SLVEC achieves National Conservation Area outreach goals to public officials

The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC), led by Project Manager Anna Vargas, completes a multi-year educational outreach effort aimed at local public officials and residents to highlight the benefits of a National Conservation Area (NCA).

Dotted with historical, cultural, and ecological hotspots, the Rio Grande region showcases the overlap of cultures and their distinct relationships with the Valley's landscape over 13 millennia of human occupation. A potential NCA would enshrine this site with permanent protections. 

“As people with a rich history in self-sufficiency, we are presented with an opportunity to honor our heritage, continue stewarding these lands, and ensure our quality of life improves for future generations,” Vargas states. 

These lands would be managed under the Bureau of Land Management's multi-use mandate, which balances traditional land uses, such as grazing and harvesting, with recreation and conservation values. The BLM's purpose of an NCA is to “conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes recognized for their cultural, ecological, and scientific values." These protections are tailored to the unique needs of each region.

The project area would mirror the Rio Grande del Norte Monument in New Mexico, bridging these fragmented landscapes. A national monument is created through presidential proclamation, whereas an NCA is designated through Congress. 

Colored Map of Rio Grande Corridor Project Area

As the lifeblood of the region, the Rio Grande watershed needs to remain connected and healthy to continue the Valley’s way of life. These riparian areas provide critical wildlife habitat for endangered bird species, such as the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, as well as other fauna and flora specialized to the Valley ecosystem. 

"Our public lands gave me a deep sense of place as a child,” said Vargas, a sixth-generation San Luis Valley native.

An NCA designation would ensure adequate resources and oversight to protect this treasured, wild landscape. SLVEC pursued community input to ensure that local stakeholders can implement this congressional designation.

A journey through the southern Valley

Starting in June 2023, SLVEC began its community presentations and panels for county commissioners, town boards, and planning commissions across Conejos and Costilla counties.

Initial outreach efforts focused on topics of concern throughout Conejos County, with the addition of San Luis in Costilla. Topics included grazing permits, indigenous culture, land restoration, and water infrastructure. Five Conejos municipalities welcomed SLVEC to their town boards: La Jara, Romeo, Manassa, Sanford*, and Antonito. 

SLVEC received an overall positive response from the communities. It was a common misconception in communities that an NCA designation would lead to increased regulations and government overreach, Vargas explained. 

“Over the past two years, these conversations have continued to emphasize the power of community, the critical role of grassroots advocacy, and community cohesiveness,” said Vargas.

A handful of diverse and dedicated community members and stakeholders continue to meet quarterly to brainstorm how to raise awareness about this designation. 

In 2021, SLVEC collected a baseline inventory of documents that analyzed the ecological, historical, and cultural significance of this site, which included 23 detailed maps and reports. Examples are wildlife migration stopovers, BLM grazing allotments, aquatic habitats, and more. In partnership with the Conservation Lands Foundation, SLVEC organized and shared this scientific research with local communities to highlight the significance of this special area.

Southwestern willow flycatcher is listed as Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

The National Wetlands Inventory map shows areas identified as wetlands by the U.S. FWS.

This sandhill crane distribution maps show relative abundance of the birds during their spring stop.

The Cultural and Historical Values map shows locations of historical sites and landscapes.

BLM manages grazing allotments on lands under its jurisdiction, includes boundaries and names.

This map shows important pronghorn habitat from CPW.

The Rio Grande Natural Area, designated by Congress in 2006, encompasses a quarter-mile strip that runs adjacent to the meandering waters. This 33-mile corridor crosses both private and public lands from the southern tip of the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge to the New Mexico state line. Though managed by BLM, this ribbon would not be included in the potential designation. In 2007, SLVEC received congressional recognition for

supporting the Rio Grande Natural Area designation from then Senator Wayne Allard.

SLVEC will now move forward with the next phase of the project — to advocate for the inclusion of these lands in the upcoming BLM Land Management plan. 

—

*rescheduled, pending approval of new date