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Lawmakers seek $15M for Bosque management to reduce fire risk, restore riparian habitat
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Summary
Senators and conservancy partners asked the Water & Natural Resources Committee for $15 million to fund Bosque restoration and wildfire-mitigation projects in the Middle Rio Grande (Valencia County and the Middle Valley), emphasizing invasive-species removal, access for firefighting and coordination with tribal partners.
Senators and regional partners asked the committee to consider an interim appropriation of $15,000,000 for Bosque management projects in the Middle Rio Grande. Presenters said the money would be used for post-fire restoration, invasive-species removal (for example, saltcedar removal), access improvements that aid firefighting, and projects to restore native vegetation and reduce depletions.
Jason Tasuka (Little Rio Grande Conservancy District / partner with the Interstate Stream Commission) described partnerships already in place and said the funding would be leveraged with city, NGO and tribal work. He said the Bosque has seen multiple named fires since 2021 and that last year’s fires destroyed homes in Valencia County; he argued that proactive management reduces the risk of larger fires that threaten residences.
Committee members asked how projects would be prioritized, whether the funding would duplicate other budget requests and how tribal partners would be consulted. Presenters said project lists are not finalized, funds would be distributed through existing agency partnerships and that tribal consultation would occur for projects affecting tribal lands. Members asked for specific project plans and expected outcomes to be provided to the committee as the legislation is drafted.
No appropriation or vote occurred at the meeting; sponsors said they would return with implementation detail and project lists.
