Governor vetoes Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park bill
A plan to preserve 783 acres along the Rio Grande was vetoed by the governor, disappointing Southern New Mexico lawmakers and conservation groups.
Proposal would have preserved 783 acres near Radium Springs, but the governor says the state lacks resources to manage a new park
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the size of the proposed state park. A previous version erroneously stated it would be 6,000 acres. The actual size of the approved park is 783 acres. Details on Organ Mountain News' correction policy can be found HERE.
LAS CRUCES - Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has vetoed House Bill 219, which aimed to establish the Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park in Doña Ana County, just north of Las Cruces.
The proposed park would have preserved approximately 783 acres along the Rio Grande, offering recreational opportunities and environmental protections.
In her April 11 veto message, Lujan Grisham said the state doesn’t have the capacity to take on a new park.
"Our state parks are already woefully understaffed and undermaintained," she wrote. "Adding another state park will only spread already stretched resources even further."
She added that while capital outlay funds were allocated to the project, additional support for staff and infrastructure was not included in the legislation.
"The creation of a new park requires adequate planning, infrastructure, and recurring resources — none of which were provided in this bill," Lujan Grisham wrote.
The bill was introduced by Reps. Nathan Small and Joanne Ferrary, and Sen. Jeff Steinborn, all Democrats from Las Cruces. It passed the House 48-16 on March 13 and cleared the Senate on March 20 with a unanimous 40-0 vote.
In a written statement, Small said he was both surprised and disappointed by the decision — especially given the bill’s earlier support from the administration.
"I’m both disappointed and surprised at today’s veto of Slot Canyon State Park, given that members of the Governor’s administration testified in support of the bill during the legislative process.
As a lifelong New Mexican and avid outdoorsman, I have a deep appreciation for all of our incredible state parks. That’s why I worked to secure $40 million in the state budget for management and maintenance of existing parks, as well as Slot Canyon.
This veto is a missed opportunity to expand Southern New Mexico’s recreational economy, but critically — halts investments in safety infrastructure for the many folks already exploring Las Cruces’ popular slot canyon every day. However, our efforts to establish this state park will continue, so folks can recreate safely and our community can benefit from the new opportunities for economic development and growth."
Steinborn echoed that frustration in a social media post following the veto.
"It’s ironic that the Governor flew half way around the world to Japan and Singapore on a trade mission to create jobs, when she could have supported the creation of jobs right here in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County by supporting this State Park," he wrote.
Steinborn noted in a text message to Organ Mountain News that the proposed park is all land already owned by New Mexico State Parks. He said the creation of the park would enhance habitat and natural resource preservation and education, creating new camping opportunities and trails.
Patrick Nolan, executive director of Friends of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, told Source New Mexico the plan was developed with close coordination from the State Parks Division and broad local support.
"This project was well thought out, closely coordinated with the State Parks Department, and supported by a significant number of Southern New Mexicans," Nolan said. "It was by all measures a winning idea."
Supporters hoped the Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park would protect unique riparian areas and draw both locals and tourists to hike, paddle and explore the region. The site includes riverbanks, desert canyons and culturally significant lands north of Radium Springs.
Conservation advocates and legislators say they aren’t giving up.
"We’re disappointed in the decision, but we’re not giving up," Nolan said.
While the veto halts HB219, proponents may look to reintroduce the plan in future sessions or seek funding through capital outlay or federal conservation programs.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. He can be reached at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or on X at @damienwillis.