Monthly Workshop Series
Recordings of Past Sessions
Monthly, Starting May 16, 2023
Third Thursdays at 6:30 pm
Recordings and slides of the past sessions are presented below, the most recent events first. Click on the session date.
November 21, 2024 - Ladona Clayton, Norm Gaume
October 17, 2024 - Stacy Timmons, Rachel Hobbs, Laila Sturgis
September 19, 2024 - David Gutzler, David DuBois
August 15, 2024 - Bruce Thomson
July 18, 2024 - Nat Chakeres, Tanya Trujillo
June 20, 2024 - Hannah Riseley White, Professor Phil King
May 16,, 2024 - Professor Bruce Thomson
March 21,, 2024 - Senator Carrie Hamblen, Norm Gaume
February 15,, 2024 - Tricia Snyder. Sammi Kao, Gabby O'Keefe
January 18, 2024 - Phil King, Ladona Clayton, Norm Gaume
November 16, 2023 - Dr. Ladona Clayton, Norm Gaume
October 19, 2023 - Barbara Baca, Eric Olivas
September 21, 2023 - Mike Hamman, Nat Chakreres
August 17, 2023 - Paula Garcia, Jorge Garcia, Marcia Fernandez
July 20, 2023 - Andrew Erdmann, Sara Goldstein
June 15,2023 - Rachel Conn, Norm Gaume
May 16, 2023 - Hannah Riseley White, Norm Gaume
The seventeenth session of the series was held on
November 21, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the combined set of slides, with post-meeting edits
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Synopsis
2025 NM Legislative Water Priorities
Dr. Ladona Clayton, President of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy and Norm Gaume President of the NM Water Advocates spoke about what the 2025 Legislature must accomplish to begin a course correction toward successful adaptation from our current water crisis through to NM’s more arid water future. They also provided guidance as to what listeners can do to fulfil their part in helping achieve these goals
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The sixteenth session of the series was held on
October 17, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the combined set of slides
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Synopsis
Aquifer Mapping and Data Initiative Act
This was a presentation from the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources on recent and current project updates from the Aquifer Mapping effort for New Mexico, how these efforts tie to the Water Data Initiative, and the long-term goals to build a modern and complete aquifer characterization for New Mexico.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The fifteenth session of the series was held on
September 19, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the combined set of slides
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Synopsis
What The Aridification of NM Means
This was an important presentation and discussion on the ongoing aridification of New Mexico caused by higher temperatures. David Gutzler and David DuBois presented how and why New Mexico is drying, what we can expect, and the certainty of the science. The science of global warming impacts on New Mexico’s climate will guide us in how we manage and protect our scarce and life-sustaining water supplies.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The fourteenth session of the series was held on
August 15, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view Bruce Thomson's slides
Click here to view the chat file
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Synopsis
This was a second discussion with Bruce Thomson on New Mexico’s water resources. Back In May, Bruce discussed unconventional sources of water and their (un)sustainability. This August conversation focused on the conventional sources of water in New Mexico, how we use them, and how we can manage them for long term sustainability
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The thirteenth session of the series was held on
July 18, 2024
The chat link will be enabled soon:
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view Nat Chakeres' slides
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Synopsis
A discussion with Nat Chakeres, OSE General Counsel, and Tanya Trujillo, Deputy State Engineer, discussing how the OSE is managing Rio Grande Compact compliance in the Middle Rio Grande and below Elephant Butte Dam in the Lower Rio Grande. Learn about incentives and motivators that the OSE can use to ensure that New Mexico complies with its legal water sharing mandates.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The twelfth session of the series was held on
June 20, 2024
The link to the chat file will be available soon::
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Hannah Riseley White's Slides
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Synopsis
A discussion with the Hannah Riseley White,NM ISC Director and Phil King, Ph.D., P.E., New Mexico water professor (ret.), NM Water Ambassador, special technical advisor to the OSE/ISC, consulting engineer, and contributing author to “Climate Change in New Mexico Over the Next 50 Years: Impacts on Water Resources”
The topic was the implementation of the 2023 Water Planning Security Act. We heard about the ISC’s and OSE's big picture plans for regional planning and rulemaking, with emphasis on how the ISC’s open houses, online feedback, and community conversations are providing the groundwork for implementation. The presentation was followed by an open discussion and a prototype community conversation.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops.
Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
The eleventh session of the series was held on
May 16, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Professor Thomson's Slides
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Synopsis
A discussion on unconventional water sources with Dr. Bruce Thomson, a UNM professor who teaches a wide range of environmental engineering courses. Bruce discussed issues related to the quality of water New Mexico is using and considering for future use and whether any of these unconventional water sources are viable and sustainable.
This was an interactive workshop, with audience questions answered by the panelist.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops. Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
Panelist
Dr. Bruce Thomson, a retired professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of New Mexico. He is also the chair of the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission.
The tenth session of the series was held on
March 21, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
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Synopsis
A lively interactive discussion between NM State Senator Carrie Hamblen and NM Water Ambassador Norm Gaume about the water, our sustainable quality of life, and the NM Legislature, broadcast live from Senator Hamblen's office in Las Cruces. Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) recognized Senator Hamblen (SD-38, Doña Ana) with its 2024 Luminaria Award. Many of the Senator's allies attended. Her acceptance speech was brilliant. The session provides her leadership and insights.
This was an interactive workshop, with audience questions answered by the panelist.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops. Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
Panelists
Senator Carrie Hamblen (District 38, Las Cruces) is proud to be the CEO/President of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce. In her free time, she serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, assists nonprofit organizations with their events, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Norm Gaume is a Water Ambassador, the President of the Water Advocates and former Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
The ninth session of the series was held on
February 15, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Tricia Snyder's slides
Click here to view Sammi Kao's slides
Click here to view Gabby O'Keefe's slides
[ NOTE: Correction on the video: Tricia's fifth slide in the video indicates $5M for the River Stewardship Program. That amount was requested; the actual legislative allocation was $3.25M. ]
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Synopsis
Our panel in February featured Tricia Snyder from New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Sammi Kao from Conservation Voters New Mexico and Gabby O'Keefe from Lavendr. Tricia and Sammi reported on the water funding and policy actions of the 2024 Legislature. Gabby told us why it's so important to have creative translation of complex matters of water and climate science, water facts, and water policies issues for the general public in order to gain more awareness and respectful demand for the transformative change New Mexico's water future requires.
This was an interactive workshop, with a few audience questions answered by the panelists.
Check our website MRGWaterAdvocates.org for workshop updates and subscribe to the Water Advocates newsletter. Our website and each monthly newsletter will contain the latest information on the next one or two workshops. Please email the Water Advocates with your suggestions for future workshop topics.
Panelists
Tricia Snyder is the Rivers and Waters Program Director at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
Sammi Kao is Climate and Energy Director at Conservation Voters New Mexico
Gabby O'Keefe is a staff member with Lavendr, a creative video agency
The eighth session of the series was held on
January 18, 2024
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Phil King's slides
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Synopsis
This interactive workshop had a panel of three former members of the 2022 State Engineer's Water Policy and Infrastructure Task Force, Phil King, Ladona Clayton, and Norm Gaume. The panelists are working together currently as NM Water Ambassadors. The Water Ambassadors joint purpose is to advocate for all the water task force recommendations. The panelists each presented their highest priorities for water funding and policy, and why. The joint funding requests to the 2024 Legislature of Dr. Ladona Clayton, Executive Director, Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy, and Norm Gaume, P.E. (ret), President, Water Advocates, are available
Panelists
Dr. Phil King is a retired professor from New Mexico State University, and is now a consultant to the Office of the State Engineer and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission\
Dr. Ladona Clayton is the Executive Director of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy
Norm Gaume is the President of the Water Advocates and former Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
The seventh session of the series was held on
November 16, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file (will be available soon)
Click here to view Ladona Clayton's slides
Click here to view Norm Gaume's slides
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Synopsis
The November workshop featured a discussion of the 2024 Legislature and what’s needed to support New Mexico’s water future. We engaged leading voices in water advocacy as they unveiled priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The workshop also reflected on a momentous year for water planning – what we’ve learned from our 2023 workshops the top issues and questions from our participants, and the critical working ahead. Other commitments preempted Paula Garcia's attendance.
Panelists
Ladona Clayton is the Executive Director of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy
Norm Gaume is the President of the Water Advocates and former Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
The sixth session of the series was held on
Octobert 19, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file (will be available soon)
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Synopsis
The October 19 workshop focused on addressing the public interest in water management within the Middle Rio Grande.
The 2023 water resilience planning law says we must define public welfare for our region. We must consider that public welfare and future water needs together as we improve water governance to meet all our needs in an increasingly arid state.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baca shared her thoughts and answered questions about what is most important to the diverse communities that bring cultural diversity and richness to this unique place that is our home. Unfortunately, Commissioner Olivas was ill and could not attend.
