The Basin Today

The Basin Today

The Galisteo Basin and related landscapes are very much part of the modern world. Residential use of the gorgeous settings there continues to expand. Regulators and residents are increasingly attuned to the limitations required to preserve its qualities. As in the past, water will always be a limiting factor. The value of open space to all is recognized and strategies for preserving it are part of new developments.

Economic pursuits in the basin include ranching, art, tourism, and a regular presence of the film industry capitalizing on the open vistas and the “classic” western landscape. Stars from John Wayne (The Cowboys) to Harrison Ford (Cowboys and Aliens) have been in films made in the Galisteo Basin. Oil and gas development have been researched and form a controversial issue in the basin. County ordinances limit energy development and mineral rights owned by the federal government have been closed to leasing within the basin. The varied mineral resources of the Ortiz Mountains have been tapped and as commodity markets fluctuate have driven demand.

The Galisteo Basin Archaeological Protection Act is designed to assist the various property owners in the basin in protection of the many archaeological resources that underlie and surround today’s activities.