WATCH: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Celebrates Reintroduction of Gila Wild & Scenic River Legislation with Local Advocates in Silver City
SILVER CITY, NM –Today, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) joined members of the Wild Gila River Coalition in Silver City to celebrate the re-introduction of the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act—a major milestone in the ongoing effort to permanently protect New Mexico’s last free-flowing river and the communities that depend on it. The legislation is led by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in the Senate.
“The Gila River is a symbol of everything we love about New Mexico—wild, beautiful, and full of life,” said Vasquez. “This legislation is about protecting that legacy for future generations, and I’m proud to stand alongside so many New Mexicans who have fought for years to make this legislation possible.”
“The Gila and San Francisco Rivers are among the last wild, free-flowing rivers in the Southwest— vital to the region’s wildlife, communities, and culture. To truly safeguard the Gila’s wild character, we must also protect its rivers,” said Heinrich, Ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Our M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act will ensure that the Gila and San Francisco watersheds receive the lasting protections they deserve. These protections enhance water quality, support local economies, bolster outdoor recreation, and preserve healthy ecosystems. In New Mexico, the Rio Chama, the Jemez, the Rio Grande, and the Pecos all benefit from this important designation. The Gila and San Francisco watershed deserve no less.”
WATCH: Silver City Press Conference
The bill would designate approximately 450 miles of the Gila and San Francisco Rivers and their tributaries as Wild and Scenic. This would ensure that the rivers remain free-flowing while maintaining public access and existing water and land uses. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján and U.S. Reps. Stansbury and Leger Fernandez are original cosponsors of the legislation.
Rep. Vasquez gathered with local conservationists, business owners, and outdoor advocates at a community celebration to recognize the grassroots momentum behind the bill. The event was organized in partnership with the Wild Gila River Coalition, a broad alliance of stakeholders working to protect the ecological, cultural, and economic values of the watershed.
The Gila Wild and Scenic River Act is endorsed by the Wild Gila River Coalition, which includes Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP), Heart of the Gila, Upper Gila Watershed Association, New Mexico Wild, American Rivers, Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Lands Foundation, the Wilderness Society, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, Trout Unlimited, and American Whitewater.
"The Gila Wild and Scenic designation will pay tribute to our rich natural heritage and boost Grant County's outdoor recreation economy," said Grant County Commissioner Nancy Stephens.
“The free-flowing Gila River is the true cornerstone of the Gila Wilderness Area. This river remaining free-flowing state, in perpetuity, greatly benefits outdoor recreation-centric businesses like ours in the present, and into the future. We strongly support a Wild and Scenic Designation for the Gila River,” said Eric Payne, co-owner of Gila Hike & Bike in Silver City.
“Wild and Scenic for the Gila River is one of the most important pieces of legislation for my lifetime,” said Brett Myric, a 5th-generation New Mexican who served in Seal Team 5. He continued, “I will go to my grave with a smile on my face knowing the Gila River is protected this way in perpetuity.”
Alexa Tubbs, CEO of Open Space Brewing in Santa Clara, NM, said, “Wild and Scenic is vital for our business and the future of our community. The Gila River is where we play and why we live here. Let’s finally protect the river that gives us so much.”
“Each member of this community has a different story of their experience and connection to the forest and the river, but protection of the Gila is extremely important to all of us. As our community continues to grow and evolve, our love of the Gila is the one thing that stays the same,” said Guadalupe Cano, Silver City Councilor, District 4 and Mayor Pro Tem. She continued, “The reintroduction of the Gila Wild and Scenic legislation will protect the land while still providing access for everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. As we continue to welcome visitors who also contribute immensely to our local economy, we will ensure this incredible public land will be protected for many generations to come.”
"I have been recreating on the Gila River since I was a small child; the river means more to me than I can explain in two sentences," said Cindy "Renee" Provencio, Grant County resident and local community organizer. "The Gila River has a value to so many in our community that cannot be monetized, and it should be protected with the highest level of protection for future generations to come."
“A Wild and Scenic designation is important to our area’s preservation. The Gila River is to be left alone. Keeping it for the next generation is important. Not only is recreation one aspect, but is habitat and healing waters for those in need,” said Frances Gonzales, Bayard City Councilor. She added that, “as Steve Erwin once said, ‘If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves.’”
“As a 43-year resident of Glenwood, New Mexico, I know that the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us here is what makes this area so unique. Wild, free-flowing rivers are a part of that. Protecting these rivers for future generations is one of the best things we can do for this special place,” said Beth Menzcer, a Catron County resident.
“After 45 years of living on the western slope of the Gila Mountains, I have experienced a connection with and concern for our water and air factory reliant on the 5 vegetative zones and natural flowing tributaries," said Stanley King, Owner Operator at Silver Creek Inn in Mogollon, NM. “Because of the unique Southwest location of this watershed, the fragile environment, and endangered residents, our obligation is to protect this ecosystem from human interference.”
“The Gila River has been an inspiration to me and has taught me many things about the heritage and history of New Mexico. Keeping the Gila untamed is important in the conservation of such history,” said Anthony Canari, student at WNMU in Silver City
“As a student attending WNMU from Oregon, I am all too aware of dams and the harm they can cause," said WNMU student Aidin Wilson. “That’s why I see protecting the Gila River with great importance. Let’s keep rivers free.”
“Thanks to the vision and bipartisan leadership of Rep. Vasquez, the Gila is closer than ever to getting the protection it deserves,” said Ángel Peña, Executive Director of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project. “The Gila River serves as the lifeblood of our region, sustaining wildlife, recreation, and local economies. Nuestra Tierra applauds leaders like Rep. Vasquez who work hard to safeguard these waters as they continue nourishing our communities and cultural connections for future generations.”
“The reintroduction of the Gila Wild and Scenic River Act represents a critical opportunity to protect a key watershed connected to our trail system,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “The protection of the CDT and its surrounding landscapes has never been more important, not just for today’s users but for generations to come.”
Background:
- The Gila Watershed has the last major free-flowing river segments in the Southwest, providing critical wildlife habitat, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities.
- The Wild and Scenic designation does not impact existing grazing rights or irrigation rights and preserves traditional land uses. in the Gila. It does not impact recreational uses on the Gila.
- The proposal has been shaped by more than a decade of local stakeholder input and enjoys widespread support across Grant, Catron, and Hidalgo counties.
- Designation is expected to boost outdoor recreation and tourism, a key part of the region’s economy.
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