The state's land commissioner is proposing a resolution to the long-running battle between sportsmen and ranchers over access to a popular hunting ground near Las Vegas.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Aubrey Dunn sent a letter last week to the state Department of Game and Fish, asking them to consider purchasing 10,000 acres around White Peak owned by rancher David Stanley and deed the property to the state. In exchange, hunters and anglers would have unrestricted access to all state trust lands for 20 years.
The White Peak area has long been surrounded by debate. Ranchers say hunters have trespassed on private property to reach state trust lands, while some sportsmen say the ranchers' claims are exaggerated.
The letter indicates that the property would cost about $27 million.
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