Click the link to read the article on the KRCC website (Shanna Lewis). Here’s an excerpt:
October 7, 2026
A new collaboration between state and local organizations in the San Luis Valley aims to conserve and protect the region’s water and lands. The San Luis Valley Conservation and Legacy Project’s objectives include leveraging the area’s natural assets and cultural heritage to create economic opportunity. A recent gathering of local and state leaders identified ways to support agriculture and outdoor recreation in the region and serve the long-term interests of communities. Priorities include safeguarding water resources in both the Rio Grande River and in the groundwater aquifers. That could include paying farmers to leave water in the river and its tributaries to help create and maintain healthy riparian environments for wildlife, fishing recreation and agriculture by potentially paying farmers to leave water in the river and its tributaries. Also among the goals are promoting a regional identity and cooperation among various stakeholders, as well as attracting responsible tourism that brings money to the area without increasing the risk of wildfire, trashing the environment or straining search and rescue teams.
