Trout Unlimited (TU) has designated New Mexico as a Priority Waters region, focusing on restoring and protecting native trout species and enhancing watershed resilience. Their efforts center on the Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the Gila trout, both native to the state.
Key Initiatives
- Native Trout Recovery: TU collaborates with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to restore habitats and bolster populations of native trout species.
- Community Engagement: By securing over $3 million in funding, TU has supported watershed restoration projects in areas like Questa, Chama, Costilla, and Jemez Springs, promoting economic development and improved habitats.
- Post-Fire Restoration: In response to increasing wildfires, TU works with agencies to rehabilitate stream ecosystems and safeguard native trout populations.
- Watershed Protections: Efforts include securing permanent protections for habitats, such as those along the Pecos River, and opposing mining projects that threaten these ecosystems.
Priority Areas
- Upper Rio Grande Basin: TU’s long-term goal is to rebuild healthy populations of Rio Grande cutthroat trout by restoring stream flows and ecological functions.
- Headwaters of the Gila River: This area offers opportunities for native trout conservation through habitat restoration and community engagement.
Through these initiatives, Trout Unlimited aims to create resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and local communities in New Mexico.