For Immediate Release: December 12, 2024

Media contacts:
Magda Matecka, upwa@pecoswaterhsed.org, 505-757-3600 
Ralph Vigil, ralph@nmwild.org, 505-603-2879  

Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture advanced the protection of the Pecos River by partnering to issue an order that prevents new mining claims and mineral development on 164,810 acres of public lands in the upper Pecos River watershed for a period of two years. This action will allow time for the agencies to conduct environmental studies and obtain public input, and could ultimately lead to a 20-year mineral withdrawal, which would protect the watershed and its residents from pollution and water quality degradation and promote the future of agriculture, outdoor recreation, and safe drinking water. 

Water is not only a precious resource in New Mexico. It is a way of life. The upper Pecos River watershed provides critical water resources to local communities. It supplies fresh water downstream for hundreds of miles, supporting fish and wildlife habitat and the fishery industry. The upper Pecos River watershed powers the local agriculture and outdoor recreation industries and the people who depend on them. As key economic drivers in the region, a clean water supply and healthy habitat allow these industries to prosper, thus strengthening New Mexico’s state economy. The threat that new mining claims pose not only to the environment but taxpayers cannot be overstated. Rehabilitation of the Pecos watershed after previous mining contamination required significant reclamation efforts that cost New Mexico taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. The newly issued order is a necessary step to ensure the revered upper Pecos River watershed continues to sustain our people, our communities, our economy and our way of life. 

There is broad and diverse local support for the upper Pecos River watershed mineral withdrawal, including from Jemez Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, Village of Pecos, San Miguel County, Santa Fe County, New Mexico Acequia Commission, New Mexico Acequia Association, and the San Miguel del Bado Land Grant. Alongside these local communities, the Stop Tererro Mine Coalition applauds the agencies for taking this important step to protect the Pecos, now and for future generations.

“Water is the blood of our Pueblo and all nearby communities. We cannot place our life-giving waters in the hands of foreign-owned mining corporations.” 
Governor Milton Herrera, Pueblo of Tesuque

“We are profoundly grateful for the proactive steps taken by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to secure the future of the Upper Pecos Watershed. Today’s issuance of an order that prevents new mining claims and mineral development on 164,810 acres of public lands in the upper Pecos River watershed marks a crucial advancement in our ongoing efforts to protect this vital resource. At UPWA, our mandate is to restore, protect, and enhance the Upper Pecos Watershed, and this action plays a pivotal role in fulfilling that mission. It ensures the preservation of our watershed, benefiting agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the provision of safe drinking water for our communities. We thank the various departments and our local and state supporters, including Jemez Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and others for their unwavering support. This collective effort demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting the Pecos for today’s residents and future generations.”
Frank Adelo, President of the Upper Pecos Watershed Association (UPWA)

“As a 7th generation acequia farmer from East Pecos and former chairman of the New Mexico Acequia Commission, I wholeheartedly commend the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for taking this significant step to protect the Pecos River watershed from mining threats. This two-year pause on new mining claims is vital to safeguard the lifeblood of our communities—clean water for agriculture, drinking, and outdoor recreation. The Pecos River is not just a water source; it is a cultural and ecological treasure that supports the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, and countless families. Ensuring its health is ensuring the future of our way of life and preserving a legacy for generations to come.”
Ralph A. Vigil, Owner of Molino de la Isla Organics

“As Mayor of Pecos, I applaud the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for taking this critical step to protect the upper Pecos River watershed. Our community knows all too well the devastating impacts of mining contamination, as we are still grappling with the environmental and health consequences from mining activities over a century ago. The scars left behind serve as a stark reminder of what is at stake. This two-year pause on new mining claims allows us to safeguard our water, land, and way of life while prioritizing the health and safety of our residents. The Pecos River is the heart of our community, sustaining agriculture, outdoor recreation, and clean drinking water for future generations. Protecting it from further harm is not just necessary; it is our responsibility.”
Mayor Telesfor Benavidez, Village of Pecos

“As San Miguel County District 2 Commissioner, I am thrilled to see the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture take this critical step to protect the Pecos River watershed. By pausing new mining claims and mineral development on these 164,810 acres, we are safeguarding the lifeblood of our communities. This action honors our commitment to clean water, sustainable agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the well-being of future generations. I look forward to continued public engagement and environmental review as we work toward long-term protections for this treasured landscape.”
Bernadette Baca, San Miguel County District 2 Commissioner

“The Pecos River sustains the people, the plants, the animals, and the Earth itself. My people settled in this area because of the sacred waters. We continue to perform ceremonies there, and we want permanent protection.”
Joseph “Brophy” Toledo, a spiritual leader and herbalist at Jemez Pueblo who has roots in Tesuque Pueblo and the historic Pecos Pueblo

“The decision to protect the Upper Pecos watershed reflects the virtually unanimous voice of New Mexicans who recognize that some places are simply too precious to risk. We deeply thank the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for taking this crucial action. Anyone who has spent time in the Pecos knows just how extraordinary and irreplaceable this watershed is. Indigenous peoples, acequia farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities have united in demonstrating how deeply we value our water, cultural heritage, and way of life. You couldn’t pick a worse location for mining than this critical watershed, which provides clean drinking water, supports agriculture, and enriches the lives of all who experience its beauty. This action ensures these cherished waters will continue to benefit future generations.”
Mark Allison, Executive Director of New Mexico Wild

For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Interior Press Release