​

New Mexico's rivers are at a critical turning point. The flows that sustain our ecosystems, communities, agriculture, Tribal and cultural traditions, and river based economies are rapidly declining as prolonged drought and increasing water demands place unprecedented pressure on our waterways. Without immediate, meaningful action to protect and restore healthy instream flows, New Mexico risks losing river recreation along with clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational access, tourism revenue, local businesses, and the cultural heritage that thriving rivers sustain. Protecting our rivers is an investment in the long term health, resilience, and prosperity of New Mexico's people, economy, and natural landscapes. 

​

River outfitters play a vital role in New Mexico’s economy and communities. Outdoor recreation alone contributes $3.6 billion annually to the state’s GDP and supports more than 31,000 jobs , with river-based activities forming a core part of that economy through boating, fishing, and guided trips. But the true impact extends far beyond outfitter operations. River recreation drives tourism spending that supports hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail, and local services in gateway communities, while also sustaining public land use and funding through fees and visitation. Visitors drawn by rivers fuel a broader outdoor economy that includes fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, and other experiences that collectively generate billions more in total economic activity and tens of thousands of additional jobs statewide . These visitors amplify New Mexico’s global visibility through travel and social media, promoting the state as a destination and reinforcing long-term tourism growth. At the same time, river outfitters create jobs, support rural economies, connect youth to outdoor education, and sustain cultural traditions that have existed for generations. All of these economic, social, and cultural benefits depend entirely on one thing: water remaining in the river. 

​

We are calling on partner organizations, agencies, and lawmakers to support a shift in how water is valued and managed in New Mexico. Rivers must no longer be treated solely as extractive resources. 

​

We urge the adoption of policies that recognize rivers as living systems with inherent value and protect their health and integrity as essential to sustaining life. Consistent with New Mexico's long-standing principle that beneficial use is the basis, measure, and limit of all water rights, we support continued recognition that leaving water flowing in rivers is itself a beneficial use because healthy instream flows sustain water quality, recharge aquifers, support fish and wildlife habitat, preserve bosque and riparian ecosystems, reduce wildfire risk, maintain cultural and recreational values, and strengthen the long-term resilience of communities and economies that depend on healthy rivers. As climate change and prolonged drought place increasing pressure on New Mexico's water resources, policies that protect environmental flows ensure that rivers continue to provide ecological, economic, and public benefits for present and future generations. 

​

Specifically, we advocate for:

• Maintaining consistent in-stream flows of at least 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) during the spring and summer recreation season to support river health and usability

• Protecting critical habitat for native and endangered species, including fish such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow and other aquatic and riparian-dependent wildlife

• Ensuring compliance with interstate compact obligations and downstream water delivery requirements

• Supporting the needs of downstream communities that rely on healthy, flowing rivers

• Preserving and revitalizing river recreation, which is currently in severe decline due to historically low water levels

​

This is not only an environmental issue but also an economic, cultural, and community imperative. Without adequate river flows, New Mexico risks losing a vital part of its outdoor recreation economy, along with the jobs, local businesses, cultural traditions, and quality of life that healthy rivers support. 

We stand ready to collaborate with water users, policymakers, Tribal Nations, local communities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to develop balanced, science-based solutions that meet human needs while sustaining the rivers that sustain us. 

​

Protecting healthy instream flows will strengthen water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, support recreation and tourism, enhance climate resilience, and ensure that future generations inherit thriving rivers and the benefits they provide. 

​

The future of our rivers and the communities, economies, and ecosystems that depend on them requires immediate action. Healthy rivers create healthy communities, and the time to act is now.