of us — let us treat them that way, with respect, reverence and care.

Shawna Pfeiffer is a life-long Dona Ana County Resident, graduate of NMSU, small business owner, hobby farmer, dog-lover, outdoor enthusiast and mother to two young children. She can be reached at srpfeiffer1@gmail.com.