The Galisteo Watershed sweeps downward from Thompson Peak to the Rio Grande, creating a large basin spanning three counties and encompassing 730 square miles. Activities in and around the Galisteo basin continuously affect the watershed. Competition for limited resources is exacerbated by these ongoing initiatives and expanding (sub)urban development, producing approximately 500 homes a year.

The watershed is a fragile environment. Throughout its history it has been able to sustain, and alternately fail to sustain, its inhabitants. This historical perspective is critical to planning for the social, economic, and ecological future of the watershed.

People who live in the Galisteo watershed want to protect the natural beauty of the land – open spaces, vistas, night skies, wildlife, and solitude. They treasure the creeks that run through the sparsely populated landscape. They want to maintain small scale communities with a culturally diverse group of independent, environmentally conscious neighbors, many of whom live connected to the land. They value the unique historic and cultural heritage of the watershed.

Why A Watershed Focus?

The importance of a “watershed focus” rests in the clear understanding, protection and management of the natural resources unique to the Galisteo basin. The following ideas support this vision:

• John Wesley Powell argued that water is the key to development in the West. Therefore, land management should be organized around watersheds.
• Planning based on the watershed makes the most environmental and geographical sense.
• Watershed planning does not mean to plan only for the creek and the riparian area; it includes using the creek as the organizing feature to plan for all the elements that affect the health of the Basin.
• This region-wide focus aims to link the environment, communities, agencies and individuals—working together on planning initiatives and other restorative activities throughout the Galisteo Watershed.