Help Us Protect San Cristóbal’s Wilderness, Culture, and Community

San Cristóbal, New Mexico is a small, rural community nestled at the edge of the largest wilderness area in the state. People come here for peace, healing, and a connection to the land — not to be surrounded by industrial structures.

Right now, a 195-foot cell tower has been approved for construction in the heart of our village, less than 4 miles from an existing tower in Lama and 3.5 miles from a recently approved tower in Arroyo Hondo. This decision was made despite clear violations of county land use policy, serious concerns from residents, no NEPA Study, cultural impact reviews, or responses from local tribal governments.

Why We’re Fighting This Tower

Wildlife at Risk – Over 140 birds have been recorded here, including migratory birds flagged by NM Fish & Wildlife.

Cultural & Historical Impact – The tower would loom over 2 historic sites and land where Indigenous artifacts have been found.

Tourism & Economy – Visitors value our untouched beauty; industrializing the viewshed would hurt local businesses.

Safety & Legal Concerns – The location poses a roadside distraction on a dangerous stretch of NM-522. The Planning Commission ignored existing regulations and ethical concerns. San Cristóbal has a height restriction of 27 ft. The tower would be 195 ft tall. There is also a noise ordinance of 40 decibels. The air-conditioning system at the bottom of the tower would output 60 decibels. New Mexico Game & Fish Dept stated that the tower posses a threat to wildlife crossing the highway in that area.

Better Alternatives Exist – A survey was conducted in August 2025. Of 117 households in San Cristobal, 104 responded. 100% of surveyed households have a way to call emergency services. AT&T coverage reaches 100% of the valley. This tower is not wanted and not needed.

How Your Donation Will Help

Funds will be used for:

Legal Fees – Representation and expert witnesses. We have a telecommunications attorney and a telecommunications engineer that are currently helping us fight the tower.

Public Outreach – Printing, signage, and community mobilization efforts.

Why This Matters Beyond San Cristóbal

If this tower goes up here despite clear violations, it sets a precedent for rural and scenic communities everywhere. This fight is not just about our home — it’s about protecting the right of small communities to decide what happens in their own backyards.

We are a grassroots group of neighbors. Every donation — big or small — brings us closer to protecting San Cristóbal for future generations.

Deadline: our hearing takes place on October 14.

Please share this campaign widely. Together, we can keep San Cristóbal wild, beautiful, and safe.