New Mexico Department of Justice sues more landowners over blocked waterways

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Justice is expanding its lawsuit against landowners accused of blocking public waterways. The state is including property owners Richard and Jean Jenkins in the lawsuit. The NMDOJ said they met with Jenkins and Erik Briones and told them they needed to remove obstructions and signs falsely claiming access to the Pecos River was restricted.

AG Raúl Torrez said the landowners refused. “We take it very seriously that everyone here, regardless of where they come, from has a right under our Constitution to access these natural resources,” said Torrez.

The NMDOJ is asking the court to find Briones in contempt because he violated a consent decree he entered into with the department in March.

The state has been cracking down on landowners obstructing public waterways since last year.

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