By Kent Salazar | Las Cruces Sun-News
September 8, 2019
I am a lifelong resident of New Mexico who has been blessed to enjoy the Gila River for many years. Camping, fishing, hiking and enjoying the wildlife viewing in the area has been a great joy for me and my family. Now as a board member of HECHO, Hispanics enjoying camping hunting and the outdoors, I am writing to urge support of the designation of 450 miles of the Gila River, San Francisco River and their tributaries as Wild And Scenic Rivers.
The Hispanic community has a strong conservation ethic. Our families have enjoyed this natural remote and rugged river area for generations. Fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting this area has been a tradition for Hispanic families which we hope to pass on to future generations.
We understand that this Wild and Scenic River designation will provide for our traditional uses and preserve the historic water rights of those who currently use the river water. In addition, HECHO supports this designation because it helps to build a strong outdoor economy for the surrounding areas. We need more jobs and income sources for our families. Our families realize that the area and its outdoor activities provide a healthy outlet for families, something that is critical to our health and well being especially in today’s fast-paced world.
As populations and urban areas grow wilidlife need this scenic area as well.
Help our local economy, our families, and our wildlife thrive by supporting the wild and scenic river designation for the Gila. I urge our elected officials to vote to support a resolution for this designation.
Kent Salazar, Albuquerque
This article originally appeared in the Las Cruces Sun-News.