The Grant County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 28, 2025, heard extended public comment in support of a resolution calling for preservation of public lands and water rights, then voted to table resolution R-25-57 so language can be refined.

Multiple speakers urged commissioners to adopt the resolution. Andy Payne told the board that public land is a shared inheritance and asked commissioners to "vote for resolution r 25 57." Lorna Reubelman, Glenn Griffin and several others described public lands as central to local recreation and the economy; Griffin urged a bipartisan stance, saying a "strong bipartisan majority of Grant County support our public lands in public hands." Several commenters specifically cited the role of the state land office and the work of State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard.

Commissioner discussion split largely along two lines: broad support for keeping public land available for public use, and concern that the resolution's wording could be too absolute and unintentionally block reasonable transfers between public agencies. Commissioner Stevens, who sponsored the measure, said she had spoken with the state land office and that the commissioner "fully supports this resolution," and noted the land office has "raised more than $12,000,000,000 for New Mexico public schools, hospitals, and universities" while leasing state trust lands for multiple uses. Other commissioners said the resolution, as drafted, reads as opposition to all transfers and might prevent common-sense public-to-public trades such as exchanges to consolidate ownership and improve land management.

After discussion, Commissioner Medina moved to table the resolution for more research and work-session review; Commissioner Shelley seconded. The motion to table passed on a voice vote. Chairman Ponce announced, "Motion carries," and the item was set for further review rather than immediate adoption.

What the resolution would have said

R-25-57 was described to the commission and public as a statement opposing transfers or sales of federal public lands out of federal management and urging preservation of public lands and water rights. Supporters told the board the measure was intended to protect public-access values; critics said the draft language should be narrowed to avoid blocking transfers between public agencies that can improve management.

Next steps

Commissioners asked for additional review of the language and referenced upcoming public meetings hosted by the state land office; Stevens encouraged public attendance at a Grant County meeting she said will be held Sept. 25 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The resolution will be revised and brought back for further consideration.