Mission

Utilize the aerial perspective to unite and inform members of the Peublo of Tesuque, conservation groups, County officials, the media, and New Mexico Congressmen and congressional staff on a proposal to designate a new wilderness area and protect a critical watershed from the threats of mining.

The Pecos River flows from the Pecos Wilderness in north-central New Mexico to Texas, meandering through granite canyons and high-alpine ecosystems. Our overflight examined the gorgeous Upper Pecos Watershed, which supports diverse flora, fauna, and recreational opportunities. While the Pecos River flows for 20 miles, protected under a Wild & Scenic designation, to the community of Terrero, a six-mile stretch of the river south of Terrero is under immediate threat. The proposed Terrero Mine threatens the diverse values of the Upper Pecos Watershed. The Australian company wishes to move ahead with an exploratory phase, drilling up to 30 deep holes to determine if the site is viable for a full blown mine. This exploration could contaminate the Pecos River, harming fish, wildlife, and the humans who live nearby. The region has a legacy of historic mining that polluted the fragile ecosystem. In the 1990's irresponsible mining killed over 90,000 fish and cost taxpayers millions in restoration efforts.

EcoFlight's partners are working to ensure degradative mining doesn't further harm the sacred river, wildlife, and the communities that rely on the Pecos River. New Mexico Wild is working to secure protection for the Upper Pecos Watershed through a Wilderness Area designation. The 11,099 acre Thompson Peak Recommended Wilderness Area will help safeguard the beauty and wonder of the area against irresponsible mining projects like the Terrero Mine.

Click to download a .kmz file with geo-referenced flight photos