Wildfire threatens New Mexico watersheds and irrigation

A wildfire ignited in early August following a lightning strike near the village of Cundiyó in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. The blaze spread through drought-stricken canyons surrounding the Río Frijoles, threatening the health of the watershed and local irrigation systems.

The Río Frijoles and Río en Medio flow into Santa Cruz Lake, which feeds the Santa Cruz River. This water is distributed to small family farms through approximately 30 historic, hand-dug channels known as acequias. These acequias are recognized as political subdivisions of New Mexico and serve roughly 3,000 members.

To combat the fire, the U.S. Forest Service utilized aircraft to scoop water from Santa Cruz Lake and spray slurry to slow the fire's progression. Ron Gallegos, chair of the Santa Cruz Irrigation District, reported that the agency contracted the district to provide approximately 850,000 gallons of water to assist in protecting the watershed.