The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 817: Conservation Wins and Losses with Senator Martin Heinrich
Jan 5, 2026
Join Senator Martin Heinrich, a public lands champion from New Mexico, as he dives into pressing conservation topics. He clarifies the Supreme Court's ruling on corner crossing, emphasizing New Mexico's stream access rights. Heinrich discusses the future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the importance of balancing energy development with wildlife preservation. He champions bipartisan efforts to protect public lands and highlights the complex role of renewables and nuclear energy in conservation. Get ready for an insightful conversation!
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Corner Crossing Is Federally Protected
- Federal Unlawful Enclosures Act protects public-to-public access across private corners and supersedes state trespass laws in many cases.
- Clear, clean legal cases made the Tenth Circuit ruling robust and led the Supreme Court to decline review.
NM Recognizes Broad Stream Access
- New Mexico's constitution gives the public rights to unreserved waters allowing wading access independent of navigability tests.
- The state Supreme Court clarified and reaffirmed broad stream access, prompting removal of unlawful obstructions.
Exercise Access Responsibly
- Be responsible when exercising new access rights and minimize conflict with landowners.
- Think long-term wins for sportsmen, not short-term access stunts that invite backlash.