S. 1363 · Passed Senate · Public Lands and Natural Resources

New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

Sponsor: Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)

What it does

• Directs the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to enter a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council describing processes for land grants-mercedes to obtain authorization for historical,
• Requires the BLM and Forest Service to consult with Indian tribes when entering into the memorandum of understanding.
• Mandates the memorandum of understanding include procedures for notice and comment on land management planning decisions affecting land grants-mercedes.
• Requires the BLM and Forest Service to include in land use plans a section evaluating the impact of other uses on historical or traditional uses by land grants-mercedes.

Official summary

New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service to enter a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council to describe existing processes that land grants-mercedes may use to obtain authorization for historical, traditional, or other uses of federal lands. Land grants-mercedes were created when Spain and Mexico issued grants of land to communities or individuals. When the United States acquired the land, including New Mexico, a process was created for adjudicating and recognizing these property rights. During that process, most land grants-mercedes lands became federal lands. Today, New Mexico recognizes 27 community land grants-mercedes as political subdivisions. When entering into the memorandum of understanding, the BLM and the Forest Service must consult with Indian tribes. The memorandum of understanding must provide for (1) enhanced cooperation and coordination between the BLM, the Forest Service, and qualified land grants-mercedes; and (2) subsidiary agreements with certain land grants-mercedes for specific projects. Additionally…

Latest action

Sep 24, 2026: Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources