Ranch owners fight to preserve land amid development plans

The Sandoval County Planning and Zoning Public Hearing held on December 10, 2024, focused on a proposed project that has raised significant community interest and concern. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting four key observation points along Highway 14, where local residents have expressed apprehensions regarding the visual impact of the project.

The first observation point showcased current views from the highway, followed by renderings of how the project would appear at different times of the day. The discussion emphasized the varying visibility of the solar panels, particularly under different lighting conditions. Subsequent observation points continued this visual analysis, with the third and fourth points providing additional perspectives from Porto Chito Road and La Cantera, respectively. The latter point was noted for its higher altitude, which could affect the project's visibility.

Rock Hart, manager of Diamond Veil Ranch, addressed the commission, sharing insights on the challenges faced by ranching operations in the area. He described the land as unsuitable for traditional ranching, with a significant amount of acreage required to sustain livestock. Hart emphasized the ranch's cultural significance and the owners' desire to preserve it, noting that the proposed project site has fewer cultural resources compared to other areas of the ranch.

Hart also discussed fire safety concerns, stating that while lightning strikes occur frequently on the ranch, there has never been a fire due to a lack of fuel. He mentioned ongoing efforts to manage the feral horse population on the ranch and expressed a willingness to collaborate with local fire departments to ensure safety measures are in place.

Following Hart's comments, a representative from the project team confirmed that a cultural survey had been conducted in collaboration with San Felipe Pueblo, ensuring that the project would not disturb significant cultural sites. The representative assured that a 100-acre setback would be maintained in areas of high cultural value.

Dora Dominguez, director of economic development and tourism for Sandoval County, also spoke, highlighting the project's community outreach efforts and its potential benefits for the local economy.

The meeting concluded without further comments from the commission, leaving the community and stakeholders awaiting the next steps in the zoning process. The discussions underscored the delicate balance between development and preservation in Sandoval County, reflecting the community's commitment to safeguarding its cultural and environmental heritage.