All Request For Proposals s to-date have solicited work for projects that restore instream ecosystem function and watershed health to major river basins. The RFP process has provided the following examples of activities that could be funded: physical habitat restoration within a stream; enhancement of environmental flow; improvement of riparian vegetative cover for the purpose of river restoration; reduction of pollutants to rivers; promoting the hydrologic interaction between the river channel and floodplain including bank lowering; and restoring dynamic channel processes such as accretion on new banks, bar building, channel widening, and channel sinuosity. |
Statewide Map of
Project Locations |
Projects are selected from proposals submitted by entities across the state. NMED leads a technical and scientific review process that also includes representatives from the New Mexico Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, and Game and Fish as well as the Office of the State Engineer. An emphasis is given to funding of physical projects with the ability to show tangible results and water quality improvements. Contracts are for a four-year cycle.
Distinguishing characteristics of RERI projects include: it is a physical project that restores instream ecosystem function and watershed health; it has measurable objectives and a monitoring plan to demonstrate success; it is supported by scientific studies; it is sustainable; it maximizes the conservation of biological diversity; it is collaborative and supported by stakeholders, and it includes plans for long-term maintenance.
A total of 48 RERI projects have been funded thus far.
Projects are being implemented by diverse interests: recipients include advocacy groups, watershed groups, tribes and pueblos, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies. |
