Marcos Valdez

The agenda includes the review of the Treasurer's Report and various purchase approvals. The board will receive an update from the Rio Arriba County Assessor and reports from several partner agencies and organizations. Discussions will cover the District Manager's report and updates from multiple subcommittees including the Acequia Cost Share Program, building maintenance, equipment rentals, and the Healthy Soils Program. New business items include approval of county fair buckles and sponsorship for the New Mexico Environthon.

This document, developed by the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District, translates its statutory mandate into land management policy and direction. The Plan identifies and applies goals, objectives, and policies within the state and federal regulatory framework governing the management of private, state, and federal land, as well as rangeland, soil, water, and wildlife resources. It aims to guide county, private, state, and federal decision-makers in addressing federal and state natural resource management issues.

This Land and Resource Use Plan and Policy for the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District provides a roadmap for land management, applying goals and policies to the regulatory framework governing private, state, and federal lands and natural resources. The plan focuses on the conservation and development of rangeland, soil, water, and wildlife resources, while also emphasizing the protection of private property rights, local custom and culture, and community economic stability. Key strategic areas include inter-agency coordination, economic development, energy and mineral resource management, water rights and quality, agricultural viability, and the management of flora, fauna, and special land designations.

The meeting agenda includes the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda. Key discussion points involve financial matters such as the Treasurer's Report, purchase approvals, and the FY 2023 audit. Partner reports will be presented by various organizations including the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and others. The District Manager's Report will cover building updates and other topics. Subcommittee reports include updates on the Acequia Cost Share Program, Northern New Mexico Cooperative Weed Management Area, Equipment Rental, Greater Rio Grande Watershed Alliance, Rio Chama-San Juan RCPP, Healthy Soils Program, Personnel, YCC, and the Seed Program. The agenda also includes unfinished and new business, an executive session for approval of pay rate increases, and setting the next regular meeting date.

The East Rio Arriba Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) monthly meeting included reports from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The NMDA report covered the Annual report of activities and annual plan for the past fiscal year due to SWCC on September 1, 2023, the 1st quarterly budget report due to DFA-LGD on October 30, 2023, and the Deadline for filing Declarations of Candidacy is August 29, 2023. The NRCS reported on EQIP and CSP applications. There was also discussion regarding a professional logo being created for the district, updates on the Acequia Cost Share Program (ACSP), Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA), Rental Equipment, Rio Chama-San Juan RCPP (RCPP), and Healthy Soils Program (HSP).