Commissioners approve resolution opposing Trump’s review of national monument

With a 4-to-1 vote, Doña Ana County Commissioners approved a resolution opposing the Trump Administration’s efforts to downsize the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

The non-binding resolution is needed to give the Department of the Interior an idea of where the county stands on a proposal to downsize the monument.

Former President Barack Obama designated the national monument in 2014. It spans across more than 496,000 acres.

In May, President Donald Trump issued a presidential order reviewing the status of the monument. In total, the Department of the Interior released a review list that includes 22 monuments on federal land and five marine monuments in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

County commissioner Ben Rawson introduced a resolution supporting the Trump Administration’s review of the monument. Rawson’s resolution failed to go before commissioners court for a vote.

Commissioners instead voted to approve the resolution proposed by Commissioner Billy Garrett, opposing efforts to review the size of the national monument.

Hundreds gathered at the Doña Ana County Government Center for Tuesday’s meeting, requiring the county to open an overflow room. Corrie Stone-Fielder, a county spokeswoman, estimated that happens only about once a year.

“It’s really incredible,” said Nathan Small,” a state legislator for district 36. “To see folks across different parties, different ages, different backgrounds, from different parts of our county, all coming together for one reason: To support our Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.”

There were dozens and dozens of people in line to speak to the County Commissioners, including many elderly people. ABC-7 estimated that the the wait in line was more than an hour. At least one person fell down while waiting in line.

ABC-7’s New Mexico Mobile Newsroom estimated that there were around 200 people in the main room of the meeting, with dozens more outside and in the overflow room.

“I support the national monument,” said Pastor Robert Reed, of Las Cruces. “It’s impressive thinking of the heritage and I think it needs to be protected.”

There were at least a handful of people who opposed the size of the monument.

“I think it’s too big, too powerful (and) too overwhelming,” said Bill Kolbin, a Las Cruces president. “I t’s nice to have the monument… but it’s just way too big.”

“Even though I’m for keeping and preserving the beautiful wilderness that we have, there has to be balance,” said Bev Courtney.