2015 Annual Report - The Nature Conservancy

New Mexico YEAR IN REVIEW 2015

P R OTECTI N G WATE R F O R P EO P LE A N D N ATU R E

The Nature Conservancy in New Mexico BOARD OF TRUSTEES Amy Miller, Albuquerque, Chair Dr. Craig D. Allen, Santa Fe, Vice Chair Carrie Freeman, Corrales, Vice Chair Robert Efroymson, Santa Fe, Secretary John Massopust, Santa Fe, Global Ambassador Al Sanborn, Santa Fe, Treasurer Terry Brewer, Santa Fe Bill Feinberg, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and El Paso, TX Tom Myers, Hillsboro Trudy O’Toole, Santa Fe Julia L. Peters, Santa Fe Mike Spear, Santa Fe Henk van der Werff, Taos Emeritus Trustee Susan McGreevy, Santa Fe STAFF Ernie Atencio, Rio Grande Water Fund Program Associate Steven Bassett, Conservation Information Manager Anne Bradley, Forest Conservation Manager Martha Cooper, Southwest New Mexico Field Representative Kelly Cotoia-Davis, Finance Administrator Robert Findling, Director of Land Protection & Stewardship Dave Gori, Director of Science Jackie Hall, Director of Philanthropy Dale Lyons, Director of Freshwater Conservation Laura McCarthy, Director of Conservation Programs Priscilla Ornelas, Director of Operations and Finance Terry Sullivan, State Director

Dear Friends, I have had the great privilege of working for the Nature Conservancy for 23 years. Over this time, I have seen how both the scale and the pace of our work have increased exponentially. And so as 2015 comes to a close, I welcome the chance to pause and reflect on all that we’ve accomplished this year. One constant in our work is the practice of convening diverse people and communities to find common ground and make important things happen for nature. From this standpoint, 2015 was an exceptional year in New Mexico. I’m pleased to share some of the progress we’ve made in this annual report, and to take time to thank you—our supporters and partners.

NATURE CONSERVANCY LAND PROTECTION PROJECTS IN NEW MEXICO TNC Land Protection Projects in New Mexico Sabo Preserve

Taos Field Office

New Mexico State Office Santa Fe

Bluewater Canyon

Best regards,

Ortiz Mountains Preserve

Santa Fe Canyon Preserve

Corrales Bosque

Rio Nutria Preserve

Albuquerque Volcanoes

Many of the following stories highlight efforts to protect key water resources across the state—the Rio Grande, the Gila River and San Juan River. Certainly, the conservation of our precious water resources is important to all New Mexicans, and water use, development and protection is a critical part of the cultural history of our state. The diversity of the more than 40 signatories to the Rio Grande Water Fund charter and the composition of the advisory board’s membership are testament to the broad appeal of water conservation to a host of stakeholders. The Water Fund is generating new connections between entities that have not historically worked together. We’re encouraging people to learn from one another and work collaboratively toward shared ecological, economic and cultural goals. This project is a clear example of how together, we can increase the scale and pace of forest restoration and secure our state’s water future. Thank you again for all that you do to help us conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. We know that without your dedication we could not accomplish our ambitious goals.

Edward Sargent Wildlife Area

Farmington

Albuquerque

Blue Hole Cienega

Sevilleta NWR

Milnesand Prairie Preserve Roswell

Jornada Bat Caves

Gila Field Office & Lichty Ecological Research Center

Mimbres River Preserve

Gila Riparian Preserve

San Andres NWR

Silver City

Picacho Peak

Dripping Springs

Las Cruces

COVER View of Taos Mountain from Appleseed Farm © Alan Eckert Photography; THIS PAGE Terry Sullivan © Patrick McCarthy/TNC OPPOSITE PAGE Cottonwood tree © Andrew E. Larsen/flickrCC; Nature’s art, spiral plant close-up © DerekVelasquez/flickrCC; Monarch butterfly © Mike Fugagli; Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument © Bob Wick/BLM 

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Bitter Lake NWR

Rattlesnake Springs Preserve

Terry Sullivan New Mexico State Director 0

100 miles

Office

Mineral Rights

Preserve

Transfer

Easement

Assist

3

RIO GRANDE WATER FUND

BY THE NUMBERS

10,000 68

Managing Our Forested Watersheds, Together

acres restored, including 130 acres treated by the Rio Grande Water Fund directly

Thanks to your support, the Rio Grande Water Fund is now channeling resources to restore forests and protect water for people and nature. More than 40 agencies and groups have signed the Water Fund’s Charter to work toward common goals for water and people. We’ve also made substantial progress in generating sustainable funding to span the next 20 years.

8,500

estimated jobs created by thinning projects

cords of commercial firewood created by thinning projects

1,500

cords of community firewood

Restoration Projects

Forest Health This year, The Nature Conservancy verified that upfront investment in forest health saves money. Our scientists determined that costs to thin forests and boost fire resiliency are significantly less than the costs of catastrophic wildfires. Another Conservancy study revealed the sites in New Mexico at highest risk for wildfire and debris flows that cause severe erosion and damage water quality.

Several restoration projects were made possible this year thanks to Water Fund investments, including surveys in the Carson National Forest, which provides important habitat for big game animals.

