Spurred by concerned residents, New Mexico's two senators approved legislation that endorsed a broad-based, collaborative approach to watershed restoration. Since 1997, the Rio Puerco Management Committee (RPMC) that was established by Public Law 104-333, has brought together Indian tribes, federal and state agencies, an array of non-profits, and local citizens to address these problems.

The Committee has focused on strengthening community resolve and capacity to reduce sediment, control erosion, and promote healthy vegetative communities. Our work includes a one-of-a-kind, community-based monitoring effort to gather data on the effectiveness of our projects.