The United States reserved lands for the public that might contain minerals.
January 30, 1865
Federal Government reserved exclusively to the United States all lands that
are construed
as to
embrace mineral lands.
(13 Stat 567)
On Mineral Lands Vested Water Rights Are to be protected.
July 26,1866
On Mineral lands
THE RIGHT TO USE WATER
for agricultural purposes have vested and accrued they
ARE TO BE PROTECTED
in the same.
(14 Stat 251)
On Mineral Lands Ranches were established
March 5, 1875
On Mineral Lands
GRAZING WAS NOT PROHIBITED
(18 Stat 481)
1889 article of new Mexico state law
NM Law of Occupancy
NM 19-3-14.
One may stock and appropriate a range provided they own the waters.