2014–2015 DIRECT AND LEVERAGED FUNDING Education

| To learn more about the Rio Grande Water Fund and download our annual report on progress, visit nature.org/riogrande. |  Grande below Quartzite put-in © Alan Eckert Photography OPPOSITE PAGE BY THE NUMBERS LEFT TO RIGHT Forest treatment crew © Layne Kennedy; Trees removed during thinning are used for firewood and to make other wood products. © Layne Kennedy; Firewood © istockphoto.com BOTTOM CLOCKWISE Elk © David Williss FlickrCC; Students conduct an experiment to learn more about water resources. © Krista Bonfantine; A forest worker mechanically thins trees. © Mark Skalny

THIS PAGE Rio

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Monitoring and education are key components of the Water Fund. Monitoring checks progress, ensures smart investments and enables adaptation. Our education program engages students in protecting storage, delivery and quality of their water. This year, programs were offered to students in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Sandia Park.

Leveraged treatment funding 77% Water Fund planning 2% Water Fund treatments 10% Leveraged planning funding 11%

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RIO GRANDE WATER FUND

Expanding Our Presence: Community-Led Work Begins in Taos At the north end of the Rio Grande, the heavily forested mountains of Taos provide a clean, reliable water supply to millions of New Mexicans who live downstream. Yet, after a century of fire suppression, these overgrown forests are at risk for mega-fires that have devastated other parts of the state. To support that momentum, the Conservancy hired Ernie Atencio this year, its first Taos-based staff member. “People who live in a rural community like Taos are familiar with the watershed, they see the problems and they recognize the need for restoration,” says Atencio. “People are ready for this and understand the importance to their water future.”

WHEN Laura McCarthy, The Nature Conservancy’s director of conservation programs in New Mexico, gave a talk about the Rio Grande Water Fund concept in March 2014, it struck an instant chord. “It really seemed to resonate in Taos,” she recalls. “Before we knew it, we had a core set of partners with important land management responsibilities ready to work together to accelerate restoration.”

Atencio is the Rio Grande Water Fund’s program associate and his role is to elevate awareness of the Water Fund and align organizations to work effectively together. He has provided core partners, now called the Taos Valley Watershed Coalition, with vegetation maps and technical information produced by Conservancy staff. This information has helped the Coalition develop a new, coordinated landscape-scale approach to forest restoration. ”The Taos experience can serve as a really good model for this combined approach of community-based and community-led, but

informed by the science, data and tools that come from a regional project like the Rio Grande Water Fund,” says McCarthy. With catalytic funding from the LOR Foundation, the project kicked off earlier this year with planning for a 250-acre thinning project on a tract of former land grant property known as El Salto. Next, Taos Pueblo and Carson National Forest will collaborate on a project in an area that straddles their jurisdictional boundaries. “Having Taos Pueblo so integrally involved has been really important,” says Atencio. “The Tribe controls a vast tract of land and two major watersheds that supply water to the residents of Taos Valley.” The project will continue for the next two decades, providing jobs, firewood and forest products to bolster the local economy. Working together with the Conservancy, the community of Taos is protecting and restoring the forests critical to its water supply and to the entire Rio Grande watershed.

| To read a Q&A with Ernie Atencio, visit nature.org/newmexico |  6 NEW MEXICO ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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Sangre de Cristos rise above the city of Taos. © Alan Eckert Photography

Conservation and Culture By Ernie Atencio Rio Grande Water Fund Program Associate No matter where we conduct our conservation work, there is always a cultural dimension. This is particularly true in places like northern New Mexico, where cultures have a very long and deep connection to the landscape and natural resources. The Taos Pueblo Indians have lived off the land, prosperously and sustainably, for at least a thousand years and the Indo-Hispano culture of my ancestors has been here for more than 400 years. Having a degree in anthropology helps me better understand the powerful linkage between land and culture and how it has shaped land ethics and historical management practices. This linkage also brings a wealth of wisdom, passion and traditional ecological knowledge from generations of people working the land, knowledge we hope to integrate with The Nature Conservancy’s scientific approach and tools. An anthropological perspective also helps us to see the big picture of how people, organizations and natural systems interconnect and work (or don’t work) together. Ultimately, the multiple environmental, economic and community benefits that the Rio Grande Water Fund strives to achieve must recognize the relationship between healthy lands and healthy communities.

THIS PAGE LEFT Cottonwoods at Appleseed Farm in Taos © Alan Eckert Photography; RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM Ernie Atencio © Alan Eckert Photography; Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area © Alan Eckert Photography; Forest restoration generates wood by-products. © Alan Eckert Photography

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SAN JUAN RIVER

For the Fish: Restoration in the Upper Colorado Basin Loud, heavy machinery ripping out trees by their roots and excavating sand in the San Juan River’s floodplain is not what you might picture when you think of conservation. Yet, this aggressive restoration strategy is allowing two endangered fish species to recover their populations and a Navajo community to benefit from easier access to the river.

HIGH spring flows no longer scour vegetation from the San Juan River floodplain, due to the Navajo Dam and subsequent invasion of non-native Russian olive trees that armor the riverbanks. The result is a deeply cut, fast-flowing river without the slow-moving secondary channels and backwaters that provide habitat needed for young fish to reach adulthood.

The lack of sustainable nursery areas has contributed to declining populations of Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker, landing them on the federal endangered species list.

built,” says Gori. As plants grow and the river flow reshapes the sandy bottom in the restored channels, the habitat will become more varied. “Over time, we think it’s going to get better and better.”

