[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6256297,"mediaKeyId","3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4","parentId",3156901,"title","County increases Rocky Mountain Youth Corps contract to continue open-space resource crews","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",4780000,"endMs",5084000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4&start=4780&end=5084","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4/thumbnail_4780000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6256297/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/County-increases-Rocky-Mountain-Youth-Corps-contract-to-continue-open-space-resource-crews","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256297-9db8be449133d774da1a268f3e9fb48c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843148&Signature=mizZukYCJJembZuCnTNGC9UXFNL~jVulDipIWJGyjaV4YRoFGfGDri5CeF5nuobC4T89IZF3fAXQytY7~qheyUlYpeo3OoJ05cuTaobOF8j0n6zgDwpPCkYSeOoVXbXXH5eprUkBkHtw-Lram3OiajFFUAfPfnYkfJou4pan2FAup7yCHf6pojWfB4Ya46o49erZCmZfOcdb3mn67BENKh4vXRCq3kWLumV5EWddnlFxQlaSKzx59oI~yA1ZLmqe57rRMoCXB8lhjkfi94gRZal0JmzYiGEJdGAA8knIOGGcKO82jRy-3Tjj1-4Sw8EMXcpBvvvzvQRD~Ec9sogvGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Santa Fe County, NM","date","2025-04-30T16:14:59.7Z","article","Santa Fe County commissioners authorized Amendment No. 7 to the existing agreement with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to continue using youth crews for resource management tasks on county open-space properties including Little Tesuque Creek, Los Potreros and the Ortiz Mountains. The amendment increases contract compensation by $36,166.57 for a total contract sum of $255,000 (inclusive of NMGRT) and delegates authority to the county manager to sign purchase orders.

Open Space and Trails Planning Team Leader Adeline Murphy said the youth crews do invasive plant removal, wildlife-friendly fencing installation and legacy-fence removal, erosion-control structures, forest-thinning and riparian restoration, and more recently, some trail maintenance. Staff emphasized the partnership’s benefits for both conservation goals and workforce development in ecological restoration.

Commissioners unanimously approved the amendment. One commissioner asked to confirm whether nearby Forest Service trail work was covered; staff replied that the county’s contract covers county open-space properties only, though the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps works with multiple partners including the U.S. Forest Service on other projects.

The amendment is intended to continue a previously successful partnership through the end of the contract term, and staff will return with appropriate purchase orders and oversight reports as the crews continue work on county properties.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/29/2025 Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Board approved Amendment No. 7 to the county’s contract with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to continue resource management crews on county open space properties, increasing compensation by $36,166.57 to a new total of $255,000 (inclusive of NMGRT).","taxTitle","Santa Fe County, New Mexico","taxId",2698,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256302,"County approves nearly $4.0 million contract for Arroyo Hondo Trail segments 2 and 3",213,5114000,5327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4&start=5114&end=5327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4/thumbnail_5114000.jpg","/articles/6256302/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/County-approves-nearly-40-million-contract-for-Arroyo-Hondo-Trail-segments-2-and-3","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256302-44361af551896a14209c0fb645c79487/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843148&Signature=dpW3avAtNPZE80IeXhMjPlzU9jMNDIb5LlWPVMEmC-p9Fy8W6Sz~MP8bZi-IN3WVDJMl~spqrqu7PMcNQmQ2Wvhnzb8JWucppK54Je~8mZppt7VA6F3Bwq30GLXxCxo5-7-eV8kgEPEOC9agduqKlPMYVuhK1L3sqMUFILVeraYnE61NK5WNkoBi~4b5S8GZ8MS8Fkzhx0DP83ZDf2LIC2rPnpdZIVe2WYhKomRgZFWk4rqhwFkPq6pKkty1KNqaiI30b5I4EydeaoBVTPpsD~LsWEUfinyZjNfx4bdEhokdrvhny~tAWeSKKRfZBNGg2Ot3KXPrDJkXTQS7-CJdZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Santa Fe County commissioners authorized a $3,998,970 contract (exclusive of NMGRT) with Meridian Contracting to construct Segments 2 and 3 of the Arroyo Hondo trail system, a multimodal project that will connect residential areas, the Rail Runner station and community college infrastructure. The board approved the purchase order following a staff presentation of the procurement and the project’s status.

Public Works project manager Robert Walton told the board the planning, design and construction-management steps were complete, and that federal funds are tied to the project and will require the county to follow federal reimbursement and oversight rules. Commissioners noted the project’s potential to improve multimodal connections between housing, employment and transit.

During public comment, a commissioner asked whether residents had complained about odors or raw sewage near planned trail alignments; staff said they had not received such constituent reports but would coordinate with the New Mexico Environment Department and appropriate agencies if concerns appeared.

