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A coalition of anglers, local governments, acequia parciantes, and conservation groups is celebrating the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission’s (WQCC) unanimous decision to protect over 250 miles in the Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Cimmaron, Pecos, and Jemez watersheds as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs) under the Clean Water Act. ONRW designations protect traditional community water uses, and safeguard waterways from the degradation new uses often inflict. The proposal was brought forward by the New Mexico Environment Department, as part of the Lujan Grisham administration’s commitment to protecting the state’s surface waters. Amigos Bravos and Trout Unlimited, represented by Western Environmental Law Center, were parties in the proceeding and provided evidence in support of the nomination.
A diverse coalition, including Tribal leaders and governments, community members, local governments, farmers, acequia members, water conservation groups, and outdoor recreationists applaud the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission’s (WQCC) unanimous decision today to protect streams and wetlands in the Upper Pecos Watershed and significant portions of the Rio Grande, Rio Hondo, Lake Fork, East Fork Jemez River, San Antonio Creek, and Redondo Creek with Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) designations.
Conserving watersheds will preserve clean water, cultural history, traditional irrigation, outdoor recreation.
A diverse coalition, including community members, local governments, farmers, acequia members, and water conservation groups, are urging the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to protect streams and wetlands in the Upper Pecos Watershed.
More than 200 miles of the Pecos River, its tributaries and other parts of the upper reaches of the northern New Mexico watershed would be protected from future degradation under a petition being considered by state regulators.