The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program and the Ancestral Lands Youth Conservation Corps, is restoring habitat diversity to sections of the river so fish populations can again thrive. According to Dave Gori, the Conservancy’s director of science in New Mexico, so far it’s working.

With 17 acres now cleared of Russian olive trees, the Navajo community “has easier access to the river and floodplain again. There are beautiful cottonwood groves now used for picnics or camping. The restoration project also provides firewood and jobs for the community,” says Gori.

This year was the first in a three-year study to understand how the fish respond to the restored habitat. “In the first sampling this spring, we caught year-old pikeminnow in our restoration channel, and none of them in the control channel. Now we know the fish are using the channels we

Preparations for the next phase of the project are underway. A series of wetlands connected to the river during high spring flows will provide habitat, currently lacking along the river, which the larvae need to grow into young fish. Gori believes this may be the crucial missing link for the endangered fish to recover self-sustaining populations in the San Juan.

potential restoration sites along the San Juan River © Erika Nortemann/TNC OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT TO RIGHT Restoration work includes tagging, scanning, weighing and measuring young fish. © Erika Nortemann/TNC; A group of young razorback suckers © USFWS FlickrCC; Fenced cottonwoods © Robert Findling/TNC; Young razorback suckers are released into the San Juan River. © Erika Nortemann/TNC; BOTTOM A restored site along the San Juan River © Erika Nortemann/TNC

THIS PAGE Surveying

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9

GILA RIVER VALLEY

Lichty Ecological Research Center: Stewarding the New Wild Downstream from the craggy Mogollon Mountains, resident sandhill cranes forage in hay fields tended by a local farmer. A rare tundra swan swims in a pond where families cool off on a hot summer day. In spring, a tree-lined irrigation ditch is full of colorful migratory birds, attracting birders eager to catch a glimpse of the threatened western yellow-billed cuckoo. A pollinator garden, recently planted by volunteers, vibrates with bees and butterflies. Scientists stand knee-deep in the Gila River tracking populations of two endangered fish species.

THIS is the Lichty Ecological Research Center located on the Gila River Farm, a small tract of The Nature Conservancy’s larger Gila River Preserve. With overnight accommodations, a small lab, a meeting room, and a weather

station newly updated through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Center is a hub for conservation and science. “It’s great to have a facility in the Cliff-Gila Valley on the river for classroom or field work,” says Martha Cooper, southwest New Mexico field representative, who lives at and cares for the remote Center with her husband and 4-year-old daughter.

The advancement of the proposed Gila River diversion project puts this important place at risk. “The whole natural character of the Valley will change if a permanent diversion, pipeline and reservoir are built,” says Cooper. The Conservancy is exploring ways to step up research at the Center that will reinforce the ecological and economic value of a free-flowing river to both people and nature.

From engineers studying wetlands, to wildlife biologists conducting surveys of small mammals, to graduate students involved in a long-term study of the Gila River fish community, numerous scientists partner with the Conservancy here to advance conservation through research.

As a place both untamed and cultivated, the Center and the larger Preserve provide a unique example in New Mexico of the new wild: places where human activities co-exist alongside nature. Along with meeting the needs of myriad visitors, the Center offers hope that sustainable solutions to our growing water needs can be found.

Along with meeting the needs of myriad visitors, the Center offers hope that sustainable solutions to our growing water needs can be found. 10 NEW MEXICO ANNUAL REPORT 2015

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Lichty Ecological Research Center is a hub for conservation and science in the Gila River Valley. © Mike Fugagli

For the Love of Place Pamela and Don Lichty settled in New Mexico’s Gila River Valley in 1977 to live a subsistence lifestyle. They built a house on a 120-acre farm and began to raise a family. Later, thanks to their generosity and love of the area, this home would become The Nature Conservancy’s Lichty Ecological Research Center and the property the Gila River Farm. The Lichtys first became involved with the Conservancy in the early 1980s, when they donated 16 acres of riparian area on their property. Lack of water has always been an issue in the valley; many local farmers sold off their land and water rights to local copper companies when they weren’t able to make a sustainable living. “The Conservancy had a very good model for buying private land and placing it under conservation easements. It seemed to be the only way certain areas could be protected,” Don Lichty observes. “We’ve supported the work to turn it back into a natural riverine system not encumbered with earthworks, irrigation canals, and set out fields. This, in terms of the valley itself, is a very positive development.” The Lichtys no longer live in the Valley but are still strongly connected to the area. “It’s an extraordinary property at the base of the Mogollon Mountains. It’s the last free-flowing stream in the southwest,” says Lichty.

