Protecting State Trust Lands
State Land Commissioner Ray Powell is a strong advocate of protecting and preserving the environment by initiating various programs that help protect the state trust. You can become a good steward of public trust lands, too. You can recycle plastics, paper, and aluminum. You can become involved in educational programs about renewable energy such as wind and solar farms. You can provide a cleaner and greener environment for future generations by recognizing that illegal dumping of solid waste and hazardous materials on state lands is illegal. Speak with family and friends about the adverse long-term effects of illegal dumping on state trust lands and report such activity to local authorities. This is all part of being a good public land steward.
"River of Tires" on Trust Land
More than 350,000 tires were illegally dumped on state trust lands near Wagon Mound in Mora County. The Land Office is currently pursuing legal action to get the tires removed.
Dixon Apple Orchard, near Cochiti
Property and 10 percent of apple trees (300 out of 3,000) located on state trust land at the Dixon Apple Orchard near Cochiti burned during the Las Conchas Fire, the largest and most catastrophic fire in New Mexico's history.
Illegal Dumping of Chicken Manure on State Lands
More than 8,900 cubic yards of chicken manure dumped on this state land in southern Doña Ana County were the focus of a massive State Land Office clean-up effort in 2011. The highly concentrated manure posed a public health risk, potential groundwater and run-off water contamination, as well as damage to the land. Threatened legal action resulted in a clean-up during the summer of 2011.