Budget crimps visionary purchases

In 1920, two ranchers completed a dam on the Cimarron River and created Eagle Nest Lake, jewel of the Moreno Valley. By 1990, the Lake’s private owners, the Davis family, wanted to sell. They had generously allowed public use of the lake, but they were ready to shed the responsibility.
Of course, they had no shortage of offers – every resort and condo developer in the region beat a path to their door – but they preferred to sell it to the state to ensure the public’s continued access.
It seemed like a good deal for everyone, but it was caught in wrangling between former Gov. Gary Johnson and the Legislature. Johnson, who otherwise condemned pork spending, supported the lake’s purchase – probably the result of his time as a ski patrolman in nearby Angel Fire. Future State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons, then a Republican state senator, warned that the state could lose the opportunity to buy the lake.
But Senate Majority Leader Manny Aragon, thumbing his nose at Johnson and Lyons, said it was “the most ludicrous investment of limited resources that one could think of in 2002.” He subsequently rerouted the money to other water projects.

If you subscribe to the newspaper, you receive FREE access to all the exclusive content of the web site! Simply register to receive uninterrupted access to our award-winning and in-depth local online content!

Renew Current or Past Subscription / Register for Online Subscription

If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Los Alamos Monitor, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.

Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.

Newspaper Acct. ID:
Street Address:	(exactly as it appears on the label)

If you are a subscriber and you do not know your account ID or don't have a copy of your newspaper available that shows the information on the address label you can click continue below to search for your account.

New Subscription/30 Day Free Trial Account

If you are new to the award winning Los Alamos Monitor and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.

ZIP Code:

Create a limited access account.
Register to participate in community forums, post on the community calendar, blog etc. This registration does not give you full access to read our award winning content, etc.

The Los Alamos Monitor | lacirculation@lamonitor.com | 505-662-4185
256 DP Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday