Colt Pack recommends Santa Fe County acquire Bobcat Crossing Ranch for open space

A significant discussion unfolded at the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 25, 2025, as the board reviewed a presentation regarding the potential acquisition of Bobcat Crossing Ranch. This 2,650-acre property, located north of El Dorado and south of Seton Village, has garnered considerable public interest and media attention.

Colt Pack, the advisory committee, recommended the acquisition to enhance Santa Fe County's open space trails and parks program. The property is being offered by the Rancho Viejo Partnership at a fair market value of $3 million, translating to approximately $1,396 per acre. The committee emphasized that this acquisition represents a "generational opportunity" to secure a vital resource for the community, preserving the largest undeveloped tract of land between Santa Fe and El Dorado.

The ranch is not only significant for its size but also for its environmental, cultural, and recreational resources. It is adjacent to the Santa Fe Rail Trail and offers potential for various trail types, educational programming, and recreational activities. Notably, the property contains archaeological sites of high value, including a significant ancestral Pueblo site that has been recognized under the Galisteo Basin Archaeological Sites Protection Act.

While no action was taken during the meeting, the board discussed the importance of involving tribal partners in the management of the site, given its archaeological significance. Commissioner Hughes raised the possibility of including tribal input in the management discussions, while other commissioners expressed enthusiasm for a potential site tour to better understand the land's value.

The board plans to consider a capital request for the purchase during the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget cycle, contingent upon further evaluations, including environmental and cultural resource surveys. The discussions highlighted the county's commitment to balancing recreational development with the preservation of the land's natural integrity, ensuring that it remains a resource for future generations.