Mission

Provide an aerial tour for Representatives Doreen Gallegos and Nathan Small, and Senators Jeff Steinborn and Carrie Hamblen, press, Trout Unlimited, Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, Conservation Lands Foundation, and other state official of water resources in the Las Cruces area.

The Rio Grande is one of the most important rivers in the desert southwest. As it snakes its way down from the high peaks of Colorado, it sustains millions of people with its life-supporting water. Growing food and providing habitat, the Rio Grande is a critical component of both the human and natural communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Mexico and Texas.

We flew over the parched Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs, a stark reminder of the multi-decadal drought that presents us with significant challenges. We also observed the many square miles of agricultural lands that depend on the water to grow food and support many local families.

Our flight continued to the west and observed the impacts of wildfire and discussed how this continues to impact riparian ecosystems downstream. Along the spine of the Black Range in the Aldo Leopold wilderness, we saw first hand how human-caused climate change is accelerating and intensifying wildfire behavior.

As we returned to Las Cruces, we observed the important conservation work in preserving landscapes like the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Photos from the flights.