Santa Fe County discusses Bobcat Crossing Ranch conservation and water rights transfer concerns

Santa Fe County is poised to take significant steps toward environmental conservation and water management following discussions at the Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting on April 29, 2025. A key resolution proposed by Commissioners Hughes and Johnson aims to purchase and conserve the Bobcat Crossing Ranch as open space, a move that has garnered strong support from local residents and environmental advocates.

Felicia Prober, a resident of El Dorado, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting how the ranch's conservation would enhance local wildlife habitats and preserve cultural resources. Prober, along with others, urged the commissioners to approve the resolution, noting the increasing scarcity of opportunities to protect land from development.

Maya Clifford, General Manager of the Eldorado Area Water and Sanitation District, echoed this sentiment, stating that the purchase aligns with the interests of both residents and utility ratepayers. The board's support for the resolution reflects a commitment to safeguarding the region's natural resources.

However, the meeting also revealed tensions surrounding water rights management. Several residents voiced concerns about a proposed transfer of water rights from the Rancho Viejo well, fearing that it could exacerbate existing water shortages. Michael Bartlett and Melinda Hall, among others, raised alarms about the potential for overdevelopment and the impact on local aquifers, urging the commissioners to reconsider the implications of tapping into groundwater resources.

The discussions underscored a critical intersection of land conservation and water management in Santa Fe County. As the community grapples with the challenges of growth and resource sustainability, the decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners will have lasting implications for both the environment and the residents' quality of life. The board is expected to vote on the Bobcat Crossing Ranch resolution in the coming weeks, with many community members closely watching the outcome.