THIS PAGE LEFT TOP TO BOTTOM Sandhill cranes at the Gila River Farm © Mike Fugagli; Students explore the area around the Conservancy’s Lichty Ecological Center. © Mike Fugagli; A garden at the Lichty Ecological Center grows plants that attract pollinators such as monarch butterflies. © Mike Fugagli; Male summer tanager tagged during a bird banding effort © Mike Fugagli; RIGHT Pamela and Don Lichty © Courtesy of Don Lichty

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The Nature Conservancy’s accomplishments are only made possible by the many individuals, organizations, businesses and foundations that made gifts to our vital conservation programs during fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015). Every gift, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in our work—for people and nature. We thank you for your commitment to our mission. Dr. Stephen E. Abram and Mrs. Pamela C. Abram Mrs. Madeline K. Ackley Sarah Adams Barbara Albin Albuquerque Community Foundation Mr. Paul Allison and Mrs. Maryann Allison John Allyn Anonymous (10) Archer/Patterson Family Foundation Alan W. Armentrout Mr. Dana Atkins and Mrs. Gail Atkins Avalon Trust Mr. Richard Avery and Mrs. Linda S. Avery Catherine Aves Mr. Stephen M. Badger and Ms. Stina B. Permild Mrs. Betty Baer Mr. Frank Balaam and Ms. Nora Balaam Mr. Dan Balik and Mrs. Barbara Balik Ms. Jo Ann S. Barefoot Mrs. Suzanne S. Bartolucci and Mr. Enrico Bartolucci Mr. Robert Berglund and Lucinda Berglund Mr. Michael S. Bertin and Ms. Carolyn Meinel BF Foundation Eva Birnbaum Howard G. Birnbaum John and Mary Bloch Bob & Lamee Holscher Charitable Trust

Mr. John M. Brayer and Mrs. Brayer Adele C. Breech Terry Brewer Jonathan Brinkerhoff Anne J. Brown Ernest Bryant Mrs. Caroline Burnett Joe Cairns Mr. C. R. Caldwell and Mrs. Barbara Caldwell Mr. Richard R. Carruthers and Mrs. Karen H. Carruthers Mr. Alvino E. Castillo and Mrs. Celia F. Castillo Roy D. Caton Carlton M. Caves Dr. David D. Chase and Mrs. Katherine L. Chase Gayle B. Chestnut Dr. Roger Clough Club 4 PVHS Farmington Municipal School Camille Coates Robert T. Coffland Collins & Jon Redman Dr. David L. Colton and Mrs. Mary Rawcliffe Colton Ms. Grace L. Colvin and Mr. William P. Winn Andrew T. Cowan Cuadros Cliff N. Dahm Dr. David Dain and Mrs. David Dain James N. Davidson Dr. Jefferson Davis and Ms. Bronwen Denton-Davis Mr. Ronald R. De Vries and Mrs. Linda L. De Vries

12 NEW MEXICO ANNUAL REPORT 2015

Mrs. Susanne T. DeWitt and Mr. Omar L. DeWitt Dr. William A. Dick-Peddie and Mrs. William A. Dick-Peddie Irving M. Dietz Mrs. Gina Doorn and Mr. Steve Doorn Mr. Mark E. Dunham and Mrs. Tonle Dunham Mr. Fred Durham and Ms. Char de Vazquez Mrs. Eugenia S. W. Eberle and Dr. Charles F. Eberle Edgewood SWCD Mr. Robert A. Efroymson and Mrs. Jeana Efroymson Suzanne Eiseman Mr. Frank C. Elkin and Ms. Phyllis Frier Don J. Fanslow Feinberg Foundation, Inc. William Feinberg Mr. Daniel Finley and Ms. Judith Bernstein Roger B. Flegel Mark S. Follett Robert A. Fosnaugh Mrs. Dawn Foster Mrs. Carrie T. Freeman and Mr. Brian C. Freeman Barbara Friedman Howard & Debra Friedman Patrick Fry Mr. Jack Fuller and Mrs. Fuller Doris-Gerald Garvey General Mills Foundation Mrs. Pauline H. Gerstle and Dr. Frank P. Gerstle Mr. Anthony C. Gilbert and Mrs. Laurel W. Gilbert

Katie Gillis Grace and John T. Harrington Foundation Scott Graves Kathleen A. Gross H. Barksdale Brown Charitable Trust Mary Hallam Mr. Roger Hammond and Mrs. Katherine A. Green Hammond Hancock Family Foundation Mr. Michael J. Hannah and Mrs. Michael J. Hannah Mrs. Alexandra M. Harrison and Mr. Peter D. Harrison Mr. Michael Hartshorne and Ms. Lida Crooks Phil Haworth Healthy World Foundation Heartland Financial USA Inc. Sheila Heighway Yeshe Linda Helander Pamela A. Henline Mr. Andrew J. Henry James Hickman and Connie Hickman Honkey Kat Fund Laurie Hudson Hunt Family Foundation Mr. Jeff Huser and Mrs. Huser James Iden Jean S. Ingold Mrs. Mary M. Israel Mr. Thomas R. Jervis and Mrs. Carlyn Jervis Jonathan & Kathleen Altman Foundation John M. Karon Kelly’s Brewery

Gail Kempler Kelly Kindscher Gary Kirk Charles E. Knapp Mr. Robert B. Knutson and Mrs. Miryam L. Knutson Mr. Alan Lampson and Mrs. Sue Lampson Susan Ninde Lanier Rita Leard Dr. A. L. Leckman and Ms. Deborah C. Hall Pamela Leech Ms. Nancy Levit and Ms. Cathy Underwood Linda Lewis Lineberry Foundation Mrs. Alice Liska Lee Lockie LOR Foundation Los Alamos National Bank Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Security, LLC John R. Love Leonard Magnus Mr. Ron Mandelbaum and Mrs. Joy Mandelbaum Dr. Robert Marcus and Mrs. Ann M. Coulston Mrs. Edith L. Marianes Marin Community Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars Pamela W. Massey Mr. John Massopust and Mrs. Linda Massopust Mr. Donald S. Mawhinney and Ms. Ruth E. Ford Mr. Thomas Mayer Mr. Edward McCullough and Mrs. Jane McCullough

