UPWA Accomplishments since its formation include:

 

·  Conducted semiannual public meetings for stakeholders and monthly open Board of Directors and Advisory Board meetings

· Opened and maintains the UPWA office in Pecos

· Authored a “Watershed Restoration Action Strategy” (WRAS)

· Commissioned a comprehensive report on the “Impact of Recreational Use on Water Quality in the Pecos River”

· Works with numerous Federal, State, and County Agencies, plus advocacy, trade and other groups with interests in the watershed as well as private landowners. Coordinates ongoing efforts in development of a comprehensive management plan for recreational uses and other activities in the Pecos Canyon

· Participated in development of San Miguel County Community Wildfire Protection plan

· Formed the Pecos Canyon State Park coalition and successfully lobbied for creation of the Park from lands belonging to NM Department of Game & Fish

· Conducts numerous other activities to engage stakeholders including cleanups, seminars, field trips, etc.

· Began a 2-year River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative Project in June 2009 for on-the-ground restoration of ½ mile of stream below Lisboa Hatchery with funding from a grant from the State of NM.

 

· Collaborating with Truchas Chapter Trout Unlimited and River Source, Inc. on a comprehensive educational outreach program in the Pecos Independent School District using “Trout in the Classroom” and “Watershed Watch” water quality monitoring programs

 

·  Began a 2-year Collaborative Forest Restoration Program project in October 2009 to study highest wildfire risks in the Pecos canyon, establish a “Firewise” program, and recommend specific actions to reduce wildfire risk

 

· Began work in 2010 on revision and expansion of the Watershed Restoration Action Strategy with funding from NM Environment Department

 

· Applied for and received an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in July 2009 for one year

 

 Future Objectives:

 

·  Seek grant funding for remediation of extensive damage to riparian areas and stream geomorphology on the Pecos on State Park and Forest Service lands. This will require several million dollars in grant funding and 4-5 years to accomplish.

 

· Also seek funds for remediation of damage to riparian areas and stream geomorphology on the Cow Creek.

 

· Work with NM Department of Transportation and NM legislature to obtain funding for badly needed improvements on 25 miles of NM Highway 63 from Pecos to Cowles. Assist in development of a DOT plan for recreational use and parking in the river corridor with appropriate signage and enforcement.

 

· Work with San Miguel County and Village of Pecos to create an up-to-date land-use plan to better manage future developments in Pecos and Cow Creek canyons.

 

· Conduct a study of existing septic systems within the watershed and make recommendations on improving oversight and management of septic issues to San Miguel County and the Village of Pecos.

 

· Seek federal grant funding and work with San Miguel County and Village of Pecos to establish an RV dump station and waste collection point in the canyon.

 

· Work with the U. S. Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, and Pecos Ranger District to improve facilities for recreational users on Forest Service lands in the watershed, especially along the Pecos and Cow Creek.

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Upper Pecos Watershed Association

A Community Based Organization

Accomplishments Continued

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Protecting, Maintaining and Improving the Health  of the Pecos River Watershed,

 as well as the Local Economy & Cultures.