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.
_____
The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited nonprofit partners to submit stories related to its April topic of Environment.
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba has been a trusted healthcare provider in northern New Mexico for more than 50 years, ensuring families in rural and remote communities can access quality, culturally responsive care close to home. Serving as a primary source of care for infants, toddlers, and caregivers in Rio Arriba County, the clinic recently launched La Clínica Baby Essentials — a new “baby bank” offering essential supplies, parenting education, and infant health screenings.
The Food Depot
Families need more than groceries to stay healthy and stable. That is why The Food Depot also operates Diaper Depot, providing diapers, wipes, and resources to hundreds of families each month. This wraparound program supports household well-being and helps families stay on a stronger path toward food security.
McCurdy Ministries
Local nonprofit McCurdy Ministries shares their story, including the early childhood programs that support young children and families in the Española Valley, offering care, education, and essential resources during critical early years.
