Our Soil & Water Conservation Districts perform many functions relating to water and resource conservation and restoration. In having worked for Soil & Water Conservation Districts in New Mexico House District 22, I understand that they are:

“ …independent subdivisions of state government, governed by boards of supervisors, local landowners, and residents who are either elected or appointed. SWCDs are authorized by the Soil and Water Conservation District Act (73-20-25 through 73-20-48 NMSA 1978 ) to perform a variety of functions. SWCDs conserve and develop the natural resources of the state, provide for flood control, preserve wildlife, and protect the tax base. This work promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of New Mexico. SWCDs coordinate assistance from all available sources — public and private, local, state and federal — in an effort to develop locally driven solutions to natural resource concerns. Forty-seven SWCDs encompass the majority of New Mexico’s land area” (NMDA, 2022)”.

https://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/nmda-homepage/divisions/apr/soil-and-water-conservation-districts/

With this understanding and work experience, I am aware that we must invest in our Soil & Conservation districts. With adequate funding and support, I know that our Soil & Water Conservation Districts will be incremental in the fight to conserve and protect our water.