State Land Office News:

The New Mexico State Land Office is taking public comment on a proposal that would open public access to the northern end of the Coronado National Forest in the Peloncillo Range.

Rancher Seth Hadley, whose family owns the sprawling Diamond A Ranch, has applied to the SLO for an easement over a state land section in the area.

If State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard approves the application, Hadley is prepared to build a road across his ranch to provide public access to the national forest boundary.

The New Mexico Wildlife Federation has worked for years to try to open public access to the northern Peloncillos and strongly supports Hadley’s application. Some other area ranchers whose properties border national forest lands in the area have said they oppose Hadley’s application.

Public comments on Hadley’s application must be submitted by Aug. 16. Direct them to Alysha Shaw at the land office at ashaw@slo.state.nm.us.