Federal Government Acquisition Update
In 1987 the U.S. Congress passed and President Reagan signed into law, a bill that formed El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area. The total land area within the Monument and Conservation Area totals approximately 114,848 acres. This land area is comprised primarily of volcanic terrain. Of course, the land on which the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano are situated, approximately 3,400 acres, fall within the boundaries of El Malpais. In fact, according to a National Park Service feasibility study, without the Ice Caves property, owned by the Candelaria family, the area as a whole would not be worthy of National Monument
status. Now, under the authority of eminent domain, the Candelaria family is facing hostile acquisition (condemnation) of their land by the Federal Government.
This land has been in the family since the early 1900's. For fifty years, David and Reddy Candelaria have had this natural attraction open to the public. In addition, the family has maintained and preserved the environmental and ecological beauty of their land. They have spent their entire lives devoted to this operation. They were here before the highway was paved, before electricity and other modern conveniences. They have made a living and raised their family here. After investing their hearts and souls into this scenic attraction, the Federal Government has decided that it is time to boot the family out. The Government offer appraised the property as no more than grazing land, the lowest possible offer they could make. Just a few years earlier the NPS overwhelmingly praised the property, calling it the central attraction of the monument, where they plan to build a $11 million visitor center, over $15 million in development on the Candelaria property alone. Yet they refuse to offer even a remotely fair price for the land itself. In addition, they use high pressure, strong arm tactics, trying to intimidate the Candelaria family into selling out for what local grazing land is going for. After several heart attacks and other stress related ailments, David Candelaria refused to accept the offer. Now, the family faces a costly legal battle in which a federal judge will decide how much the land is worth. After legal expenses and capital gains taxes, the family will be left with less than half of what grazing land sells for. They would be better off by not selling, but they do not have that choice. The prospects are rather grim.
As the National Debt recently passed $10 TRILLION, the Federal Government is expanding the National Park Service to beyond its financial ability to care for all of its properties. In the process, they will shut down this mom and pop - family business, that has proven that it is capable of profitably managing and preserving the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano natural attractions. While this small business has profited and paid taxes year in and year out, the National Park Service operates at a deficit of 8 to 1, that is, for every $1 they take in fees, they spend $8 for operation. Does this make sense? We would like to hear your comments and any advice that you might be able to offer. Please use our direct e-mail link at the bottom of this home page and share your thoughts with us. Thank You.