WASHINGTON—Today,
U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and
Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)
announced the introduction of legislation to designate portions of the
Gila River, its watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest
as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The legislation will be a boon to New
Mexico’s outdoor economy, while protecting an irreplaceable natural
resource for future generations of New Mexicans. The senators developed
the legislation taking into account the large amount of feedback
provided by community members, private landowners, outdoor recreation
enthusiasts, local officials, farmers, ranchers and others.
The Greater Gila watershed, which includes the
San Francisco River and other main tributaries, comprises the largest
remaining network of naturally flowing river segments in the
Southwestern United States. New Mexicans have cherished the Gila for
generations for its spectacular scenery and wildlife habitat, shared
family experiences, unique fishing and recreational opportunities,
abundant cultural resources, and as a clean water source for countless
traditional uses.
A webpage with a summary of the legislation, maps detailing protection areas and frequently asked questions is available HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment