Chama Peak Land Alliance

Chama Peak Land Alliance, Increasing Resiliency in the San Juan-chama Project Headwatersreclamation Funding: 3,000,000 Total Project Cost: 4,000,000THE Chama Peak Land Alliance Will Conduct Ecological Forest Thinning on Approximately 2,150 Acres to Protect Source Watersheds for Reclamations San Juan-chama Project, the Rio Chama Headwaters, and the Rio Brazos Headwaters From the Impacts of Future Wildfires. Forests in These Headwaters Are Unnaturally Dense and Homogenous, Putting Them at Risk of Severe Wildfires and Deterioration of Watershed Function. These Watersheds Supply Crucial Drinking Water to the Cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and Numerous Tribes, Pueblos, and Rural Communities Throughout New Mexico. in Addition to Threatening Water Supply Infrastructure, a Severe Wildfire Could Cause Water Quality Impairments, Flooding Erosion, and Significant Degradation of Habitat for Fish and Wildlife, Including Habitat for the Native Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout and Rare San Juan Strain of Colorado Cutthroat Trout Populations. the Project Aligns With the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project, the Rio Grande Water Fund Comprehensive Plan, and the Resiliency Strategy for the Navajo-blanco Watersheds. This Project Has Support From Conservation Groups, Government Agencies, and Water Users, Highlighting Its Importance in Preserving These Vital Watersheds and Mitigating the Threat of Severe Wildfires.