Community Leaders Celebrated Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument’s Tenth Anniversary

On May 25, 2023, the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument celebrated its tenth anniversary. HECHO co-sponsored an event in Taos, New Mexico, to commemorate this milestone.

HECHO’s Senior NM Field Coordinator, Max Trujillo, emceed this well-attended event that was a testament to the hard work that went into the designation of this magnificent landscape, which includes the iconic Rio Grande Gorge.

Conservationists from many organizations remembered how vital the designation was then and how the monument's establishment has improved many aspects of life in the Taos area.

The first-ever "Esther Garcia Conservation Award" was presented to John Olivas, who played an essential role in organizing folks to support the designation.

Also in attendance were the Husband and family of Esther Garcia, who was in the oval office when President Obama signed the designation.

HCLC members, including Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard, Eric Vasquez, Taos Town Councilmember Corilia Ortega, and Rep. Donald Valdez Rep. Southern Colorado, joined this commemoration.

Gathering and celebrating the permanent protection of unique places is always an excellent opportunity to gather many committed conservationists, but it is also a reminder that there is still so much work to be done and what people can do when they works together.