McCune Charitable Foundation Ms. Susan McGreevy Coleen T. Meyer Paul Miller Sara Mills Mr. Ralph Milnes and Mrs. Esther Milnes Charlotte B. Minter Marcia Miolano George W. Molzen Letitia Morris Dr. Sayan D. Mukherjee and Mrs. Laureen M. Zunner Leigh W. Murray Mr. Thomas W. Myers Robert A. Nagel Mr. Albert Narath and Mrs. Shanna Narath New Mexico Bank and Trust New Mexico Community Foundation New Mexico Watershed Coalition Mr. Harold Newman and Ms. Barb Newman Martha A. Newman Northern Trust Charitable Giving Program Mr. David A. Northrop and Mrs. Audrey K. Northrop Dr. Alden C. Olson and Mrs. Barbara H. Olson Mrs. Trudy O’Toole and Mr. Dennis O’Toole Mr. Gary D. Overturf and Mrs. Carol S. Overturf Mrs. Charlene M. Pankuch and Mr. Peter J. Pankuch Patina Gallery, Inc. Julia Peters William W. Petrick

Ms. Cynthia A. Phillips and Mr. Thomas P. Martin PNM Foundation, Inc. PNM Resources, Inc. Mr. Theodore N. Pockman and Ms. Mary B. Pockman Mr. Ronald Poland and Ms. Kristi Watterberg M. L. Pollard Sharon Porter Mrs. Virginia Printz-Feddersen and Mr. Richard Feddersen Mr. David L. Propst and Ms. Jennifer Fowler-Propst Eleanor Quick Marilyn Quinnell and Jeffrey Quinnell Quivira Coalition Mr. Robert C. Reedy and Mrs. Maria M. Reedy Mr. John Reeve and Mrs. Lenore Reeve Mr. Richard C. Reichman and Ms. Lisa Reichman Robert Rhien Mr. Robert L. Ridgley and Mrs. Marilyn Ridgley Robert J. Stamm and Mrs. Mary Herring Stamm Fund Mr. Steve Robinson and Mrs. Constance Robinson Judith Roderick Mrs. Norma Ruptier and Mr. George Ruptier Mr. Allen W. Sanborn and Mrs. Mary Anne Sanborn Santa Fe Community Foundation Mr. Wilson Scanlan and Mrs. Jenna Scanlan Mrs. Elaine D. Schuck and Mr. Michael A. Schuck Peter A. Schultz Schwab Charitable Fund

James J. Schwarz James C. Scott Mr. Albert J. Seargeant and Mrs. Seargeant Mr. John R. Seeger and Ms. Lise Spargo Gretchen Seelinger James R. Seitz Sarah Sharpton John K. Silver Peter C. Simons Mrs. Dorothy A. Simpson Mrs. Janet M. Sjulin and Mr. Michael R. Sjulin Ms. Susan M. Slade and Ken Slade Ms. Dorine Smith and Mr. Steven Hecht Brian Solan Ellen S. Soles Ms. Rebecca Speakes Mr. Michael Spear and Mrs. Bonnie Spear Elena Spielman and Robert J. Lowe Douglas Sporn Mr. Tom Spross and Mrs. Amy Spross Patricia C. Stein Mr. Walter E. Stern and Mrs. Mimi Stern Mark Stone Alan Stringer Mr. Gary H. Strom and Mrs. Strom Sulica Fund T & E, Inc. Mr. Dalton Tarwater and Mrs. Tarwater Nara Thacher The American Endowment Foundation The Buckman Family Fund The Connable Office, Inc. The Dallas Foundation The Robert E. & Polly A. Zimmerman Foundation

The Smidinger Trust The Turner Law Firm LLC The William and Salome Scanlan Foundation Cindy A. Thelen Tides Foundation Mr. Barrett Toan and Ms. Polly O’Brien Thomas Turner Dona J. Upson Valerie and Bud Hamilton Family Fund Mr. Henk Van Der Werff and Mrs. Lenita C. Van Der Werff Mr. Richard D. Van Dongen and Mrs. Barbara Van Dongen Vanguard Charitable Mrs. Jan Villescas and Mr. Ernie Villescas Hira Walker Andrew Wallerstein and Mary Sloane Mr. Robert J. Weiler and Mrs. Robert J. Weiler Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Wells Fargo Bank Christine L. Wells Kappy Wells Mr. Andrew B. White and Mrs. Judy W. White Mrs. Sally Wilkins and Mr. Ron Wilkins Mr. Michael D. Williams and Ms. Mary Louise Williams Anne D. Wilson Mr. Matthew F. Wilson and Ms. Lyle York Ms. Melissa R. Wilson and Mr. Lewis A. Suber Karen Wohlgemuth Woodmere Foundation Mrs. Eleanor Wootten Eric J. Wortman Gudrun Wright Pamela G. Yellen

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends.

