During my tenure as State Land Commissioner we set a new standard for the care and protection of State Trust Lands. We did the first inventory of Trust Lands that looked at the water, plants, animals, minerals, archeological and palentological resources. We did this so that we could better manage the lands.

We were the first to get legislative approval to spend some of the money earned from the land back on the land. We did river and riparian restoration, forest and grazing land improvement, protected endangered species habitat, and stabilized and protected archeological and paleontological treasures.

We traded lands out of wilderness study areas, National Parks and Monuments, and Tribal lands to protect very special and unique places. In return, we received lands that were appropriate for commercial uses to earn money for our public schools.

We started the first scientific monitoring and management of predators on Trust land and banned the removal of predators except when absolutely necessary to protect domestic animals. I banned the removal of snakes and other reptiles from State Trust Lands.

I worked hard with many others to successfully increase penalties for animal cruelty in our state. I continue to work to stop cock fighting in New Mexico.


My record speaks for itself and can be accessed via my website www.raypowell4land.com




If I have the honor of returning as Land Commissioner we will re-institute these programs and initiate many more to ensure that we take care of our Trust Lands while producing revenues to support our public schools.