PRIORITY WATERS

Trout Unlimited (TU) has designated New Mexico’s Upper Rio Grand Basin and the Headwaters of the Gila River as a Priority Waters region, focusing on restoring and protecting native trout species and enhancing watershed resilience. Conservation efforts center on the Rio Grande cutthroat trout and the Gila trout, both native to the state.

Key Initiatives

Native Trout Recovery  TU collaborates with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to restore habitats and bolster populations of native trout species.​

Community Engagement By securing over $3 million in funding, TU has supported watershed restoration projects in areas such as Questa, Chama, Costilla, and Jemez Springs, promoting economic development and enhancing habitats.​

Post-Fire Restoration In response to increasing wildfires, TU works with agencies to rehabilitate stream ecosystems and safeguard native trout populations.​

Watershed Protection Efforts include securing permanent protections for habitats, such as those along the Pecos River, and opposing mining projects that threaten these ecosystems.​