At this year’s Congreso, NMAA is honored to recognize leaders and projects statewide that are energizing the greater acequia community.
*Earlier this year, the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) received a grant for more than $37,000 from the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) toput Taos youth to work mapping and documenting the condition of acequias within the Town of Taos. The project is an inspiring example of youth involvement in acequias and the use of mapping technology to protect and use acequias. Peter Vigil, District Manager for Taos SWCD, will be presenting the project along with instructors and youth who participated. You don’t want to miss this wonderful Taoseño testimony!
*NMAA also wants to give a special welcome to the newly formed regional acequia association, Cow Creek Basin Acequia Association. They are in the beginning phase an adjudication of the Pecos River and organized to provide a united legal defense for their members. Their newly-elected President, Richard Valencia, will discuss land restoration and infrastructure improvements that will increase the efficacy of irrigation and the protection of water rights in the area.