Press Releases

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing on Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández’s bill, H.R. 5493, Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act.

This legislation provides for greater consultation between the Federal Government and land grant governing bodies and requires the consideration of Historical Traditional Uses in federal land management planning. Additionally, this bill requires the federal government to provide guidance on any permit requirements for qualified land grant-mercedes and traditional uses.

"Land grants sustain our farmers, ranchers, and communities. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo promised land and property rights would be protected. That treaty wasn't always honored, but today, we are taking steps to improve consultation and communication between federal agencies and our land grant communities on lands within historical grant boundaries," said Leger Fernández. "This legislation will make it easier for land grant mercedes to know of changes to management plans, to establish their historical boundaries, and provide them with pathways for acquiring land when the federal government disposes of it. It also ensures that the federal government appropriately recognizes and provides access to spiritual and cultural sites. I want the federal government to recognize and work alongside traditional communities."

“The recognition and the consultation aspects of this bill are important first steps in addressing and rectifying historical injustices that have crippled our communities for over a century. For decades, our communities have suffered social injustice and economic hardships, as a direct result of being denied meaningful access to traditional uses on our former common lands. The passage of H.R. 5493 would help ensure that federal land management policies and practices, regardless of changes in the administration, will honor, respect, protect and conserve our traditional uses, now and for future generations.” said Arturo Archuleta, Program Manager, New Mexico Land Grant Council.

“The BLM supports [this] bill and looks forward to working with the sponsors and subcommittee on them. BLM understands the importance of working closely with the New Mexico Land Grant Mercedes and appreciates the cultural and historical role they have played and continue to play throughout New Mexico. We support H.R. 5493 which aligns with the administration’s priorities outlined in EO 13985, advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government as well as the Secretary’s priorities.” said Mark Lambrecht, Assistant Director National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior.

“USDA recognizes the significance of addressing the unique and important historic and cultural settings of Northern New Mexico… The Forest Service is committed to collaboration and transparency that addresses the unique needs of our local communities,” said Gregory C. Smith, Director of Lands and Realty Management United States Department of Agriculture – Forest Service.

Watch the full hearing HERE.

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