SANTA FE, NM – Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has signed a Land Use Restriction or Condition (LURC) with the Compatible Lands Foundation in partnership with the Department of Defense. The LURC places a buffer zone around Fort Bliss Army Base to address incompatible planning and development in the vicinity of important military training operations. Fort Bliss is the Army’s largest installation for heavy armor tanks and other combat vehicles. Troops train in the area with helicopters, Humvees, and other large vehicles.
The restriction will prevent light pollution that can interfere with nighttime training operations and affect the readiness of Fort Bliss troops. The Compatible Lands Foundation paid over half a million dollars to the State Land Office in order to restrict the use of the land. The beneficiaries of the deal are New Mexico State University and public schools.