Public weighs in on proposed land exchange between Mescalero Apache Tribe, New Mexico State Land Office

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — Community members gathered Thursday to share feedback on a proposed land exchange between the Mescalero Apache Tribe and the New Mexico State Land Office.

The meeting, held in Las Cruces, centered on a proposal that would involve land near Sonoma Ranch Boulevard, close to Tellbrook and Escondido roads. While no formal development plans have been set for the property, discussions have included ideas such as an amphitheater.

“There’s been developers that we have talked to just having lunch and so forth that had recommendations,” one official said. “The one that stands out was an amphitheater not a huge one for concerts, but something fitting with the land.”

Many residents at the meeting expressed concerns about potential increases in noise, traffic congestion and changes to property values.

“You can move your casino elsewhere. You can move your amphitheater elsewhere,” one resident said. “Those are not sacred. The land, the water, the wildlife, the people they are sacred.”

Mescalero Apache Tribe President Thora Walsh-Padilla said the tribe’s goal is to preserve its cultural heritage.

“It’s hard to see how important our culture is,” Padilla said. “We are in deep projects right now just to maintain it to keep the language and traditions alive. That’s who we are.”

If approved, 330 acres would be appraised as part of the exchange. Once the property is valued, the tribe would be required to purchase state land of an equivalent amount.

Still, some residents said they want more transparency.

“I’ve never seen a developer ever come forward without a plan,” one resident said. “They always have a plan and a timeline. Tonight, all I heard is, ‘We’re still thinking about it.’”

The next public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, N.M.