FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2018
Contact: James Hallinan March 16, 2018
Taos, NM – Attorney General Hector Balderas announced that the Office of the Attorney General will begin a major trial against a wealthy Texas landowner’s illegal attempts to bar New Mexicans from treasured public lands. The trial begins Monday in front of Judge Sarah Backus in Taos County over the public’s right to use historic roads that provide access to White Peak in Colfax and Mora counties. The Office of Attorney General Balderas will demonstrate that there are several major public roads that have been used for over a century to access the area. The Attorney General is fighting against a private landowner’s attempt to deny New Mexicans access to roads that are protected by state and federal law.
“White Peak is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful areas of public land in New Mexico, which has been used by New Mexican families from all over our state to hunt, hike and gather wood for centuries,” said Attorney General Balderas. “I will fight any attempt to take away our unique culture and way of life, and our access to our most valuable asset in our state, our pristine
environment.”
The trial will begin Monday, March 19 at 9:00 AM in Taos District Court and is expected to last at least two weeks.
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