Anouncement of Examination: Master's Exam/Project and Thesis Defense (Ryan Weiss)

School of Architecture and Planning

Community and Regional Planning and Water Resources

Title: Fluvial Geomorphic Response to In-Stream Structures: the Effects
of Design, Planning and Restoration of the Comanche Creek Catchment,
New Mexico, USA.

Date: November 12, 2008

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: SAAP, RM. 327

Committee Chair: Dr. William Fleming

Committee Members: Dr. David Henkel, Jr., Abraham Franklin


Abstract:
Anthropogenic impacts to the Comanche Creek catchment of northern New
Mexico have resulted in impaired water quality and aquatic habitat for
Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Federal and state policies promulgating
collaborative, multi-stakeholder watershed-based restoration endeavors
have driven the implementation of in-stream, riparian and upland
treatments in the catchment. This research addresses restoration
endeavors through a review of stream channel and watershed planning,
policy and restoration. Drawing upon case studies from current
literature, policies driving watershed restoration and the use of
in-stream structures to improve aquatic habitat and water quality were
reviewed. A stream hydrograph was extrapolated utilizing streamflow
evaluations from a hydrologically similar gaged catchment. Analysis of
fluvial geomorphic trends was completed through field observations and
channel geometry surveys of cross-section, longitudinal profile and
substrate throughout reaches impacted by in-stream structures. Trends
in fluvial form and processes at discrete locations indicate response
to present flow and sediment regimes. Downstream trends in channel
geometry suggest overall disequilibrium within the catchment. Data does
not reveal whether goals and objectives of in-stream structures and
overall catchment restoration endeavors have been achieved. Monitoring
over multiple spatial and temporal scales and a post-project appraisal
are recommended for objective determination of success or failure of
restoration endeavors. Critical data analysis and reporting to funding
agencies by both restoration practitioners and scientists is proposed
for policy review and development at federal and state levels to
further refine collaborative watershed-based restoration endeavors.

Announcement of Master's Project Defense of Ruji Rajbhandari

School of Architecture and Planning

Community and Regional Planning Program

Title: Monitoring Water Quality and Riparian Health in the Rio la Casa
Forest Restoration Project,Mora County, New Mexico

Date: November 4, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: George Pearl Hall RM. P130

Committee Chair: Prof. William Fleming

Committee Members: Prof. Jose Rivera, Andrew Erdmann


Abstract:
Fire suppression for many years has been created smaller trees and
denser forests. These conditions act as fire fuels as well as
decreasing the health of the forest. Increased density not only
affects the health of forest but also has an impact on communities due
to fire hazards. In response to these concerns, a mechanical fuel
reduction project is being implemented in the Walker Flats areas in
Mora County.The project is a Collaborative Forest Restoration Program
funded by the U.S. Forest Service. This program involves many
different stakeholders including the United States Forest Service, the
Santa Fe National Forest, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico
State University, New Mexico Highlands University, La Jicarita
Enterprise Community (as contractor) and other state, local,
non-profit and educational agencies. The goal of this study is to
monitor changes in watershed health, riparian health and water quality
in response to forest thinning in Walker Flats area.

NMAA & NMLA Acequia Water Banking Workshop

NMAA & NMLA Acequia Water Banking Workshop
Thursday, March 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
State Archives & Records Center, 1205 Camino Carlos Rey
www.lasacequias.org

Estimados Parciantes:

I am writing now to invite you to a workshop on Acequia Water Banking on Thursday, March 27 at the State Archives and Records Center at 1205 Camino Carlos Rey (just off Cerrillos near Pep Boys). The workshop will take place from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The New Mexico Acequia Association will present the workshop along with New Mexico Legal Aid.

The purpose of the workshop is to encourage acequias to take steps to protect water rights from loss for non-use. As you may know, New
Mexico state law provides that water rights that are not put to beneficial use may be lost through forfeiture or abandonment. This is
often referred to as the "use it or lose it" doctrine. Fortunately, loss of water rights for non-use can be prevented. This workshop will
inform you of the legal tools that are available to acequias particularly the use of "water banks" to shield water rights from loss
for non-use. The best strategy to avoid non-use is to ensure that water is used for irrigation of historic agricultural lands. If water
rights are not in use for some period of time, they can be protected for future use through "water banking." The law authorizing acequias
to "bank" water rights simply reflects an ancient practice of reallocating derechos not in use by a particular parciante to the
remaining parciantes on the acequia to augment their supply of water. The acequia water banking law allows this practice by providing for a
"paper trail" demonstrating that an acequia is making the internal reallocation of water rights for a certain period of time.

Water is a precious blessing and, as acequia officials, you have been entrusted with its care. This workshop will be very valuable to you
as you seek to sustain our acequias, our cultural traditions, and the water rights that are connected to them. The New Mexico Acequia
Association invites you in hopes that we can all work together to defend and protect our water. If you would like more information
about the workshop, please call our office at 505-995-9644 or go to our website at www.lasacequias.org.

Sincerely,

Paula Garcia, Executive Director
New Mexico Acequia Association