Land and waters that should be protected

On National Trails day in June, retired accountant Terry Chastain, had the opportunity to hike up Ute Mountain and celebrate New Mexico’s great outdoors. In an article in The Taos News, Terry shared why it’s important to him that this special place be protected.

The Río Grande del Norte area is the protectant of New Mexico’s water. Deep within in the land lies the beginning, or headwaters, of many rivers that sustain the downstream communities. The Río Grande River is responsible for a lot of the water in New Mexico, and the abundance of water could not be possible without protection.

The Río Grande del Norte takes us back to when the Earth was pristine and its peoples lived in harmony with the land. El Río Grande del Norte is a time capsule of our nation’s rich history. It is home to many vestiges of American Indian history, including ancient legends, petroglyphs and ruins.

Read the full article.

Bringing attention to Ute Mountain

On any given Saturday, Pronghorn, deer and elk stroll around the plateau surrounding Ute Mountain. And on National Trails Day, you’ll also find hikers. Taos News reporter, Matthew van Burren, joined the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance for a hike up Ute Mountain earlier this month and learned more about the support that exists for protection of the Río Grande del Norte area in Taos and Río Arriba counties.

Read the full article.