San Juan Soil And Water Conservation District

This plan for the Middle San Juan River Watershed in San Juan County, New Mexico, aims to improve water quality and restore the river to an unimpaired condition by addressing E. coli and sedimentation impairments. The plan's objectives include characterizing existing watershed information, identifying data gaps, describing ongoing programs, and outlining project opportunities. It proposes a holistic approach with projects focusing on septic and wastewater management, agricultural best management practices, upland and riparian restoration, urban stormwater, and irrigation infrastructure improvements. The overall goal is to achieve a functional, sustainable, and resilient watershed, with milestones for water quality, land use, riparian health, and public education.

This plan outlines strategies to improve water quality and restore the Lower Animas River to an unimpaired condition, meeting designated uses for recreation and aquatic life. It addresses key issues such as nutrient enrichment, bacteria pollution, and sediment loading. The plan focuses on management measures including septic, sewer, and wastewater treatment; agricultural best management practices; upland restoration; urban stormwater projects; riparian, streambank, wetland, and floodplain restoration; and irrigation infrastructure improvements. The overarching goal is to reduce pollutant loads and enhance the ecological health of the river.