Manuel Lujan: “As a proud New Mexican, I rise in support of the Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act…”

“As a proud New Mexican, I rise in support of the Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act that I introduced to ensure that the Federal Government recognizes the historical and cultural significance of New Mexico's land grants and acequias. Growing up on a small farm in Nambe, New Mexico, I would wake up before dawn to feed the livestock, to open the ``compuertas'' or the headgates to allow the waters of the acequia to flow to our land and irrigate our crops. These chores and responsibilities, preserving our acequias and communal lands, are part of our way of life in New Mexico. Land grants and acequias have been around for generations, hundreds of years, and they deserve recognition from the Federal Government. Traditional communities face a growing number of challenges, such as the climate crisis, which impacts the local watersheds and forested areas. Without improved consultation and cooperation between the Federal Government and traditional communities, these communities may not have access to the resources they need to survive. This legislation offers land grants the opportunity to be more involved in the issues that impact their community by requiring that future Federal land management planning consider historical and traditional uses.…”