Restoring New Mexico’s Rivers and Celebrating Unm’s Athletic Milestone
Efforts to Revitalize State Rivers
New Mexico is witnessing a renewed push for river restoration, as highlighted in a recent episode of New Mexico in Focus (NMiF). Environmental experts are advocating for increased state investment in tackling the severe degradation affecting key waterways such as the Rio Grande, Jemez, and Santa Fe rivers. Factors contributing to this decline include drought, erosion, and invasive species.
Correspondent Elizabeth Miller spoke with Dan Roper from Trout Unlimited and filmmaker Renea Roberts about the critical need for restoration projects. These initiatives, supported by the New Mexico Environment Department’s River Stewardship Program, focus on enhancing water quality and restoring natural habitats through various methods, including wetland restoration and habitat rehabilitation.
Community Advocacy and Collaborative Efforts
Local organizations are taking a proactive stance in these restoration efforts. Trout Unlimited not only advocates for coldwater fisheries but also works on habitat restoration and river health. Roper emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships to secure state funding for these vital projects.
Additionally, Roberts’ docuseries, “Thinking Like Water,” aims to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing New Mexico’s rivers and the necessity of sustainable practices. The community’s involvement is essential for fostering a culture of stewardship toward these critical resources.
UNM Celebrates a Historic Contract for Coach Eck
In other news, the University of New Mexico (UNM) has made headlines with a significant development in its athletics department. The university recently signed head football coach Jason Eck to a five-year contract extension worth up to $8 million, making him the highest-paid public employee in New Mexico. This strategic move reflects UNM’s commitment to revitalizing its Lobo football program and competing effectively in the Mountain West Conference.
Sportswriter Sean Reider discussed the implications of this contract during the NMiF segment, highlighting the importance of investing in strong leadership for the athletics program’s success. This financial commitment signifies the university’s dedication to enhancing its sports programs and attracting talent.
Exploring the Local News Landscape
The latest episode of NMiF also featured an insightful look into New Mexico’s local news ecosystem. The 2025 Local News Ecosystem Report introduced an interactive map detailing nearly every newsroom in the state, revealing the challenges posed by ‘news deserts’ where local coverage is sparse. This initiative aims to address the decline in journalism infrastructure, fostering a more informed public.
By engaging with experts like UNM professor Gwyneth Doland and journalism consultant Michael Marcotte, NMiF provides a platform for discussing the importance of robust local news coverage in a democratic society.
