Resident, commissioners raise alarms about federal centennial landscape program and water impacts

Mike Standefer, a former Natural Resources Conservation Service employee, told the Roosevelt County Commission on May 28 that a proposed federal centennial landscape program deserves close scrutiny because of its potential long-term effects on land use and local water resources. “There are other ways to address those issues,” Standefer said, citing his 33 years inspecting water wells for NRCS.

Commissioner Rodney Savage echoed the concern, saying the program could put large acreages into federal control and harm the county tax base and emergency response. “I do not want the Mexican gray wolf reintroduced to the area,” Savage said, linking perceived federal land control to broader wildlife-management worries. Commissioners Paul Grider and Roy Lee Criswell agreed with Savage’s caution.

County Manager Amber Hamilton and staff did not propose any binding county action at the meeting. Hamilton noted county staff are tracking the matter and that County Attorney Michael Garcia plans to provide additional information; Garcia also announced a webinar on the subject scheduled for July 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The commission did not take a vote on the issue during the meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners’ statements signal local concern about federal land programs that could affect property tax revenue, public access, and county obligations for roads and fire response. Those are practical issues for Roosevelt County, whose leaders said they will research owner rights, fiscal effects, and statutory constraints before making any formal decision.

What’s next: County officials said they will gather more information and review legal and fiscal implications before the commission considers formal positions or actions.