THE CIMARRON WATERSHED

 


The Cimarron Watershed is the area drained by the Cimarron River and its tributaries in northeastern New Mexico.  The watershed is dominated by forestland and rangeland, with some urban areas in and near the towns of Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Cimarron and Springer.

 

 

WHO IS THE CWA?

 

The Cimarron Watershed Alliance Inc. (CWA) is a non-profit 503c corporation made up of volunteers from both the rural and urban areas of Colfax County.  Volunteers include public officials, agency personnel, civic groups, ranchers, business people, and private citizens, all with the common interest of maintaining and improving water quality and quantity within the Cimarron Watershed.

 

The CWA was created as a result of a watershed study done by the New Mexico Environment Department, as required by the United States Department of Environmental Protection.  This study identified certain problems in creeks and rivers within the Cimarron Watershed.  These problems included turbidity, temperature, aluminum, and fecal coliform.  The CWA was formed to help address these problems at the local level with local input.

 

 

MISSION

 

To strive for and maintain a healthy watershed for all residents through collaborative community activities involving all stakeholders with an interest in water.

 

 

OBJECTIVES

 

1.                  To restore, maintain, and/or preserve surface and groundwater quality, aquatic resources, and water supplies.

 

2.                  To serve as a resource on watershed issues and information.

 

3,         To protect, restore, and maintain natural resources (land, water, forest, and

wildlife) in the watershed.

 

 

HOW CAN CWA HELP YOU?

 

If you are a rancher, CWA can help you make improvements to reduce and prevent soil erosion and improve streamside habitat for wildlife and livestock on your ranch.

 

If you are a homeowner, CWA can work with you to improve the appearance, water efficiency, environmental friendliness, and fire safety of your landscaping.

 

If you live near a creek with an erosion problem, CWA can help the landowner stabilize the streambed and replant streamside vegetation  (For example, CWA is currently working with the Village of Angel Fire to stabilize the streambed and reduce erosion on Cieneguilla Creek.)

 

CWA has funding through a Federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant from the State of New Mexico Environment Department.  CWA works directly with landowners to solve problems and improve the water quality and natural resources of the Cimarron Watershed.

 

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP CWA?

 

 

We can’t do it alone!  We are a group of volunteers, and we can only accomplish as much as we have people to do the work.

 

·          Join CWA!  Return a membership application with a minimum $25 donation and

you’re a member!  (You can request an application by mail or phone or download one from our website.)

 

·          Attend our meetings, usually in the morning of the 4th Wednesday of each month. 

Check the website or your local newspaper for locations.

 

·          Volunteer for local CWA projects.

 

·          Submit a proposal for a CWA project in your area.

 

·          Make a donation to CWA—it’s tax deductible.

Taos Pines Ranch POA Board membeers attend a CWA meeting held at Vermejo Ranch

 

 

Cimarron Watershed Alliance

P. O. Box 626

Cimarron, NM  87714

(505) 376-2270 (voice)

(505) 376-2366 (data)

(866) 676-2270 (toll free)

www.cimarronwatershed.org