The contract award to Meridian follows the February bid and March award recommendation; the county manager is delegated authority to finalize the purchase order and move forward with construction management steps required for federal funding. Work is expected to proceed according to the construction schedule once permitting and procurement formalities are finalized.","The Board of County Commissioners approved a public-works contract with Meridian Contracting for construction of Arroyo Hondo Trail Segments 2 and 3, a multimodal trail connecting neighborhoods, commercial centers and the Rail Runner station; the contract award was $3,998,970 (exclusive of NMGRT).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256307,"Board recognizes La Cañada de los Alamos Community Association as community organization",1026,2520000,3546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4&start=2520&end=3546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4/thumbnail_2520000.jpg","/articles/6256307/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Board-recognizes-La-Cañada-de-los-Alamos-Community-Association-as-community-organization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256307-7f2a796fea433e8eec76238650dc20b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843148&Signature=CNAbg25KfkKRQyNsYQ2RW1Q7ajECaNmEOIzXxUU4cQrJlQgIZyfV5z-cFXiBa4rsvqnR~xhc8itTfwFNZNvRc~zt0XZup1sVn5WYtB3guvhUjvavE0yd6UoPptHVFw4~n2dL4OkQfpECIsotrnurS7AvbjSLgnC0KUzeZglPmaa2ZfwH2Yjl-w~axQpkfe1twpY1jiFkuuWQup91WWDkLPln~Z3glto-MWvxZ~2qfHFRTBkwQd7oRRhO4riRPNYQUxKL2M3xwkFh4kSXM8cQkOft6kPZAAFIIRlR1Ae16BDdgBtBGChrIlT-4GDuctik1nHc8j9DOnIBu9~EJbAHWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners voted to recognize the La Cañada de los Alamos Community Association as an official community organization, giving the group formal standing under the county’s sustainable land development code. Staff presented the application and recommended approval after reviewing the association’s application packet and proposed boundary map.

La Cañada de los Alamos is a small, traditional community of about 421 residents in Commission District 4; the association’s application proposed using the U.S. Census designated-place boundary to define its area. Staff said using the census boundary would help county planners rely on consistent demographic data when doing studies for the area. The county’s rules for community organizations provide rights including notice and the opportunity to submit recommendations on discretionary development, participation in capital improvement processes, and legal standing in quasi-judicial hearings.

Residents from La Cañada spoke in support of recognition; they described wildfire vulnerability, trail and access concerns (including unauthorized bike trails in headwaters), and a desire to coordinate with county staff and the U.S. Forest Service. Commissioners asked about the group’s outreach and representation; staff said the ordinance does not require a formal constituent vote for recognition but staff verified a good-faith community organizing effort and canvassing. The commission approved the resolution unanimously.

Following the vote, staff will note the association as an official county community organization and provide the group with the rights and notice procedures established in the county code. Members said they hope the designation helps them coordinate on wildfire prevention, public-lands access and local planning with county and federal partners.","The Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution recognizing the La Cañada de los Alamos Community Association under county code, granting it standing to receive notices and participate in development and capital improvement processes affecting the community’s census-designated place boundary.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256311,"Residents press Santa Fe County to pause transfer of Rancho Viejo exploratory well water rights, citing risk to neighborhood wells",2906,7144000,10050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4&start=7144&end=10050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4/thumbnail_7144000.jpg","/articles/6256311/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Residents-press-Santa-Fe-County-to-pause-transfer-of-Rancho-Viejo-exploratory-well-water-rights-citing-risk-to-neighborhood-wells","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256311-215f9d6231c1249b1d4db25c998b9466/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843148&Signature=ZinVBefVNEAoJDpRn~9ggwicuQ2qeOJzJR6Kzl5gX0r6lVISFIBHQGpVtEPMT2OfuoW8kXKIxhlA-iMq57nR8WIaVuxP5n~Fvy2Lzjxg3-PNe6sYfp~xFFyrvexxwkkXb86dgiq~72x9an1L0YVNdL~HWxrfDh8nFzXQjcxKDHy9qyB~g6Hyxoju5fhO9XicjyBDVJzSr~B4emPFJt95sGnEB028VqT5SHqxuZvmZmS~XQlPNvwCmXEm49iwuL~RQTlGD-NTO~uQWQeAEWQe8WtNVxW8ced3lW9c1xSLDIew-PtMYeVQdaRddQdjZpUBSD~S9gDe1TUoeKV4cuX9Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the Rancho Viejo exploratory well pressed county commissioners to pause the county’s association with a proposed water-rights transfer that they say threatens local domestic wells. Dozens of residents testified during public comment about declining well levels, concerns over a deep exploratory well’s pumping capacity and the lack of advance notice to well owners.

At the meeting, several speakers from Churchill Road, Vista Ocasa and nearby neighborhoods described falling water levels in household and shared wells and said the 1,350-foot exploratory well near Rancho Viejo is capable of pumping hundreds of gallons per minute — orders of magnitude above the water use of nearby private wells. Speakers asked the commission to stop any steps that would convert the exploratory well into a production well used to satisfy developers’ obligations or to expand nearby development.

Speakers included homeowners, neighborhood association representatives and the president of the Santa Fe Gateway Alliance. Many urged the commission either to withdraw from the current water-rights application or to pause county participation pending a comprehensive study of aquifer impacts and mitigation for affected well owners. Several speakers cited a county hydrology report and the need for additional groundwater modeling and expressed distrust of a transfer application they characterized as aimed at facilitating nearby development.

