Public Lands in the Next Two Years

If we are going to save the last great places on public lands in the next two years we will need some strong politicians willing to stand up and take positions. Fundamentally, that is why I opted to run for State Land Commissioner again because I am not afraid to do it. For the last 14 years we have had Commssioners who have that 'go along to get along' attitude. That makes it hard to make decisions.

Despite the impending meltdown of the bush administration and their congressional allies there is still a capacity to do great harm to Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management Lands, and National Parks by this administration. The Oil and Gas Industry still holds immense power in the scheme of things on the Potomac. Some of this could change if we can retake either the House or Senate in Washington. Additionally, state level politicians can have a great effect on this by standing up to bad land management practices that have done so much harm over the last five years. Governor Bill Richardson's support for Otero Mesa and the Valle Vidal protections are extremely helpful. Also, County Commissioners, City councilors, Mayors and others can be effective in weighing in on these issues. That has been proven right here in New Mexico where my good friend Arturo Sandoval has been working with those folks in getting support for wilderness and land protection. There are a lot of good things going on in New Mexico right now because the Wilderness Society and the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, the Valle Vidal Coalition have recognized the importance of this inclusiveness in working with local leaders. It also helps convince our delegation that there is some real support for these land protections.