Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos
Collection
Identifier: MSS-2023-09-14
Scope and Contents
Materials in the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos collection document organized resistance by ordinary citizens to perceived threats to their communities. The collection documents fifteen industry and government projects of varying scope, duration and threat level; the response and resistance of citizens; and the resolution. The five most significant projects represented are: Cerrillos Mine (copper leach mine); Gold Fields Ortiz Mine (acid leach gold mine); Cerrillos Gravel Products (gravel mine); La Bajada Mesa (gravel mine); and oil and gas exploration. The CCC preserved all relevant material relating to each proposed project; the collection is organized by project. Collected materials include communications with the proposing entity, correspondence with government agencies, newspaper articles, government regulations, fund raising initiatives, environmental assessment reports, legal opinions, photographs, meeting agendas and notes, relevant county planning documents, and documents detailing outcomes. The various outcomes include the creation of new regulations, land acquisition, transformation of mining property into Cerrillos Hills State Park, preservation of historic mines and sites, and formal suspension of projects.
The collection is currently unprocessed, but a preliminary box index is available in Box 1 and some boxes include an index of contents. A list of Cerrillos Environmental Organizations and the issues they addressed is also available in Box 1. Please consult with CSWR reference staff for any questions about content or access.
The collection is currently unprocessed, but a preliminary box index is available in Box 1 and some boxes include an index of contents. A list of Cerrillos Environmental Organizations and the issues they addressed is also available in Box 1. Please consult with CSWR reference staff for any questions about content or access.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1974 - 2023
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publications or distribution.
Biographical / Historical
Since 1974, a group of citizens based in the village of Cerrillos, New Mexico has mobilized to protect natural resources, scenic value and historical sites in the Galisteo Basin and Santa Fe County from exploitation by extractive industries, both local and international. Organized by Ross Lockridge, Ann Murray and other board memmbers, the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos incorporated in 1976 as a 501c3, and since then has served as fiscal agent for diverse citizen groups mounting defenses against multiple environmental threats throughout the region. Throughout its efforts, the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos has allied with government representatives, illustrating the productive interaction between citizenry and democratic government. The 1970s marked the beginning of vigorous citizen activism in defense of the environment; the grassroots activism coordinated by the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos reflects the evolution of the wider environmental movement. Today the Concerned Citizens of Cerrillos continues its efforts to protect the environment and the quality of life in New Mexico.
Extent
28 boxes
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
Shelved on B3-4A.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the
- Status
- In Progress
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu