This interactive workshop had a panel of three former members of the 2022 State Engineer’s Water Policy and Infrastructure Task Force, Phil King, Ladona Clayton, and Norm Gaume. The panelists are working together currently as NM Water Ambassadors. The Water Ambassadors joint purpose is to advocate for all the water task force recommendations. The panelists each presented their highest priorities for water funding and policy, and why. The joint funding requests to the 2024 Legislature of Dr. Ladona Clayton, Executive Director, Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy, and Norm Gaume, P.E. (ret), President, Water Advocates, are available here.
New Mexico’s watersheds are in trouble. Fires, erosion, and climate change are damaging the forests, wetlands, and stream systems we depend on to store water and protect communities. Restoring these landscapes is essential to securing a resilient water future—but it will take bold investment, better coordination, and strong local support.