New Mexico advances work to secure state’s natural resources and agricultural heritage

Trout Stalker Ranch in Chama, New Mexico.

Abundant, clean water and healthy soils are critical to New Mexico’s future.

New Mexico Senate Bill 454 — The New Mexico Agricultural and Natural Resources Trust Fund Act — proposed to create a self-sustaining endowment fund to conserve the state’s natural resources and agricultural heritage. The intent of NM SB454 was to provide funding to landscape-scale, cross boundary projects that sustain and improve soil health, water supply and quality, agricultural production and wildlife habitat.

Thanks to support from landowners across the state, and from organizations including the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, the need for the funding certainty and project implementation proposed in the New Mexico Agricultural and Natural Resources Trust Fund Act was clearly articulated.

The bill successfully passed both the Senate and the House. Although the legislative session ended before we could reach concurrence on this bill, the coming year will provide ample opportunity to continue building support for the bill, and a durable appropriation.

We look forward to continued conversations and action on these ideas in the coming year. The full bill, complete with amendments, is posted here. Please contact Jessica Crowder, WLA’s policy director, with questions or comments on this or other WLA policy work: Jessica@westernlandowners.org. 

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