Mineral rights purchase may end debate
Just as the purchase of the Baca Ranch led to preservation of that property and its water rights for the Baca Wildlife Refuge and expanded Great Sand Dunes National Park, a possible buy out of the mineral rights under the former Baca Ranch may end the controversy that arose when the company that owns the mineral rights indicated an interest in exploratory drilling.
San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council Director Christine Canaly, a leader in the fight against drilling on the Baca and a resident near the area where drilling could potentially occur, said on Wednesday she was pleased with the prospect of Lexam selling the mineral rights.
“This is a historic opportunity to protect a naturally diverse and pristine area at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for future generations,” she said. “We are pleased that Lexam and the Fish and Wildlife Service are willing to engage this ongoing effort to address the split-estate situation in a manner which protects land and water at the headwaters of the Rio Grande by reuniting its resources once again on behalf of the American public.”
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