The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division has been awarded a $50 million grant for the purchase and conservation of 32,580 acres in the Vermejo watershed in Colfax County. This grant, from the federal Forest Legacy Grant program, will be used to protect the landscape and support the people who depend on it. Conservation efforts will be led by a co-management partnership between Tribal Nations, Pueblos, the Nature Conservancy, and the Flower Hill Institute.
The Vermejo watershed is home to 24 threatened species and eight endangered species. The preservation of this area is vital for maintaining a clean water supply for the local community. This initiative is seen as a critical step in large-scale conservation, restoration, and land stewardship efforts in the state.
For more information on the Forest Legacy Grant Program and its impact on the Vermejo watershed, visit the official website. This grant is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect New Mexico’s natural resources and support sustainable land management practices.
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