By Ray Powell
January 26, 2006

OP ED

Moon Mountain, a prominent landmark in the heart of Ruidoso, is a special place to those in the community. It has also unfortunately become a classic conflict between community interest and government.

By virtue of historic circumstance, this community icon is owned and managed by the State Land Office. Over the years, not much attention has been given to it. But, as New Mexico grows, so does interest in locations that are viewed by the private sector as a profitable opportunity.

Word has it that private interests have set their sights on Moon Mountain for development. The development would follow a land exchange wherein the State Land Office would trade Moon Mountain to a private interest in exchange for a ranch in McKinley County. On the surface, recognizing the State Land Office's legal responsibility to earn revenue for public schools and other public institutions, a thinly veiled argument may be made that the proposed trade makes economic sense for the State Land Office. On the other hand, when one looks at the details, including what the state will receive in exchange for Moon Mountain, a strong argument can be made that the proposed trade resulting in the privatization of Moon Mountain is not in the best economic interest of the State.

One absolutely critical question that has been ignored by the State Land Office is how will the proposed trade affect the long-term interest of Ruidoso? Many in and around Ruidoso believe that the privatization of Moon Mountain, lock, stock and barrel, is not good for the community or the State. Those points-of-view should not be ignored.

I am a strong advocate of sustainable development and recognize the important role of local and state government in fostering a climate that encourages economic opportunity. I also believe it is critical that new projects be planned consistent with community values and with the involvement of those that live and work in the affected community.

I firmly believe that the State Land Office should be a partner with the community of Ruidoso in charting a future for Moon Mountain. When I had the privilege to serve as Commissioner of Public Lands, I developed the Community Partnership Program that was designed to be a vehicle for a constructive working relationship. We worked with communities and circumstances just like Ruidoso and Moon Mountain to implement projects that work for both community and State Land Office interests. For example, I created a 3,000 acre nature preserve in Albuquerque that highlights the connection between people and nature and is ideally situated for research and education. It also generates annual recurring revenue for our public schools. It appears that the time is right for collaboration to plan for the future of Moon Mountain.

How about a collaborative effort between the City of Ruidoso, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico State University, the public schools, Lincoln County and the State Land Office? Together those interests may elect to plan and implement a management strategy for Moon Mountain. Those interested in participating may want to consider opportunities that provide for recreation; ecological, astronomical, geological, wildlife, botany, forest and rangeland research; and education opportunities that reconnect our children with nature; all while at the same time partnering with the State Land Office to help it meet its obligation to financially support public institutions. From my point of view, opportunities for Moon Mountain are limited only by the imagination of those joining in a planning partnership.

If the community is willing, the State Land Office should be willing.

Ray Powell
Candidate for State Land Commissioner