September marks Upper Pecos Watershed Awareness Month, established last year through proclamations by San Miguel County and the Village of Pecos Board of Trustees. This observance raises awareness about protecting and preserving the Upper Pecos Watershed, which is the largest tributary of the Rio Grande, and a vital resource for local communities and wildlife.

The Upper Pecos River Watershed encompasses roughly 360,000 acres of the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Wilderness. It provides clean water for communities and acequias (a traditional collectively managed irrigation system), supports native fish and wildlife habitats, and powers a thriving outdoor recreation economy.

But even as we celebrate this observance, the Pecos is at risk. New mining proposals are threatening this critical watershed.

“The life-giving waters of the Pecos River have sustained our comunidades and helped New Mexico flourish for generations. Whether it’s feeding our acequias, sustaining wildlife and cattle, or providing a place to fish and camp, the Pecos is a precious resource,” said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández. “However, the river and surrounding community still bear the scars of a toxic waste spill from an abandoned mine.”

The communities along the Pecos experienced first-hand the devastating impacts of the Tererro Mine disaster. In 1991, contamination from the mine killed 90,000 fish, closed campgrounds, damaged a local fish hatchery, and devastated tourism. The cleanup cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

“Our communities know all too well the harmful effects that mining has had here in the past, and we cannot allow history to repeat itself,” warned Max Trujillo, San Miguel County Commissioner. 

Yet, in 2019, Comexico LLC, a subsidiary of Australian mining company New World Resources Ltd, acquired thousands of acres of mining claims in the Upper Pecos River Watershed.

“For many New Mexicans, landscapes like this are part of our identity and family history. The river is a thread that connects us to the past. It supplies water for working acequia systems to this day and provides economic opportunities for local communities. It’s important that we continue standing up to any attempts to degrade special places like the Upper Pecos Watershed so a deeply meaningful way of life may survive,” said Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico State Land Commissioner.

Despite the threats and the reversal of a process to initiate a temporary mineral withdrawal, momentum to protect the Pecos is growing.

In April, New Mexico’s congressional delegation reintroduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act. Most recently, in July, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) endorsed the bill.

“I introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act to protect these precious waters from new mining operations and future environmental disasters. I’m proud to share that this bill earned the endorsement of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. From New Mexico to the halls of Congress, we know that agua es vida. As good ancestors, we must make sure clean water flows for generations to come,” said Rep. Leger Fernández.

Members of HECHO’s Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council played a key role in advocating for this support and welcomed the CHC’s endorsement:

“As a lifelong resident and Pecos River defender I would like to thank the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for their formal endorsement of the Pecos Watershed Protection! Our river means everything to the communities that depend on it for farming, ranching, fishing, swimming, and recreation. The health of the Pecos River is key to our economic future.”— Janice Varela, former San Miguel County Commissioner.

“The CHC’s endorsement of this legislation is a huge deal because it affirms how culturally significant the area is. It is a recognition that some places are simply not suitable for widespread mining.”— Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico State Land Office Commissioner.

“I'm excited that CHC endorsed the Pecos Protection Act. It’s important to recognize the significance of watersheds that nourish our acequias. We are working to preserve acequia culture in both New Mexico and Colorado.”—Darien Fernandez, Taos Councilmember and Executive Director of the Taos Land Trust.

“This is a critical step toward ensuring that the Pecos River, and the people and wildlife who depend on it, are protected for generations to come.”—Max Trujillo, San Miguel County Commissioner.

State initiatives, such as designating Upper Pecos as an Outstanding National Resource Water and implementing a mineral development ban on 2,500 acres of state lands in the Upper Pecos Watershed until 2045, demonstrate strong local leadership. However, the watershed’s federal lands continue to face risks.

This September, in celebration of Pecos Watershed Awareness Month, HECHO calls on Congress and federal agencies to honor the voices of our community and take action by passing the Pecos Watershed Protection Act.

“As a proud son of northern New Mexico, I know how precious our land, water, and culture are to our future. This act will ensure these treasures are protected for generations to come, and I deeply appreciate the dedication and advocacy that made this possible,” said Leo Jaramillo, New Mexico State Senator. 

The Pecos River is more than just water; it embodies culture, heritage, livelihoods, and the future of generations to come. Now is the time to protect it permanently.

Honoring the Pecos River: Celebrating Upper Pecos Watershed Awareness Month and Elevating the Community Voices that Are Advocating for its Protection