A pending proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge from 6,440 acres tops much as 7 million acres has ignited a firestorm across Texas and New Mexico. While land conservation always sounds good, the rapid expansion and lack of scrutiny in the federal process warrants a slowdown and thorough examination.
Protecting local economies and property rights
The proposed expansion covers a vast area spanning 15 Texas counties and five New Mexico counties. The federal plan has sparked concern among local landowners and officials who were surprised by its scope. The expansion poses a threat to local economies, which are heavily reliant on oil, gas, and mineral industries, as well as agriculture production.
Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) represents a significant portion of the affected area and has been vocal about his opposition to the plan. He is cautioning landowners against entering agreements with the federal government that could permanently restrict their use of the land. His proposed amendment to the 2025 Department of Interior funding bill would to defund the Muleshoe plan, and appears widely supported by his land-owner constituents, more than 300 of whom showed up for a recent meeting to air their concerns.
The price that comes with conservation easements
A primary concern surrounding the expansion is the use of "in-perpetuity" conservation easements. The easements impose permanent federal control over otherwise private lands, often including strict limits on landowners' rights and economic opportunities.
The easements can also lead to increased financial burdens on taxpayers, who are responsible for maintaining the lands through conservation-funded subsidies. In the case of the proposed Muleshoe expansion, even local school districts are raising alarms about the lost tax dollars that will be added as a price for local residents—less economic activity on the lands means less funding to run local schools.
A need for transparency and informed decision-making
The Muleshoe expansion plan proceeded in near-darkness until it was all but inevitable, and has been unveiled to unsuspecting local residents without sufficient consultation or even notice. Local landowners and communities deserve to be involved in decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods—and federal laws require it. The Muleshoe plan has evaded these requirements.
Texas and New Mexico officials should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential economic, environmental, and social impacts of the Muleshoe expansion plan. This includes evaluating alternative conservation strategies that balance interests in wildlife protection with the rights and interests of local communities. Until then, the federal government should be made to stand down.