THIS PAGE Jim

Hinton © Michael Barley

No Place Like Home DONOR PROFI LE: J I M H I NTON Though “there’s no place like home” makes most people think of Kansas, it’s also true when you’re talking about New Mexico with Jim Hinton, Presbyterian Healthcare Services’ president and CEO. The Rio Grande Water Fund investor regularly travels the country, but always treasures returning home. “New Mexico is a state of contrast and dramatic beauty,” Hinton says. Hinton was born in Albuquerque and spent most summer weekends at a cabin his father built in the Jemez Mountains. “I was pretty much on my own to explore,” he says. These early experiences have contributed to an interest in protecting New Mexico’s forested watersheds through more aggressive management activities. “If we don’t thin our forests, we’ll have raging wildfires and contaminated water,” he said. “We saw this up close during the last major fire in the Jemez, and my beloved Jemez River still has not fully recovered.” Not one to simply sit back and worry, Hinton was motivated to support the Conservancy’s Rio Grande Water Fund. “It was a simple decision,” he said. “I was educated, I gave.” Hinton hopes others will join him. “If you care about water, and you should,” he says, “don’t take it for granted.”

Interested in investing in Rio Grande Water Fund, too? Contact Jackie Hall, director of philanthropy, at (505) 946-2021 or jacquelyn_hall@tnc.org. Or visit nature.org/riogrande

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LEGACY CLUB

LEAVE A LEGACY Interested in naming The Nature Conservancy as a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy or financial accounts? Please contact Jackie Hall (505) 946-2021 or jacquelyn_hall@tnc.org. If you have already included The Nature Conservancy in your long-term plans and would like your gift specifically designated for New Mexico projects, please speak to your advisors about including the following statement in your paperwork: The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the District of Columbia, and with principal business address of 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606, (tax number 53-0242652) to be used in New Mexico. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making a gift. 14 NEW MEXICO ANNUAL REPORT 2015

The Legacy Club is a group of supporters who have made a life-income gift to the Conservancy or named the Conservancy as a beneficiary in their estate plans. We thank our Legacy Club members for their dedication to the Conservancy’s mission. Ann N. Aceves Robin S. Acton Constance Adler Sharon Ahrens Ms. Kathryn M. Albrecht and Mr. Eric Albrecht Mr. Robert Alexander and Mrs. Shiiko Alexander Mrs. Jesse Allen and Mr. MacKenzie Allen Mr. Gerald T. Allgood and Mrs. Permelia C. Allgood Mr. Stanley D. Allison and Ms. Malgorzata A. Allison-Kosior Alice L. Anderson Ms. Delores F. Anderson Mrs. Konnie W. Andrews and Mr. Craig Andrews Anonymous (7) Mr. Otto Appenzeller and Mrs. Judith Appenzeller Mr. Robert Artig and Mrs. Marsha Artig Horst Ashelm Mr. Dana Atkins and Mrs. Gail Atkins Jennifer B. Averill Mr. Richard Avery and Mrs. Linda S. Avery Mr. Ernie Ayers and Mrs. Mary C. Ayers Maureen Baca and Stephen S. Baca Mrs. Betty Baer Mrs. Jeanne Bando and Mr. Richard J. Bando Peter T. Barbatsuly Ms. Jo Ann S. Barefoot

THIS PAGE Budding

Mr. Todd S. Barnes and Mrs. Lisa Barnes Sylvia Barrios Donald H. Bates Mrs. Karen Beckenbach and Mr. Andrew Beckenbach Mr. Harry Beckhoff Debra Beeson Starr Belsky Karen C. Bender Mr. William D. Benton and Mrs. Patricia J. Benton Laura M. Berg Mr. Fred Black and Mrs. Daryl Black Leith H. Black Mr. James J. Boden and Mrs. Anne Boden Vorsila L. Bohrer Mr. Mike Boring and Mrs. Pat Boring James L. Botsford William B. Bottorf Carolyn Bradley Shirley J. Brainard Ms. Katherine Breen and Mr. John Merritt Berkeley Brestal Ms. Judith A. Brey and Mr. Victor Lopez Deborah E. Brient Jonathan Brinkerhoff Virginia A. Bross Larry Brown Mary L. Brown W. H. Brown Mrs. Nichelle L. Bruner and Mr. David Bruner Mrs. Cornelia C. Bryer and Mr. Herman Siegelaar

Mrs. Isabel B. Bucher Mrs. A. J. Burke and Mr. L. D. Burke Ms. Carol Burns and Mr. J. Hammerberg Timothy A. Bush Mr. Robert J. Byram and Mrs. Mary E. Byram Juliet Calabi Gwen Cameron Mrs. Mina L. Carnicom and Mr. Donald E. Carnicom Leslie Carpenter Andrea Castellanos Niels N. Chapman Dr. Lance Chilton and Mrs. Katherine M. Chilton Marilyn Chimes Ms. Marcia F. Christmann Shannon Cimarron David J. Cleary Mr. David D. Clinton and Mrs. Corry J. Clinton Kenneth Alan Collins Stockton B. Colt Mr. Warren Cox and Mrs. Susan C. Forster-Cox Mrs. Hannah C. Crooks and Mr. Robert W. Crooks Dr. Roy L. Cruzen and Mrs. Lydia Cruzen Guy E. Dahms Mr. George R. Dalphin Mr. Wayne C. Darnell and Mrs. Susan Darnell James N. Davidson Kathleen Davies Vera M. Davis Michael DeGenring and Sheryl DeGenring

