9th Annual Rio Chama Congreso to Focus on Riparian Restoration

Steve Vrooman, Keystone Restoration Ecology, prepares to launch a drone for mapping of Canjilon Creek restoration projects, 2024. Image Courtesy of Sage Faulkner

Sage Faulkner
Chama Peak Land Alliance

Ghost Ranch, NM – On Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, 2025, those interested in the happenings of the San Juan-Chama Watershed are invited to gather near Abiquiu, at Ghost Ranch, for the 9th annual Rio Chama Congreso. The Congreso brings together land and water management practitioners, users, and community members to discuss natural resource issues in the Rio Chama watershed. This year’s focus is riparian health and river restoration in the Rio Chama watershed. Congreso is an excellent opportunity to meet community members, share ideas related to water and natural resource management, and enjoy a day in the gorgeous landscape of northern New Mexico.

This year, Congreso will happen alongside the 2-3-2 Partnership Meeting. Working collaboratively across all lands, agencies, and organizations, the 2-3-2 Partnership coordinates efforts to reestablish natural fire regimes, promote resilient landscapes that protect and improve water and other natural resources for humans, wildlife, and plants, and support the economic and cultural resilience of communities within and connected to the Rio Chama/Rio Grande landscape. 

The joint committees will bring the two water-focused agendas together in a multi-layered opportunity to meet key partners and see a variety of projects and funding currently happening in the watershed.  Following the 2-3-2 Meeting on Friday morning, we will tour restoration projects and celebrate the premier of “Follow the Water.”  Saturday will be the full Congreso meeting highlighting riparian and river restoration efforts in the region.

Speakers at this year’s Congreso include former State Engineer, Mike Hamman; Chama District Forester, Joe Carrillo; and other representatives from various local, state, and Federal natural resource management agencies.

Attendance at both the field trips and the event are free, although you must register ahead of time.

For more information and registration, please go to the www.sanjuanchama.org.  Be sure and follow San Juan – Chama Watershed Partnership on Facebook for the most current updates on the Rio Chama Congreso. 
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Photo courtesy of Sage Faulkner
Caption:  Steve Vrooman, Keystone Restoration Ecology, prepares to launch a drone for mapping of Canjilon Creek restoration projects, 2024.