The American people may soon own two Baca ranches. And, although their party is often critical of federal control of Western lands, the move to buy them is being led by congressional Republicans.

That would seem to increase their chance of success, which is all to the good. These are efforts that deserve our support.

One of the ranches is in northern New Mexico. Already almost surrounded by federal land, including the Santa Fe National Forest and Bandelier National Monument, it is said to be home to one of the largest elk herds in the country. The 95,000-acre ranch also encompasses the Valles Caldera, a 14-mile-wide valley formed a million years ago by the collapse of a volcano.

The Senate has passed a bill that would authorize the federal government to pay $101 million to the Texas men who own the Baca. A nine-member board would then oversee the continued operation of the working ranch while allowing public access for recreation. Rep. Heather Wilson. R-N.M., is leading the push to get the bill through the House.

In Colorado, our congressman – Republican Scott McInnis – has authored a bill to allow the federal government to buy a different Baca Ranch in the San Luis Valley. It adjoins the proposed Great Sand Dunes National Park and under McInnis’ bill parts of the ranch would be added to the park.

Although the size of Colorado’s Baca – about 100,000 acres – is similar to the New Mexico ranch, this is a bigger deal. This is not just about land or federal control; this is about water.

Twice developers have tried to use the Baca as a "water mine" in schemes to export San Luis Valley water. One plan would have sent 200,000 acre-feet to the Front Range. That could support 200,000 families of four for a year – and strip the San Luis Valley of water it needs to sustain agriculture and critical wetlands.

The first effort ended when valley residents, environmentalists and government agencies fought it all the way to the Colorado Supreme Court. The second failed when Colorado voters shot down two bogus ballot initiatives its backers had designed to bankrupt their opposition.

McInnis’ bill would keep the water where it belongs. That could benefit San Luis Valley agriculture and Colorado’s environment, and end years of contention.