July 28, 2016
For immediate release
ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is excited to announce our next rafting trip aimed at connecting youth with the outdoors and highlighting the importance of our public lands, watersheds, and national forests. Twenty-five students between the ages 10 through 21 from Zia Pueblo, Taos, Abiquiu, Rio Arriba, El Rito, Canjilon, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe will be joining us on a rafting trip guided by Far-flung Adventures on the Rio Chama on Tuesday, August 2.
Santa Fe City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Peter Ives as well as representatives from the Forest Service and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s office will be attending.
With revisions to all five New Mexico forests currently underway, this trip will highlight the importance of communities getting involved in the forest planning revision process. By getting youth from all over New Mexico on the river in the Santa Fe National Forest, we hope to engage families and young people in management decisions and raise awareness about the process with the general public.
“Everyone should be involved in the forest planning revision process,” said Executive Director Garrett Vene Klasen. “The management plans that come out of this process will impact our water quality, wildlife, and resources. To emphasize the importance of our public lands and watersheds, we are excited to bring youth from across New Mexico out onto the water so they can experience the outdoors for themselves. By having meaningful outdoor experiences now, these children are more likely to advocate for the outdoors in the future.”
Details:
- 9:00 am: Meet at Ghost Ranch Visitor Center Outside of Abiquiu, NM
- 9:30 am: Start Rafting on the Chama
- 12 pm: Lunch Provided by Steve Harris and Far-flung Adventures
- 3:15 pm: Pullout Big Eddy
- 3:15-4:00 pm: Water Sampling, Stream Ecology, and Aquatic Life
- 4:00 pm: Return back to Vehicles
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation has partnered with Las Cumbres, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District to identify students to take part this exciting event.