tree in Santa Fe National Forest © Louis Zanolli/flckrCC

Mrs. Susanne T. DeWitt and Mr. Omar L. DeWitt Edward Dey Irving M. Dietz Linda C. Douglas Mr. Allan L. Drucker and Ms. Kayce R. Leopold Mr. Jack C. Dunfee and Mrs. Stephany M. Dunfee Mrs. Janice M. Dusseau and Mr. Jerry Dusseau Glenn Maury Earl Craig F. Eberhart Mrs. Eugenia S. W. Eberle and Dr. Charles F. Eberle James Edwards Mr. Robert A. Efroymson and Mrs. Jeana Efroymson Suzanne Eiseman Jane Engel Jeanne Erbacher Margaret M. Eutsler Judy Fair-Spaulding Mrs. Barbara R. Farber and Mr. Gerald Farber Donald Fennema Ingrid V. Ferguson Norman Ferguson Sally R. Fish Glenda Fletcher Mrs. Dawn Foster Francine Foster Ms. Beth Francis and Mr. David O. Wiley Brenda Franks Lisa Freeman Martha A. Freeman Mr. Bill Freimuth and Ann Freimuth

Mrs. Dianne Frost and Mr. Robert Silver Michael A. Gardner Mr. William A. Gardner and Mrs. Sue M. Gardner Mr. Melvyn M. Gelb and Mrs. Mary Ann Finn Raymond S. George Susan Gerber Linda Gerritson Mrs. Pauline H. Gerstle and Dr. Frank P. Gerstle Audrey Q. Ginn Mr. Christopher A. Goad and Ms. Donalda Speight Ronald J. Gole Judith Gordon Mr. Dave Gori Ms. Susan Gorman Mr. William S. Gornall Dr. Jay E. Gould Beverly R. Grady Patches Graham Suzanne L. Graham Mr. W. B. Grant Mr. Alan D. Grauer and Mrs. Ruth M. Grauer Champe Green Rand L. Greenfield Eric W. Greisen Ms. Patricia Haber and Mr. Anthony Mattson Susan M. Hall Mr. William R. Hardy and Mrs. Linda Hardy Katherine H. Harper Michael Hart Mr. William R. Haushalter Katherine B. Hauth Claire L. Haye Gerard Heck Ms. Ann Hedlund DeWitt J. Henderson Pamela A. Henline Carl Henney Mr. Richard L. Henry and Mrs. Kathleen Henry Jennifer S. Hermann and Tom Hermann Mrs. Elinore Herriman Anne L. Hickman David N. Hill

Ms. Shirley M. Hirsch Ms. Nancy Hockstad M. D. Holm Ms. Matilde Holzwarth and Mr. Lloyd Barr Susan Horst Marie Hudson and Clark Hudson Mr. Robert W. Hull and Mrs. Jackie Hull Joan M. Hurley Jean S. Ingold Dr. Calvin D. Jaeger and Mrs. Judy J. Jaeger Toya James Jacqueline Jauregui Mary Esther Jolly Daniel P. Jones Marjie Kamine Glen Kaye Julia Kennedy Mr. Richard J. Ketchum and Mrs. Jill Ketchum Gil Kiefer Mr. William S. Kilcup and Mrs. Barbara Kilcup Mrs. Rowena King Mr. Robert B. Knutson and Mrs. Miryam L. Knutson Mr. Basil P. Korin and Mrs. Marlyn Korin Rebecca A. Kraimer Jennifer C. Kruger Mr. Michael Lawrence and Mrs. Carole Lawrence Dr. A. L. Leckman and Ms. Deborah C. Hall Jerry D. Lee Mr. Frank J. Leech and Mrs. Mary R. Leech Lisan S. Lema Susan Lentz Diane LeResche Susan Leviton and Scott Leviton Mrs. Alice Liska Lee Lockie Donna M. Lombardi Mr. Dwayne Longenbaugh and Mrs. Marjorie Longenbaugh Brian Looker Margaret Lopez and Christopher Frechette

Louis Lopilato Dayton Lummis Mrs. Margaret J. Madden and Mr. Hugh Madden Leonard Magnus Linda Malm Lois Malone Mrs. Jennifer M. Mammoli and Dr. Andrea Mammoli Mr. Ron Mandelbaum and Mrs. Joy Mandelbaum Ms. Barbara Mann Gloria L. Manney Else M. Mans Ms. Lauren Marchese and Mr. Peter Street Dr. Robert Marcus and Mrs. Ann M. Coulston Mrs. Edith L. Marianes Mrs. Martha Marks and Mr. Bernard Marks Marita Marshall Ms. Deanna Martinez and Mr. Richard Land Dr. William V. H. Mason and Mrs. Jean C. Mason Helen Matelson Sara Mathews George Matthews Mr. Thomas Mayer Erlene Mazuranich Rayo Mccollough Mr. Edward McCullough and Mrs. Jane McCullough Mr. Harry McGavran and Mrs. Lauren McGavran Ms. Susan McGreevy Mr. James D. Mcphee and Mrs. Mcphee Mrs. Carol McVeigh and Mr. Joseph McVeigh Mr. James C. Meem and Mrs. Barbara T. Meem Patricia Mehlhop Mr. Frank Merritt and Ms. Carlene Roters Steve Milazzo Elizabeth Milford Darlis A. Miller Mrs. Julius Miller Mr. Eric Moon and Mrs. Ilse Moon

