Momentum is building to transfer federal lands in New Mexico to the heirs of Spanish and Mexican land grants.
Descendants of families who received government grants of land before New Mexico was annexed to the United States say that’s the only way to correct injustices caused when their ancestors lost control of some of their properties.
While the prospect of fencing off forests and streams now open to the public riles many who aren’t land-grant heirs, Gov. Bill Richardson and the New Mexico Legislature are urging Congress to transfer lands from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to land-grant heirs.
If the land is to be returned to “rightful” parties, you might want to consult with the Pueblos.