The New Mexico Game Commission has voted again in opposition of federal legislation that calls for transferring management of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service.
The commission voted unanimously Thursday after taking public comment during its meeting in Grants.
Its initial vote in May was challenged by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. The group accused the commission of violating New Mexico's open meeting law by not including the issue on the agenda.
The commission chairman had said he believed the vote was an emergency under the meetings law.
The commission is concerned the legislation could negatively affect wildlife management as well as hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities on the preserve.
While Thursday's vote was legal, the Wildlife Federation contends the commission ignored available expertise by not inviting a Park Service representative to the meeting.