NM Water Connections- Introduction

Dear Friend,
Late last year, several foundations (General Service Foundation, Kenney Foundation, McCune Charitable Foundation and Thaw Charitable Trust) held a meeting with representatives from a few non-profits to discuss funding for water-related organizations and projects in New Mexico. Interest in water issues has mushroomed in the past ten years, and we now have a much greater understanding of how complex the issues really are. Foundations have responded to the seriousness of the problem by greatly increasing the funding that goes to address water issues. The foundations are concerned, however, that requests greatly exceed available funds and that limited funding must therefore be used thoughtfully to maximize the benefits. Foundations are also concerned that there is sometimes little coordination among groups, resulting in duplication, inefficiencies, or gaps in addressing the state's water problems. The foundations wanted to initiate a conversation to address these concerns. It was agreed that representatives from non-profits who were at the meeting would propose a way to respond. This ad hoc group proposed that water-related organizations provide foundations with information that would help them make sense of the profusion of both the organizations and water issues that confront us all. The information should assist both funders and the organizations struggling to overcome existing problems. Creating a forum that avoids competition among organizations is a priority. Information will be gathered and organized; there will be no prioritization of water-related efforts. The ad hoc group met in February and March 2000 and then hosted a planning meeting for all interested organizations in July 2000. (Notes from meetings are available here: February 23, July 13, November 6, and from the individuals listed below.) At the July meeting, a larger "Steering Committee" was formed. The Steering Committee has decided to use two tools for this process: a survey and a "Water Mapping" meeting. We will be compiling the results of the survey in a web page and/or printed directory. If possible, please fill it out online at our new web site, www.nmwaterconnections.org. This will make it much easier for us to compile the results. If this is not possible, please complete the paper version and mail it back in the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope. We would greatly appreciate receiving the completed survey by October 31. We will also be hosting a statewide meeting for all interested organizations on November 6. Participants will come together to "map" themselves in terms of geography, issues and concerns, programs, and other factors. In addition to creating a "big picture" of water issues and projects in New Mexico, which we will share with foundations, this will be a tremendous opportunity to broaden your own network and meet possible collaborators. We are inviting more than 180 water-related organizations in New Mexico. If you have questions or need financial assistance to attend the Mapping Meeting, please feel free to contact any of the individuals listed below. Thank you for your help! Sincerely, The Water Connections/Water Mapping Steering Committee
Consuelo Bokum 1000 Friends of New Mexico* 505-982-4342 Michael Benson Navajo Nation Dept. of Water Resources* 520-729-4004 Steve Harris Alliance for the Rio Grande Heritage* 505-751-1269 Sharon Hausam New Mexico Water Dialogue* 505-726-8211 Earl James New Mexico Environmental Law Center* 505-989-9022	Lucy Moore Lucy Moore Associates* 505-820-2166 Nicasio Romero El Ancon Domestic Water Users* 505-421-7057 Lynn Sferrazza Western Environmental Law Center* 505-751-0351 Judy Stevens Santa Fe Land Use Resource Center* 505-982-4232 *Organization names are listed for individual identification purposes.
Water Mapping Meeting
"Mapping" water-related organizations in New Mexico in terms of geography, issues and concerns, and programs Creating a "big picture" of water issues and projects in New Mexico An opportunity to broaden your own network and meet possible collaborators November 6, 2000, 9 AM - 4 PM, lunch will be provided U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Building 4101 Jefferson Plaza NE Albuquerque, New Mexico Directions to the ACOE building: Coming from the south on I-25: Take the Jefferson exit to the west and north. Watch for Holman's on the left. (If you get to Osuna you have gone too far.) Coming from the north on I-25: Take the Paseo del Norte or Osuna exit to Jefferson. Take a left (south) on Jefferson. Watch for Holman's on the right. The ACOE building is behind Holman's.