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The Lewis Ranch, 5,280 acres of mixed-grass and shinnery oak prairie in Roosevelt County, has been purchased by the State Game Commission using Governor Bill Richardson's Land Conservation Appropriation.
Closing for the ranch, which sits on the Stateline bordering Texas, occurred Dec. 28. An agreement between the Commission and former owner Tommy Lewis will allow him to graze cattle on the ranch until May 29, 2008.
The ranch adjoins two Commission-owned properties dedicated to providing habitat for lesser prairie-chickens -- the Antelope Flats and Bledsoe Prairie-Chicken Areas. Cassin's and Grasshopper sparrows, Loggerhead Shrikes, and Northern Bobwhite Quail are other species of grasslands birds that occur in the area. Antelope and mule deer also use the ranch.
"This is the largest purchase to date using Governor Richardson's Land Conservation Appropriation money," said Bruce Thompson, Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. "The Commission and Department are extremely happy to be adding this property to our wildlife habitat and conservation portfolio in eastern New Mexico.
"This property will be a valuable asset contributing to wildlife and wildlife-associated recreation in the very near future," Thompson said.
Milnesand is the prairie-chicken capitol of New Mexico. The seventh annual High Plains Prairie-Chicken Festival is scheduled April 11-13 in and around Milnesand. This is a birding event that attracts birders from coast-to-coast to New Mexico's east side.
For registration information, visit the Department of Game and Fish web site at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/.
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