Imus Ranch ASLA Centennial Project in the Midst of Controversy SANTA FE, NM As one of the first projects of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Centennial Celebration, both ASLA National and the New Mexico Chapter are working closely with the Imus Foundation to provide Landscape Architecture services for the construction of a non-profit, 3,000 acre ranch for children. The Imus Ranch for Children will provide the "experience of the great American cowboy" to children stricken with cancer or serious blood disorders. New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has pledged his administration's support for the Imus ranch. According to ASLA Public Relations consultants, the press coverage of this project-- which includes radio and television publicity through foundation president and syndicated talk show host Don Imus--is estimated at $25 million. However, the project has also received some negative publicity. The New Mexico attorney general's office is looking into whether state law was violated in the bulldozing of two historic ranch buildings on the site. "I wouldn't use the word investigation yet. It's an inquiry," explained Kay Roybal, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Tom Udall. At issue is whether state Public Safety Secretary Darren White and Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn violated laws against wrecking cultural property and whether public money was used for private benefit. Imus has explained, "We called White and asked him to clean that mess up. That's what we thought we were supposed to do. No one was looking for a favor." He maintains he is willing to "write the state a check" if that will settle the controversy. Not worried by the negative publicity, ASLA Executive Vice President Pete Kirsch, explained to LASN that the master plan is nearing completion, "This is an exceptional national project that has been turned over to the New Mexico chapter; this work has united New Mexico with National in the spirit of the Centennial Celebration."