Blog: Recognizing Hispanic Leaders in Conservation During Hispanic Heritage Month
For generations, Hispanics have enjoyed a unique relationship with nature that connects us to our ancestors and fortifies the bond that we have with our community. Being able to practice these cultural traditions that depend on open spaces, is more critical than ever, and policy that includes Hispanic and Latinx values is especially urgent. For all of these reasons, Hispanic and Latinx leadership is invaluable in conservation legislation that is implemented and passed.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, HECHO celebrates the strides and contributions of the individuals that go above and beyond to protect lands for future generations, embedding the value of stewardship in everything they do. From promoting access to parks and fishing, to the advocacy for Outstanding Natural Resource Waters, and outspoken defence of national monuments, we share the remarkable achievements of San Miguel County Commissioner Janice Varela, Mesa City Councilmember David Luna, and former Utah State Representative, Rebecca Chavez-Houck. Thank you all for your leadership in the conservation community and the Hispanic community at large.
Commissioner Janice Varela | New Mexico
As San Miguel County Commissioner for District 2, Janice Varela is a fierce advocate who believes in the responsibility our community has to steward our lands and waters. She has been outspoken in her support for the Upper Pecos River to become an Outstanding Natural Resource Waters (ONRW), that would protect the body of water from new, or increased pollution, protecting the state’s highest quality surface water in perpetuity for future generations. The Upper Pecos Watershed plays a valuable role for the Jemez Pueblo community as it is their ancestral home to the descendants who moved there from Pecos. Additionally, it is a critical water source that supports food and agriculture for growing crops and raising livestock. Commissioner Varela also brought Dia del Rio, a day dedicated to maintaining the connections between the community and el Rio, to Pecos and created the Pecos Dia del Rio tradition, which continues to this day. She has been instrumental in working on passage of the 1993 New Mexico Hardrock Mining Act, and has also advocated for reform of the 1872 mining law for over 30 years. Commissioner Varela is also working with a team to create the San Miguel County Hard Rock Mining Ordinance, which is expected to pass in the near future.
Hon. Rebecca Chavez-Houck | Utah
A fierce defender of National Monuments, champion for clean air, and supporter of kids’ connections to the outdoors, former Utah House of Representatives member, Rebecca Chavez-Houck has paved the way for Latinx leaders in Utah interested in conservation policy. In 2019, the former representative convened support for the Utah “Every Kid Outdoors” initiative, providing the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education grant program with a substantial appropriation while expressing “commitment to provide Utah children with lifelong opportunities to connect with nature.” Her ongoing advocacy surrounding national monuments like Bears Ears, and service as a co-chair of the legislative Clean Air Caucus prior to her retirement adds to her stellar record defending conservation in Utah. Additionally, as an HECHO Advisory Board Member, she represents HECHO on the Utah Governor’s Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee.
Councilmember David Luna | Arizona
From his outspoken advocacy defending the Grand Canyon from uranium mining, to the events he has promoted to connect his community to parks and fishing, and his calls for greater access to the outdoors within urban areas, Councilmember David Luna is also the first Hispanic to serve on Mesa City Council in Arizona. Citing his own outdoor traditions and history as a motivator to act for the preservation of open spaces in urban areas like Red Mountain Lake, cCouncilmember Luna understands the important role parks play in the daily lives of his constituents and has advocated for the expansion of parks in his district. He regularly promotes connection to community through parks and fishing by participating in and leading family fishing events, and is vocal in efforts to protect the Grand Canyon from uranium mining, sharing his own connection to the Canyon and advocating for its preservation for future generations against endangering the environment at the Grand Canyon. Councilmember Luna is a trailblazer in his own right, and is a dedicated community servant.
We are appreciative of the leadership and legacy of the Hispanic and Latinx leaders that work hard to protect our public lands, encourage accessibility to the outdoors, and that take action on ensuring that we make a concentrated effort to leave this planet better than the way we inherited it.
HECHO encourages our readers to get involved in your state by joining HECHO’s Digital Advocacy Network to continue to do the work of elevating the voices of our community. Join us!