Western Resource Advocates
Western Resource Advocates
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) fights climate change to sustain the environment, economy, and people of the West. Our team of policy experts in New Mexico works with local communities and decision-makers to preserve the state’s precious land and water resources.
Last month, WRA and its partners celebrated Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signing of Senate Bill 9, establishing the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund – the single largest land and water conservation investment in New Mexico history. The approved state budget included a $100 million appropriation for the fund, which will invest in existing state programs and unlock access to significant available matching federal funds that have been historically left on the table.
“Recent catastrophic and devastating wildfires have shined a bright light on our state’s need to invest in landscape and community resilience,” said Jonathan Hayden, western lands senior policy analyst with WRA.
“The Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund is the kind of investment New Mexico needs to ensure the health of our forests, watersheds, and the communities that rely on them. By making this investment, our elected leaders have cemented their commitment to land and water stewardship and have allowed us – for the first time – to access millions of federal dollars available to protect our lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Now we can begin the hard work needed to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.”
Over the past five years, WRA has worked to secure conservation funding by driving a unified plan of action with our coalition partners, crafting bill language, and finding consensus between diverse stakeholders. Going forward, WRA will advocate for the full funding necessary to ensure the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund’s long-lasting impact and preserve New Mexico’s ecological, cultural, and economic future.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited nonprofit partners to submit stories related to its April topic of Environment.
National Indian Youth Leadership Project: Project Venture
Founded and rooted in New Mexico, the National Indian Youth Leadership Project has been working over three decades to help Indigenous youth to embrace their potential through outdoor adventure and service. Its flagship program, Project Venture, was created under the guidance of Indigenous elders to strengthen and increase protective factors and reduce risk factors that predispose Indigenous adolescents to negative and risky behaviors.
Solace Sexual Assault Services
For 50 years, Solace has helped survivors and our community restore strength in the face of adversity through the healing power and life-affirming services of a specialized clinical team, advocacy center, and education and prevention experts.
Santa Fe Conservation Trust
The Santa Fe Conservation Trust works to improve everyone's quality of life in and around Santa Fe through its conservation, trails, and community programs that provide more equitable access to nature. Last year, SFCT protected 2,200 acres, created over 75 miles of trails, hosted 28 field trips, and more.