Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.In New Mexico, we have our hands full. We have issues with steam flows and water quality, we have two imperalled native trout, we have habitat issues, and with increases numbers of people and with the climate warming, these issues will only become more difficult to deal with. Over the last 5 years, TU has been involved in numerous projects across the state to improve the condition of our fisheries.

We currently have a couple of large grants to work on both Gila trout and Rio Grande cutthroat trout.   Because the Gila trout is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and as of May 2008, the Rio Grande cutthroat is a candidate species, it is imperative to continue to restore these fish to available habitat in order to protect our ability to enjoy robust recreational fisheries. 2007 was the first time in nearly 40 years that we were able to fish for Gila trout. To see the Rio Grande cutt head down this same path would be a disaster of the highest order.

Trout Unlimited was also heavily involved to protect the Valle Vidal from unchecked energy development. Under the Public Lands tab, you can get more information on TU’s efforts across the west to protect critical fish habitat from run away energy development. We are not opposed to energy development, but it needs to be in a responsible manner, and there are a few place that are more important for their natural resources than for the few hours worth of gas or oil that lie beneath them.

In the last year, we have gotten involved with both the Santa Fe and Pecos Watershed Associations for different reason, but with one common goal in mind – so that we can fish in our streams. While the Pecos has some of the best water resources in the state, we feel it important that the local community take a strong role in protecting those resources. The Santa Fe River on the other hand has not had year round flows in decades due to (mis) management of the resource soley as a way to capture water for consumptive uses. It would be nice if one day, future generations of Santa Feans are able to catch fish in the river, as past generations were able to do.

Tweet This Post