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Commissioners, sheriff raise concerns after BLM cedes public lands south of Highway 9 to Army; county seeks clarity
Summary
Commissioners and the sheriff said they were told Bureau of Land Management lands south of Highway 9 have been ceded to the U.S. Army, potentially expanding military control over public lands and raising questions about public access, jurisdiction and enforcement; county staff said they will seek maps and formal information from federal agencies.
Doña Ana County elected officials and the sheriff told the board May 13 they are concerned about recent federal steps that transfer certain public lands south of Highway 9 to U.S. Army control, and they asked for clearer mapping and legal guidance on access and enforcement.
Why it matters: Commissioners said BLM’s recent actions — described at the meeting as ceding public lands south of Highway 9 to Army use — could limit public access to those lands, change which authorities respond to incidents on that land, and normalize expanded military presence and enforcement in areas within the county.
What was said: A county commissioner reported that Bureau of Land…
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