Representatives from the El Dorado Area Water and Sanitation District urged study of regional groundwater geology and offered to share technical information. The property owner who had been discussed in earlier documents — and parties associated with the well — attended and said any changes to the sale or disposition of rights would require partner approval. County staff and commissioners did not take a vote on the matter during the meeting; the item was raised during the public comment period and will require ongoing staff follow-up.

What to watch: residents asked the Board to require independent groundwater analysis, pause any county endorsement or transfer pending that work, and to prioritize connecting affected neighborhoods to county water where feasible. Commissioners acknowledged the public concern and indicated they would raise the subject with county water utilities and with state regulators as staff compiles next steps.","Multiple residents from Churchill Road, Rancho Viejo and surrounding neighborhoods urged the Board of County Commissioners to pause the county’s involvement with an application to transfer water rights to an exploratory well at Rancho Viejo, saying deep production could impair local domestic wells and calling for more study and notice.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6256316,"Santa Fe County approves purchase of Bobcat Crossing Ranch for open space preservation",3408,7600000,11008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4&start=7600&end=11008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3156901-f895864a3f7e90c1f4e2a77434d845e4/thumbnail_7600000.jpg","/articles/6256316/Santa-Fe-County/New-Mexico/Santa-Fe-County-approves-purchase-of-Bobcat-Crossing-Ranch-for-open-space-preservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256316-49351eded5bbb17052c20b03c4aef6ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770843148&Signature=YKIyETEAoukM1WDNgBjlNkQpz3JlJJQ~RhG0yjAg4AjTAmIL2Q0hRem9LcjuG1-cL7ks4PpY70d6FmSrohryrpOdWb4-oQFhPbkImN9uJFlWpmfbANv3HxjF2Gavfl-HmDJA8R3szFneedTpS1f~iOMM0HM~M~-YDWnPbmE0nz0EHKdpKuy8V4nWfs1RwunXZumrCFDqt2sd1E4~eAFA5oeSG5cZIo08ulEKcJ7pfmJPqXEAShBJmC3pyav9GD3QZw7FQBKkGCwUANuV~QJqXT0uzefW9DoXInfFBETngheeN47RB6ddMQQSjbekkECLK3LKuD5sUj6GFTyJn4fWxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Santa Fe County commissioners voted to authorize county staff to negotiate and execute documents to acquire the property known as Bobcat Crossing Ranch and add the land to the county’s open-space portfolio. The measure passed 3-2 after public comment and debate over budget timing and long-range planning.

The Board’s action follows a recommendation from the county’s Open Land, Trails and Parks advisory committee (COLPAC), which called the property a “generational opportunity” to secure an expansive undeveloped parcel connecting the Santa Fe Rail Trail to regional open lands. Supporters told commissioners the ranch’s size, scenic views, and relative lack of disturbance make it uniquely suited for conservation and new trail connections.

The vote authorizes the county manager to sign documents necessary to complete the purchase, and directs staff to secure and maintain the property while preserving identified cultural resources. Opponents on the board cautioned that the acquisition is being considered outside the county’s regular capital budget cycle and asked for additional planning — including engagement with tribal and other community stakeholders — before committing funds. In response, commissioners who supported the purchase said the parcel is unlikely to remain available if the county waits for the next budget cycle.

Speakers at the meeting included local residents, conservation advocates, and representatives of community organizations who urged the county to preserve the ranch in perpetuity. Several speakers also asked the county to place the property under a conservation easement as soon as possible to ensure permanent protection. The owner of the property attended and told the board the sale would require partner approval if the commission proposed changes to the purchase terms.

The board recorded a 3-2 vote: Commissioners Adam Johnson, Hank Hughes and Chair Camilla Bustamante voted in favor; Commissioner Justin Green and Commissioner Lisa Kakari Stone opposed. The board attached conditions that require COLPAC and staff review before any future proposals to change the property’s use.

What’s next: staff will negotiate purchase documents and begin measures to secure the site. The resolution directs county staff to consult with Pueblo nations, other ancestral communities and county stakeholders about protection and future programming for the site; any later change in use would be subject to public processes described in the resolution. The county also intends to explore funding and partnership options to reduce net cost to taxpayers.","After public testimony and debate, the Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to authorize staff to proceed with acquiring and managing the roughly 2,600-acre Bobcat Crossing Ranch as county open space, preserving trails, wildlife corridors and archaeological resources while requiring future public review of any change in use.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County increases Rocky Mountain Youth Corps contract to continue open-space resource crews

County approves nearly $4.0 million contract for Arroyo Hondo Trail segments 2 and 3

Board recognizes La Cañada de los Alamos Community Association as community organization

Residents press Santa Fe County to pause transfer of Rancho Viejo exploratory well water rights, citing risk to neighborhood wells

Santa Fe County approves purchase of Bobcat Crossing Ranch for open space preservation