Watershed Improvements Support Taos Acequias and Native Species

The Rio Fernando de Taos watershed supports six historically and culturally significant acequias that serve local farmers, landowners, and wildlife, but ongoing erosion and invasive species threaten its ability to retain water. Recognizing this threat, a team member with Amigos Bravos reached out to LOR with a solution: restore approximately 3.5 miles of the watershed to reduce erosion, improve water retention, and protect the resource on which the acequias and 200+ native species depend. LOR’s funding will help Amigos Bravos hire an eight-person Rocky Mountain Youth Corps crew for nine weeks to remove invasive species, construct 50–75 erosion-control structures, and revegetate disturbed areas with native seeds and plants—helping protect reliable water access for local farmers and other community water users for years to come.