Fall-Winter 2000-2001 Bulletin

Amigos Bravos, River Network, and ARGH Host Clean Water Act Workshop in Albuquerque, October 16-18

In August we began the two-and-a-half month planning, recruiting and logistical process leading to a statewide Clean Water Act Workshop designed to place a user-friendly version of the Clean Water Act into the hands of community based groups concerned about quality surface water across New Mexico. River Network’s Gayle Killiam and Pattie Frost Jones coordinated the planning with the Amigos Bravos office in Albuquerque. While national presenters laid the groundwork for a friendlier understanding of this important statute, local New Mexicans were able to bring its full meaning home through the presentations of Richard Deertrack, Blaine Sanchez, Matt Bishop and Brian Shields. Examining the New Mexico impaired waters (CWA §. 303 d) list, for example, showed the workshop participants just how user-friendly the Act can be. Participants included watershed representatives from throughout New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Eastern Arizona, who all contributed to the body of knowledge and the total experience. Anonymous feedback from the participants reveals the tone and usefulness of the three-day activities: “Most representative of the New Mexico population of any workshop I’ve attended.” “(I) identified a need for us to examine the Designated Uses on our basin-wide rivers and start to monitor water quality to protect these resources... I will present my understanding of how we can use the CWA to protect our rivers to the group” “I am much more comfortable understanding the work Amigos Bravos does - specifically Brian... This has been a powerful experience. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the presenters facilitates an open learning environment. Many thanks-” “It was the first of its kind I’ve attended on environmental issues for tribes and other members of communities. Thank you so much! Hope to see you again; very nice meeting you and the rest of the staff of Amigos Bravos. Keep up the good work!” As a follow-up activity, workshop participants were asked to design watershed Community Action Plans. Amigos Bravos and River Network will follow up with participants through continued activities. Participant Action Plans include: “Make my administration and Tribal Government aware of clean water issues.” “Stop mining above Rio Pueblo.” “Do map of River Classification for public view and response.” “ONRW designation for Río Chama, Río Santa Barbara.” “Teamwork with other water stakeholders using the full range of people’s gifts.” “Gather people together and inform them of workshop.” “E-coli testing.” “Identify all NM waters to be (designated as) Outstanding National Resource Waters.” “Have New Mexico Tribes attend a CWA training.” “An added benefit to the workshop is that the Amigos Bravos staff has developed a strong appreciation of the terminology and importance of the Clean Water Act as an effective tool.” To sum it all up, we believe that holding the Clean Water Act Workshop built the grassroots water community’s political capacity and created new opportunities to work together to protect New Mexico watersheds. Check it out! NM Water Connections, a useful Webpage with supporting information on New Mexico water organizations that can help connect you to other current efforts and dialogues. New Mexico Water Connections http://www.nmwaterconnections.org/index.php3 The website offers water stakeholders the opportunity to: List your organization in the Directory; Share your views on the Forum page; Track water meetings on the Calendar; Check out the job postings on the News page; Learn more from the useful Links.

Please return to Fall-Winter 2000-2001 Bulletin Index.

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