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Santa Fe County backs federal bill to protect Kaha del Rio landscape
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution supporting federal legislation that would create protected areas on Forest Service and BLM lands around Kaha del Rio, prohibit new roads and mines in the area, and require tribal consultation and protections for traditional uses.
Santa Fe County commissioners voted to endorse proposed federal legislation that would establish the Kaha del Rio Protection Act, a package of protections for public lands west of Santa Fe focused on cultural, ecological and spiritual values.
Mike Sullivan, a senior adviser for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, told the commission the bill would create two new protected units—a Forest Service Special Management Area and a BLM National Conservation Area—that would conserve cultural and ecological resources, prohibit new roads and mining rights of way, preserve traditional uses such as hunting and grazing, and require consultation with pueblos, tribal and traditional historic communities. Sullivan also said the draft legislation includes provisions to protect confidential indigenous knowledge in sacred locations from mandatory disclosure.
Commissioners emphasized that the proposal reflects years of community engagement and a coalition of tribal leaders, ranchers, conservation organizations and local land grants. "We're proud to stand with this community-driven approach," Commissioner Camila Bamante said during the discussion.
The board adopted a resolution in support of the local delegation'9s effort. County leaders said they would provide a county endorsement to congressional offices to accompany the legislation as it is introduced in the coming weeks.
Next steps: Senator Heinrich and a House sponsor planned to introduce mirror bills in Congress; county staff and local advocates said they would coordinate on outreach and technical comments to ensure local implementation details are reflected in the legislative text.
(Reporting note: summary relies on the county'9s resolution and testimony given by congressional staff during the April meeting.)