Mrs. Irene Mossburg and Mr. Charles Mossburg Dr. Sayan D. Mukherjee Mrs. Janet R. Mura and Mr. James Mura Mrs. Barbara Murdoch Mr. Thomas W. Myers Ms. Willa Nehlsen and Mr. Robert E. Foley Gillian Nielsen Sue Nissen Mr. Jan K. Novak and Mrs. Judith E. Novak Mr. G. F. Oatman Jerry R. Oldenettel Mr. Eliot S. Orton and Mrs. Sara T. Orton Mr. Gary D. Overturf and Mrs. Carol S. Overturf Mr. David J. Park and Mrs. Gail A. Park Priscilla F. Parrish Lisa Patterson Mr. David W. Patton and Mrs. Therese Patton Mrs. Donna Pedace and Bill Pedace Mr. Charles Pedersen and Mrs. Sharon Pedersen Jerrie Pedersen Eleanor L. Petrie Nancy I. Phillips John Picaro Joni K. Pierce Laura Pina M. L. Pollard Robert Joe Prickett Mr. David L. Propst and Ms. Jennifer Fowler-Propst Roberta Ramsey and Fred Ramsey Mary Reed Mr. Michael Riley and Ms. Diane Riley Rhoda B. Riley Joyce A. Roberts Beth L. Rodgers Mr. Larry Rodgers and Mrs. Alice Rodgers Mr. James Rogers and Mrs. Yvonne Rogers

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Roghair and Mr. James E. Roghair James Rosenberger Paul I. Rubinfeld Mr. Thomas E. Russell and Mrs. Joanne H. Russell Christopher M. Rustay Ms. Deborah D. Safford Mr. Allen W. Sanborn and Mrs. Mary Anne Sanborn Mr. James Scarantino and Ms. Kara L. Kellogg Karen Schmidt Mr. Menno Schmidt and Mrs. Doris Schmidt Mr. Peter A. Scholle and Mrs. Dana Ulmer-Scholle Mrs. Hermine Schoustra Mr. David Schuhmann and Mrs. Joy Schuhmann Mr. Robert A. Scothorn and Mrs. Carol Scothorn Judith Sedlow Christopher C. Seibert Ilan Shamir Margaret L. Sheen Mrs. Ann E. Shepherd Susan Shipley Mrs. Dorothy A. Simpson Claire Sinclair Ann Smith Susan L. Smith Vera E. Snyder Susan Sophia Ms. Rebecca Speakes Dr. John W. Spencer and Mrs. Martha Spencer Mr. Hugo Steensma and Mrs. Monica Steensma Patricia C. Stein Mrs. Jan Stone Adele Strasser Cathie Sullivan Mr. Bill G. Tallman and Mrs. Tallman Ms. Betty J. Tichich and Mr. Fred C. Bunch Jackie Tobias Janet D. Trauth Sam Tuma Alice C. Van Buren

Margaret H. Van Damm W. D. Van Loan Mrs. Jan Villescas and Mr. Ernie Villescas Gail A. Viola Irene Von Horvath Jessie D. Vosti Mrs. Judith S. Waite Sandy Waks Rita K. Wasmuth Lyndon Watson Mr. Bruce M. Weber and Mrs. Sandra Weber Karen M. Weber Mr. Dale Webster and Mrs. Jean Webster Mr. Thomas N. Weide Christine L. Wells Jane Wells Wertheim New Mexico Legacy Fund Mr. Jeffrey West and Mrs. Patricia West Christian W. Westphal Mr. Terrell A. White and Mrs. White William A. Wiley Marcia Wilheim Brent S. Wille Kent B. Williamson Mr. Matthew F. Wilson and Ms. Lyle York Ms. Melissa R. Wilson and Mr. Lewis A. Suber Robert L. Wilson Jeanne K. Windsor Mr. Doyle R. Wise Linda S. Wolcott Mr. Walter Wolff and Ms. Joyce J. Wolff Mr. Robert B. Woodville and Mrs. Martina T. Woodville Pamela G. Yellen Mr. Stacey Youdin and Mrs. Martha S. Youdin Dr. Robert G. Zahary and Dr. Margaret J. Hartman Mr. Stanley Zdziarski and Mrs. Ursula Zdziarski Mrs. Agnes I. Zrakovi and Mr. Clark H. Zrakovi

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Laura McCarthy and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez © New Mexico Environment Department

Governor Honors Conservancy Earth Day is always a special day. But last April 22 was especially good. Why? Governor Susana Martinez honored Laura McCarthy, The Nature Conservancy’s director of conservation programs in New Mexico, with the state’s first-ever Environmental Leader of the Year award! McCarthy’s tenure since joining the Conservancy nearly a decade ago is impressive. She participated in an effort

that led to the enactment of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Act. New Mexico has received millions of dollars for restoration work in the Jemez Mountains via the program, catalyzing economic development opportunities for the Pueblo of Jemez and surrounding communities—and restoring the landscape. Over the past two years, McCarthy has spearheaded the Rio Grande Water Fund,

an unprecedented effort to engage over 40 diverse partners to come together to sustain the state’s water supply. For details about the Water Fund’s first year, see pages 4-5. “I am honored to receive this award for working with agencies and partners to improve the health of New Mexico’s forests,” McCarthy says. “Together we can ensure that these lands provide secure water and contribute to our quality of life for generations to come.”