SANDIAS FOR ALL
Protect Public Land & Access
September 11, 2026 - Rio Rancho Observer
Sandoval commissioners unanimously oppose Cochiti Pueblo land transfer
If you’re unfamiliar with a road closure dispute near Cochiti Lake, read this article which is relevant to the Sandia land transfer. In the article, Sandoval County Manager Wayne Johnson called for Sandia Pueblo to be more clear on what they’re proposing. The County Manager states it is the county's understanding the Sandia transfer is a management change, not an ownership change. Johnson said the county is prepared to rescind support for the transfer if it’s an ownership change.
September 9, 2026
Read Sandia Heights HOA Opposition Statement
The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association board voted unanimously to release an official statement opposing the proposed Sandia Mountains land transfer. The Association, which represents 2,196 homeowner, believes concerns about land management should be addressed through the existing 2003 agreement rather than by changing ownership.
Latest Developments
September 5, 2026
Albuquerque Journal
Gary Johnson, Former NM Governor
New Mexicans shouldn't have to choose between respecting the pueblo and keeping Sandias
September 7, 2026
Santa Fe New Mexican
Sandia land transfer wrong 'solution'
September 2, 2026
Santa Fe New Mexican
Solution for Sandias is on the Mountain
The proposed transfer encompasses roughly 10,000 acres of the Sandia Mountains.
(VIEW PHOTOS & MAPS)
What’s Happening?
The Pueblo of Sandia is seeking legislation from Congress that would transfer nearly 10,000 acres of public land in the Sandia Mountains to the Pueblo of Sandia, making the land part of the Sandia Reservation. The proposed transfer includes some of the mountain's most beloved public recreation areas, from the Sandia Peak Tram north through the La Luz and Piedra Lisa trails and beyond.
This proposal would replace the carefully negotiated 2003 T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act—a bipartisan compromise that resolved decades of litigation while protecting public access, the wilderness, and Pueblo cultural rights.
The Sandias have always been a place where different histories, values, and communities come together. We support protecting Sandia Pueblo’s cultural heritage while preserving the public access, wilderness protections, and recreational opportunities guaranteed under the 2003 Act.
We oppose transferring public National Forest lands out of the Trust and urge our public officials to protect the existing balanced agreement for present and future generations.
In The News
OPINION: New Mexicans shouldn't have to choose between respecting the pueblo and keeping Sandias
Pueblo’s Sandia Mountains land transfer plan faces new push back at Bernalillo County meeting
How Proposed Sandia Mountains Land Transfer May Affect Real Estate
Senator Heinrich working on bill to share Sandia Mountains management with Sandia Pueblo
New Mexico Wild Statement on Sandia Pueblo Transfer Act Proposal
Senator Heinrich Opposes Sandia Pueblo Push to Take Wilderness Land Into Reservation
New Mexico Climbers Resource and Advocacy Group & Access Fund Statement on Proposed Land Transfer
Letters To The Editor
Our Goal is Simple.
Keep public lands in public hands while continuing to honor and protect Sandia Pueblo’s cultural and tribal interests.
Your Voice Matters.
Call or write to US Representative Melanie Stansbury and US Senator Martin Heinrich today!
Ask them to preserve public access and the 2003 T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act. Ask them to work with the Forest Service, Pueblo, neighboring communities and recreation and user groups to find collaborative solutions to the Pueblo’s concerns.