Augustin Plains Ranch water rights application

Location: Catron County near Datil

Opposing Parties: Augustin Plains Ranch, LLC

Initiation Date: 2008

Status: On-going

Clients/Partners: Gila Conservation Coalition, ranchers

Attorneys: Bruce Frederick

Issues:

The New York-based company seeks to pump 54,000 acre-feet of water annually through thirty-seven 20” wells. The Law Center represents approx. 80 individuals and organizations in this case; our clients are concerned about the impacts of pumping on their water, on wildlife, springs, and on the Rio Grande and Gila Rivers, which are hydrologically connected to the San Augustin Plains—and which is the last undammed river in the Southwest.

Latest News:

12/05/2011 - Hearing scheduled for February 7th, 2012 in Socorro.

05/13/2011 - NMELC files Protestants’ Reply to Augustin Plains Ranch LLC’s Responses regarding Motion to Dismiss.

04/29/2011 - NMELC files Response in Opposition to Augustin Plains Ranch’s Motion for Stay.

02/11/2011 - NMELC files Motion to Dismiss application.

11/09/2010 - Hearing Officer requested a brief to be filed on February 11th. Oral arguments will be heard on May 20th.

10/18/2010 - There will be a scheduling meeting on November 9th in Socorro, NM. The meeting is meant to finalize calendaring of the hearing with the State Engineer.

06/01/2010 - Those protesting the application by Augustin Plains Ranch LLC have until June 28th to pay a $25 fee to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer to be involved in the matter.

Case Files:

05/13/2011 - Protestants’ Reply to Augustin Plains Ranch LLC’s Responses Regarding Motion to Dismiss.

04/29/2011 - Response in Opposition to Augustin Plains Ranch’s Motion for Stay.

02/11/2011 - Filed Motion to Dismiss.