Otero County Commission Calls for Public Input on Otero Mesa Designation

Otero County Commission Calls for Public Input on Otero Mesa Designation

On Thursday, May 20th, the Otero County Commission issued a county ordinance opposing designation of Otero Mesa as a National Monument without consent and input from local communities. This is progress. The County Commission’s action demonstrates their openness to public dialogue surrounding a designation for Otero Mesa, and a commitment to ensure local voices are heard during the process. This is an excellent opportunity to educate the Commission and local businesses on the many economic and cultural benefits a National Monument would provide Otero County.

Otero County businesses and residents stand to gain economically from protecting Otero Mesa as a National Monument.  A recent report by the Sonoran Institute found that “protected lands have the greatest influence on economic growth in rural isolated counties that lack easy access to larger markets.  From 1970 to 2000, real per capita income in isolated rural counties with protected land grew more than 60 percent faster than isolated counties without any protected lands.”

Monument designation would in no way cut off local ranchers or farmers from their livelihood. In fact, Monument proclamations protect existing valid uses of the designated area, and do not affect private property.

Explore the Coalition for Otero Mesa website for more information.