Rep. Gabe Vasquez visits La Mancha Wetlands in addressing New Mexico water issues

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- Wednesday, Congressman Gabe Vasquez toured La Mancha Wetlands Restoration Project in Las Cruces to explore solutions for water conservation along the Rio Grande and water-related issues across New Mexico.

Prolonged droughts, snowpack and climate change impacted the river, Rep. Vasquez said.

"As it's getting hotter, the evaporation rates are also increasing, which means we're losing a ton of water just because of those 105-degree days that we have here," Rep. Vasquez said.

He said the county, state and federal governments should invest in a plan for a "living rio" that provides habitat and opportunity for families.

Rep. Vasquez said the dams in Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake are supposed to help with agricultural production despite New Mexico's desert landscape. He said his office to get the Elephant Butte Irrigation District money to conserve more water along the route that ties the reservoir to local farms.

He also said irrigation seasons shrunk and that we're seeing water in the Rio Grande for up to two months compared to six or seven.

His last visit to La Mancha took place five years ago.

"It had a lot more water," Rep. Vasquez said. "There was fish in there, there was a beaver in there, there was turtles in there. Today, we see the impact of drought on the wetlands, but still people are hard at work trying to restore the habitat."

La Mancha is part of a restoration project by wildlife ecology students at New Mexico State University and non-profits.

"This is a great way to explore a community partnership of how we can create permanent habitat right along the Rio Grande," Rep. Vasquez said.

Volunteers have been working to make the area a family-friendly environment with opportunities for outdoor activities, he said.

Nuestra Tierra is a non-profit working to protect the La Mancha wetlands. Executive Director Angel Peña said five years from now, he hopes the wetlands become more sustainable for biodiversity and families.

"They can build the confidence and competence to be outside, to be active, to make memories, to have a carne asada, to have a discada," Peña said.

Peña said La Mancha is open 24/7 for families to explore. Those who want to volunteer with Nuestra Tierra can contact the non-profit.

Peña said one way other can help the non-profit is by finding students at local colleges to research management plans for the wetlands.

Rep. Vasquez also touched on an ongoing water crisis in Tularosa, which prompted a state of emergency declaration and water restrictions. The village's water storage tanks reached critically low levels. Officials said the low levels pose a threat to public safety, fire protection and basic needs.

"Tularosa should know that our office has its back, and we're going to continue working with county and state officials to get them the water they need," Congressman Vasquez said.

Rep. Vasquez is running for re-election in the November Election to represent U.S. House District 2 in New Mexico. He faces Republican candidate Greg Cunningham.