By Ray Powell
OP ED
Off-the-beaten path in southwestern New Mexico, a large contiguous block of
state trust land has been a favorite destination of sportsmen for many
years. This beautiful remote location, commonly know as Luera Peak, affords
a great opportunity for licensed public hunters to pursue world-class elk
and other big game.
Last year word swirled furiously throughout New Mexico’s hunting and outdoor
recreation community that the State Land Office had struck a deal with an
out-of-state landowner. It was feared that the deal would have effectively
locked-out sportsmen and other interests from thousands of acres of state
trust land historically used for hunting and other important outdoor
activities.
Such a proposal to “privatize” what has traditionally been available to the
public hunters would have been a precedent of significant proportions.
Understandably, hunters and outdoor recreation organizations voiced strong
opposition.
Eventually the State Land Office announced that there was no deal with the
landowner and public hunters would be able to continue their traditional use
of the Luera Peak area.
Other than a few people directly involved in the discussions, no one knows
what specifically was contained in the discussions with the out-of-state
landowner.
This issue serves as a reminder to all of us that government, as keepers of
the public trust, must be mindful that it is in everyone’s best interest to
conduct business with full transparency and to involve those who have an
interest in the outcome.
The current administration at the land office has stated on numerous
occasions that the State Land Office’s first and foremost responsibility is
making money, without taking into consideration the impacts of these actions
on neighbors or the surrounding community. In my view making decisions
without public participation is contrary to the public good.
The land office must look at the big picture over a long period of
time--that is the very essence of the land Trust. Without cooperative and
collaborative relationships the Trust cannot optimize revenues for the
beneficiaries over the long term. In fact, it alienates the very people
upon whom the State Land Office’s success is dependent.
Without the confidence of the citizens of New Mexico, every transaction
becomes suspect and businesses become reluctant to work with public /
private ventures, which then translates into missed economic opportunities
for our school children and our communities.
When I was Commissioner of Public Lands I managed the State Land Office with
transparency and accountability. It was my practice to consult with a wide
range of interests. This included my sportsmen advisory committee, which
represented statewide interests, before pursing any proposal that would have
such dramatic consequence to public access to Trust Lands.
It is absolutely critical that public agencies charged with serving the
public interest, serve the public interest.
Ray Powell
Former Commissioner of Public Lands
and Candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands