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SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard announced today her decision to proceed with an exchange that would convey approximately 212 acres of state trust land in the Bosque in Albuquerque’s South Valley to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to become part of the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. Commissioner Garcia Richard came to the decision following an extensive public outreach process that included three public meetings in Albuquerque this Spring and a survey of surrounding residents and the broader community. The USFWS is also required to hold a public comment process on the possible acquisition. 

The State Land Office first consulted with the Pueblo of Isleta to determine its interest in reacquiring their ancestral lands in the Bosque through an exchange. However, the Pueblo expressed support for the parcel becoming part of Valle de Oro. The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) initially indicated a desire to acquire the Bosque property as part of the Rio Grande Valley State Park but ultimately reversed course. The City of Albuquerque, which currently leases the parcel, did not request acquisition either.

“This exchange will help protect a cherished ecosystem and ensure it remains accessible to the public for future generations. I believe this exchange will lead to more outdoor recreation opportunities that are safe and well-managed right on Albuquerque’s doorstep,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “Community members have been engaged throughout this process and have helped me gain a clearer picture of the concerns that could come with any next steps. I am incredibly grateful for their input and positive civil discourse.”

Some respondents to the community survey supported conveying the land to USFWS, while others advocated for the land to be retained under local control. The vast majority of respondents in the most immediate neighborhoods expressed opposition to hunting in the area, while others raised concerns about critical flood control projects along the Rio Grande.

“As the next steps underway, I commit to provide residents with whatever support I can,” said Commissioner Garcia Richard. “Fish and Wildlife representatives have been open and engaged throughout this process, and I strongly urge them to continue listening to the community’s residents and the very real and valid concerns they have raised.”

To ensure that the flood control levee improvements financed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers along the Rio Grande are not disrupted, MRGCD will be applying for a right-of-way (ROW) for the levee. As soon as the State Land Office receives this application it will be processed in an expeditious manner. The USFWS would receive the Bosque property subject to this ROW, which would preserve MRGCD’s continued ability to maintain the levee for flood control purposes.

The City of Albuquerque currently holds a lease on the Bosque property to be transferred that does not expire until December 31, 2030. Unless the lease is relinquished by the City, the lease would remain valid subsequent to execution of the exchange. Considering the management responsibilities of the City in administering the Rio Grande Valley State Park, Commissioner Garcia Richard encourages USFWS to work with the City on issues of mutual importance, such as fire prevention and response and public access connectivity through the existing trail network.

A map of the parcel can be found here

In addition to community input surveys and public comment through its website, the State Land Office held three public meetings on March 20, 2024, April 16, 2024, and May 18, 2024.

 

Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has overseen the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019. In that time the agency has raised more than $10 billion for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities. Over 13 million acres of state trust land are leased for a variety of uses, including ranching and farming, renewable energy, business development, mineral development, and outdoor recreation. The State Land Office has a dual mandate to use state trust land to financially support vital public institutions, while simultaneously working to protect the land for future generations.