Commissioners request sheriff to remove fences in forest

By Janessa Maxilom

jmaxilom@alamogordonews.com @janessa_speaks on Twitter

In an ongoing conflict over water rights in the Lincoln National Forest, the Otero County Commission adopted a resolution requesting the county sheriff remove or open United States Forest Service fences.

On Monday, the commission approved a resolution that requests Sheriff Benny House take measures to remove or open gates on fences placed by the Forest Service in the Lincoln National Forest.

The resolution was read by District 1 Commissioner Tommie Herrell, "Whereas, it has come to the Otero County Board of Commissioner's attention that the USFS has fenced around water sources to exclude cattle of which the USFS possess no right to act in such a manner.

"Whereas, the USFS has openly stated that they will not open the gates to grant access to the privately owned water rights," Herrell read. "Now therefore, be it resolved by the governing body that the county is entreating the Sheriff of Otero County to immediately take steps to remove or open gates that are unlawfully denying citizens access to their private property rights."

District 3 Commissioner Ronny Rardin, said he felt the commission was taking the necessary actions to defend the rights of its citizens.

Rardin said the issues about property rights and that he was intent on defending those rights.

"That constitution is in breach right now and it is our civil duty if we want to keep our nation free and keep our country as it was intended to be by our four fathers to stand up and take this kind of action," Rardin said. "So this is the next step we feel that is proper to take and I'm sad I have to take it and I'm proud I will take it because it's the right thing for this commission to do."

Lincoln National Forest Supervisor Travis Moseley said the Forest Service is currently seeking ongoing legal council from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on how to handle the situation.

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Commissioners request sheriff to remove fences in forest