Speak Up NOW to Protect New Mexico’s Gila and San Francisco Rivers!
On July 18, a coalition of recreationists, landowners, and conservations groups, including American Whitewater, submitted a formal proposal to the offices of Senator Heinrich and Senator Udall to designate 453.9 miles in the Gila River Watershed under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The proposal includes the mainstem Gila River, the San Francisco River, and select major tributaries to the Gila River, and would protect these prized river segments for future generations. Now, we need everyone to let Senator Heinrich and Senator Udall know that we care about these rivers and their many values - whether you are a New Mexican resident, visitor, or river lover, your voice can make a difference here.
The Gila River Coalition has prepared a Citizen Support letter to Senators Heinrich and Udall, asking them to introduce Wild and Scenic legislation, providing the maximum form of long-term protections for these rivers. New Mexico's Public Lands and Rivers Support critical ecosystem benefits, including clean water, clean air, and wildlife habitat, all essential aspects to environmental and human health. These proposed river and land segments also provide high value outdoor recreation opportunities, directly contributing to the local outdoor recrration economy. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in New Mexico generates more than 99,000 direct jobs.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, we are asking you to SIGN ON to support Wild and Scenic designation for the Gila River and its key tributaries. We are only collecting letter signatures for 4 more days (until Friday, August 17)! Please follow the Google Form link to see the letter content and sign on.
Nathan Fey
1601 Longs Peak Ave.
Longmont, CO 80501