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Who Owns the Land?

Sandia Mountain rises from the desert floor of New Mexico like a magnificent wave, cresting in a ridge of pine trees and rock. It is part of the Cibola National Forest and a favorite getaway place for the nearly 500,000 people who live in Albuquerque (al-buh-cur-kee). They explore its natural wonders on foot, on mountain bikes and on hang gliders.

The mountain is also close to the hearts of the 481 members of the Sandia Pueblo, a 700-year-old Native American community. To them, the mountain is sacred. Last month a judge ruled that a big chunk of Sandia's wilderness belongs to the pueblo. But nearby nature lovers don't want to let go of the land.

A Battle Over Boundaries
In 1748, when Spain ruled over parts of the Western U.S., a Spanish document defined the borders of the pueblo's land. The tribe says it was given control of Sandia's western slope. The U.S. government disagreed.

For years the pueblo has wanted more control of sacred areas on Sandia. "We should be able to go there anytime we want," says Alex Lujan, governor of the pueblo, which sued the government to regain the land.

In August a judge took a close look at the 250-year-old document and agreed with the Native Americans. He ordered the government to return 9,500 acres of the national forest to the Sandia Pueblo.

So Long, Sandia?
Sandia Mountain's frequent visitors are concerned that they will lose their beloved playground. They say that parcels of land that have been returned to Native Americans are now strictly off limits to others.

Samuel Wellborn, 11, is very concerned. He spends his Saturday mornings hiking the mountain with his family. "The governor of the pueblo says they will let us on the trails, and this will stand for all time, but the thing is, he won't be there forever," says Samuel. He plans to write letters to pueblo officials urging them to keep the trails open to everyone.

Meanwhile, a group of citizens is pushing to have the judge's ruling reversed. The Forest Service, which has controlled the land for 82 years, may challenge it too.

Will last month's decision turn stunning Sandia Mountain into forbidden territory for hikers and hang gliders? Nothing would change under tribal ownership, says Lujan. "All we want is to be good neighbors."

Next: Oreo and Ahpun