Sportsmen and women, veterans, small business owners and others have been working on community proposal for nearly a decade
Silver City, N.M. (May 12, 2020) – New Mexico Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich today introduced the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, which would protect portions of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries as Wild and Scenic. It is clear how important New Mexico’s public lands and waters are to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have turned to nature for their physical, emotional, and mental health. The introduction coming during this time recognizes and honors the connection people have to the natural world during difficult times.
For nearly a decade, a groundswell of support for these protections has been growing from Tribes, sportsmen and women, veterans, small business owners, faith and civic organizations, local municipalities and governments, and outdoor recreation and conservation organizations. In response to the support, Senators Udall and Heinrich released a draft bill and held a public comment period in February where input helped to refine and shape the legislation introduced today.
The community-driven proposal would secure the future of the Gila River by designating over 440 miles of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers as Wild and Scenic, ensuring traditional and current use of the rivers, while protecting critical wildlife habitat and growing New Mexico’s sustainable outdoor recreation economy.
Grant County Commissioner Chairman Chris Ponce said, “Now more than ever, New Mexicans want to ensure that future generations will be able to experience the full glory of a protected wild Gila River: clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, and a huge driver of outdoor recreation. Thank you Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich for working to preserve these incredible waters.”
Last year, American Rivers released their annual America’s Endangered River report, listing the Gila River as #1 in 2019. The Gila and San Francisco rivers, along with their tributaries, make up one of the largest undammed watersheds in the Lower 48 states. Today, just 124.3 miles (.1 percent) of the 108,104 miles of these New Mexico rivers are designated as wild and scenic.
“The Gila River sustains Southwestern New Mexico,” said John Trujillo, local hunter and angler. “Big game like mule deer, elk, Coues deer, bear, and bighorn sheep live in the Gila and San Francisco Rivers’ watersheds, which in turn are responsible for a healthy and growing hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation economy. I hope the Senate passes this bill.”
At a time when New Mexicans are experiencing real economic hardships from the pandemic, designating the rivers and tributaries as Wild and Scenic will ensure local, rural economies that depend upon time-tested traditions like grazing, ranching, and hunting and fishing can continue. Additionally, if passed, this legislation will enhance the state’s growing outdoor economy through activities including rafting and paddling, horseback riding and wildlife watching, and hiking and camping. Outdoor recreation is big business in New Mexico, generating nearly $10 billion in consumer spending, roughly $3 billion in wages and salaries, $623 million in state and local tax revenues, and directly employs 99,000 people.
“For business owners in Western New Mexico, the Gila and San Francisco Rivers are more than just beautiful features of the land – they are the key factor in continuing to grow and diversify our region’s economy,” said Business Owner, Diana Ingalls Leyba. “Protecting these rivers helps everyone.”
New Mexicans are now calling for the Senate to move this legislation, and for it to become law. Senator Tom Udall, who retires at the end of this Congress, has made the conservation of our planet one of his top priorities, and designating the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries as wild and scenic would be a lasting legacy for New Mexicans.
A forever wild Gila River is of paramount importance for the state’s people, wildlife, and economy. The Gila and San Francisco Rivers have been crucial to New Mexico’s past and present, and this legislation protects its future.
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The Wild Gila River coalition is dedicated to preserving portions of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries as Wild and Scenic for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. The coalition includes Tribes, sportsmen and women, veterans, small business owners, faith and civic organizations, local municipalities and governments, and outdoor recreation and conservation organizations. https://wildgilariver.org/