Panelists
Barbara Baca is Bernalillo County Commission Chair, Board member of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and member of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Board.
Eric Olivas is Chair of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Board, and member of the Bernalillo County Commission.
The fifth session of the series was held on
September 21, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
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Synopsis
The September 21 workshop focused on addressing the regular annual shortfalls in delivering water to Elephant Butte. It was an important, interactive discussion with the State Engineer about Middle Rio Grande water management and planning. Mike Hamman and Office of the State Engineer General Counsel Nat Chakeres told us what they think and are doing about reducing depletions in the Middle Rio Grande to sustainable levels.
Panelists
Mike Hamman is the New Mexico State Engineer.
Nat Chakeres is the General Counsel for the Office of the State Engineer.
The fourth session of the series was held on
August 17, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Paula Garcia's slides
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Synopsis
The August 17 workshop focused on centering equity in water planning. It was an informative, interactive discussion regarding water resilience planning to show how we should equitably share water supplies in our hotter and drier future.
The Middle Rio Grande Water Advocates and other nongovernmental and community organizations believe centering equity in water planning is crucial for New Mexico's public health and a balanced and secure future. What does centering equity mean in the context of sharing reduced water supplies, across New Mexico and in the Middle Rio Grande? How should regional water scarcity and resilience planning advance public health, and justice, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusiveness. What should the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission forthcoming water planning rules and guidelines say about inclusion of public voices? About equitable access to water to meet human needs and community values?
Panelists
Paula Garcia is the Executive Director of the New Mexico Acequia Association.
Jorge Garcia is the Executive Director, Center for Social Sustainable Systems.
Marcia Fernandez, is a retired teacher who lives on a small South Valley farm, and is a board member of the MRGWA, CESOSS, and South Valley Coalition of Neighborhood Associations.
The third session of the series was held on
July 20, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video.
Click here to view the chat file
Click here to view Andrew Erdmann's slides
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Synopsis
The July 20 workshop focused on the Interstate Stream Commission's plans to stand-up the statewide water planning program over the next two years.
Andrew and Sara explained the ISC’s plans over this year and the next to engage the public, develop rules and guidelines, and prepare to approve the composition of regional water planning entities and fund their detailed regional water planning proposals and work.
The law authorizes regions and communities to voluntarily self-organize and apply for state funding to publicly conduct the planning and prepare regional water resilience plans to live within our means while preserving water supplies for future generations of New Mexicans.
Each participating region, such as the Middle Rio Grande, will prepare its plan to improve regional water security and resilience.
Implementation is the goal. Prioritized projects justified in plans approved by the ISC will go on a special list for award by the Legislature of state-matching funding for implementation.
Panelists
Andrew Erdmann is the Interstate Stream Commission’s water planning program manager
Sara Goldstein is the ISC senior water planner
The second session of the series was held on
June 15, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video.
Click here to view Rachel Conn's slides
Click here to view Norm Gaume's slides
Click here to view the questions from the Chat
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Synopsis
The June 15 workshop focused on the need and aspirations for the new water resilience planning law and the program it authorizes.
What does it do? What are the major steps? What content is needed for program details to be set forth in ISC rules and guidelines?
Panelists
Rachel Conn is Deputy Director of Amigos Bravos. Rachel advocates for strong and environmental just local, state, and federal water policy and provides hands-on support to New Mexico communities and groups working to protect their watersheds.
Norm Gaume, P.E. (ret.), is a retired water resources manager and planner. He served as a co-lead of the task force Water Management and Planning work group.
The first session of the series was held on
May 16, 2023
The first session of the series was held on
May 16, 2023
Click here to view the entire session video.
Click here to view Hannah Riseley White's slides
Click here to view Norm Gaume's slides
Click here to view the questions from the Chat
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Panelists
Hannah Riseley-White is Interim Director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and a member of the Water Task Force executive committee.
Norm Gaume, P.E. (ret.), is a retired water resources manager and planner. He served as a co-lead of the task force Water Management and Planning work group.
The Middle Rio Grande Water Advocates is presenting a series of ten workshops on critical water issues, each with interactive public participation. A workshop that is directly related to implementation of the new water planning law (72-14A NMSA) will be presented the third Thursday of each month (except December) at 6:30pm.
The Water Advocates are producing this series to help educate and engage New Mexicans to proactively plan for a more resilient and sustainable water future. Think Water; Act Now!
