New Mexicans with expertise in agriculture, oil and gas, outdoor recreation encouraged to apply
STATE LAND OFFICE NEWS
The New Mexico State Land Office and Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard announced an open application process for New Mexicans interested in serving on advisory committees or working groups aimed to steward access to state trust land while helping the State Land Office fulfill their mission to raise revenue for public schools, hospitals, and universities. Applicants with expertise in agriculture, conservation, and hunting and sportspeople access are encouraged to apply. Link: Online Application
“In 2019, we had trusted experts on a number of committees helping us steer rule changes and decisions,” Commissioner Garcia Richard said. “I personally thank everyone for their participation and the time that they devoted to these important causes. Moving forward, it is important to open up this process to more people, more perspectives, and more leaders from our state. These committees provided valuable feedback about the way we do business, and there is much more ahead in our collaborative efforts with those we do business with on behalf of our beneficiaries. I encourage all who are interested to apply.”
Applications for the following committees and working groups are being accepted online through April 15, 2020:
Advisory Committees:
Agriculture – The Agriculture Advisory Committee provides expertise and feedback on a range of issues directly impacting agricultural lessees. The committee is comprised of agricultural lessees, ranchers, farmers, and industry-related organizations. The committee will meet in person in Santa Fe in April and September, and will be asked to be on-call to respond to emerging issues as they arise.
Sportspeople – The Sportspeople Advisory Committee provide expertise and insight into hunting and other outdoor recreation activities that take place on New Mexico State Trust Land. This committee is mainly on-call to address issues that arise such as hunting closures and access issues, but it will have at least one in-person meeting in Santa Fe every September.
Conservation – The Conservation Advisory Committee provides insight to the State Land Office to ensure conservation and improvement of our public lands. This committee takes on engagement and action. Members are asked to help raise environmental awareness, educate the public, and help coordinate their respective communities in support of the State Land Office’s stewardship efforts and long-term landscape level planning. This committee is primarily on-call, but it will have at least one in-person meeting in Santa Fe every November.
Working Groups:
Department of Game and Fish Easement – Every March, the State Land Office and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish enter into an easement agreement to open up nearly 9 million acres of state trust land to hunters. This working group is comprised of agricultural lessees and sportspeople. The goal is to find compromises that both stakeholder groups can agree to in order to improve the experience of hunters and agricultural lessees during hunting season.
Agricultural Leasing – The State Land Office is fortunate to have over 3,500 agricultural lessees that provide stewardship and safety throughout state trust land. This working group is comprised of agricultural lessees, and it will help the State Land Office make critical decisions regarding any changes to agricultural lease terms.
Camping and Backpacking – The State Land Office in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will establish the first-ever pilot program on state trust land to allow for backpacking and dispersed camping in 2020. This working group is comprised of sportspeople and outdoor recreational experts who will advise on the pilot program.
White Peak – For generations, families have used White Peak for camping and hunting, but access continues to be threatened. The State Land Office is committed to addressing these issues and finding solutions through this working group.