Contacts:
Dan Roper, New Mexico State Lead, Trout Unlimited, dan.roper@tu.org
Saba Ijadi, Policy and Engagement Manager, Trout Unlimited, saba.ijadi@tu.org
Nick Streit, Owner, Taos Fly Shop, nick@taosflyshop.com
SANTA FE – Trout Unlimited (TU) applauds today’s decision by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to designate over 250 stream miles in northern New Mexico as Outstanding National Resource Waters (outstanding waters). Outstanding waters designations provide the state’s highest form of water quality protection under the federal Clean Water Act.
The designations were proposed by the New Mexico Environment Department and widely supported by the angling community. Most of the designated streams are managed as Special Trout Waters by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, due to their fishing popularity or value to native trout conservation. The designations are complementary to water and watershed protections goals outlined in the Lujan Grisham administration’s 50-year water action plan and exemplify the administration’s commitment to protecting clean water.
The WQCC’s decision also preserves clean water for downstream communities and bolsters New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy, which relies on fishing and other water-based activities. The designations will also benefit native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, as many of the designated waters are important habitat for New Mexico’s state fish.
“Today’s decision is great news for New Mexico’s angling community – it preserves clean water in many of New Mexico’s best trout streams while benefitting iconic species like the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. When we protect clean water upstream, we know it’s also good for anyone using water downstream.” -Dan Roper, New Mexico State Lead, Trout Unlimited.
“If we want great fishing, we need clean water. Protecting water quality in our best trout streams is the right move for New Mexico, and it’s good for business.” – Nick Streit, Owner, Taos Fly Shop
BACKGROUND
Outstanding National Resource Water designation is the highest level of water quality protection that a stream, lake, or wetland can be granted under New Mexico’s Water Quality Act and the federal Clean Water Act. Any person may nominate a water as an outstanding water by submitting a petition that meets certain requirements to the WQCC. Once designated an outstanding water, no degradation is allowed beyond certain pre-existing land use activities, such as acequia operations, and short-term degradation caused by watershed restoration projects or activities to maintain public health or safety.
Since its inception in 2005, the WQCC has granted outstanding waters designation to many streams and wetlands across New Mexico. All previous nominations and decisions can be found at https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/wqs-amendments/
More information is available at ournmwaters.com
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Trout Unlimited is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to caring for and recovering America’s rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. Across the country, TU brings to bear local, regional and national grassroots organizing, durable partnerships, science-backed policy muscle, and legal firepower on behalf of trout and salmon fisheries, healthy waters and vibrant communities.