Profiles written by Courtney White, originally published in Headwaters News.
Headwaters News Website

New Mexico ranchers unite traditional antagonists in a battle over the damage coalbed methane drilling is doing to their land.

Excerpt:
"AZTEC, N.M.- Sometimes it takes a brawl to break down barriers and unite former adversaries against a common threat. In fact, a good fight can sometimes lead to positive change as much as any collaboration or 'common ground' peace process.

"And a good fight is exactly what's happening on Tweeti and Linn Blancett's ranch in the northwest corner of New Mexico. The rumble isn't focused on water, cows, or endangered species, for once. It's over oil and gas development, coalbed methane exploration to be specific, and the damage it is causing to the land and the people who live there.

"The struggle has created an unlikely alliance of environmentalists, sportsmen, and ranchers - with collateral effects that have pleasantly surprised nearly everyone...."