A new law will allow the state to acquire conservation easements from farmers, ranchers and other landowners to ensure that the property is not developed. Gov. Bill Richardson on Monday signed legislation into law that supporters say can help protect land in New Mexico, improve wildlife habitat and provide for open space for communities or recreation. "New Mexicans want their land preserved. They are committed to conservation, to wildlife," Richardson said at a news conference at ranch south of Santa Fe, which is protected by a conservation easement with a nonprofit group. The agreement prevents the ranch from being broken up into smaller parcels for real estate development. The new law, which takes effect May 19, also establishes a fund for the state to make grants for conservation and land restoration projects. The legislation was approved by lawmakers during a 30-day session, which ended in February. Lawmakers allocated $5 million for conservation easements during a special session of the Legislature, which ended last week...read more
COMMENT: Only one out of every three acres in NM is privately owned, and they can't keep their grubby paws off it.
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