Protecting the Rio Grande del Norte
WE DID IT! If there is one unifying force, it is the love of place. We acted with clarity, cohesion and courage. We acted as a New Mexico coalition.
Left to right: Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Sen. Martin Heinrich, Taos Pueblo leaders, Sen. Jeff Bingaman (ret.), and at right, Sec. of the Interior Ken Salazar celebrate President Obama’s designation of the Rio Grande del Norte as a National Monument
New Energy Economy has been actively involved in the preservation of the Rio Grande del Norte. Biologically diverse and spectacular, this swath of wilderness spanning 242,000 acres through rich wildlife habitat offers a paradise for backcountry hiking and fishing, an outstanding place for observing nature in all of its splendor, and a refuge offering solitude and spiritual rejuvenation. The diverse support for preservation, amongst all ages and races, professions and politics, also springs from the fact that significant tourism revenues flow from this area in a state where tourism is the economic spine.
In order to effect this preservation, New Energy Economy employed a creative and multi-faceted outreach platform that successfully magnified the message many fold. Some key elements are:
1. New Energy Economy designed, produced and executed a beautiful coffee table book, The Rio Grande del Norte – One Hundred New Mexican Speak for a Legacy, that celebrates the breadth and depth of passion from varied voices that believe in Rio Grande del Norte’s economic, environmental, and cultural significance.
2. We also generated a buzz with a “King Kong” Santa Fe bus wrap promotional campaign featuring a picture of the Rio Grande and some powerful pictures of our local heroes and heroines who have taken a stand for permanent protection of this national treasure.
The Rio Grande del Norte bus wrap artwork
3. We hand-delivered more than 500 signed postcards from people all over New Mexico to President Obama urging him to permanently protect this area. During the process of collecting these postcards, our well-trained young activists have contacted, educated, and activated thousands of New Mexico citizens who have become champions for environmental protections. Click here to view the postcard »
4. The Santa Fe City Council unanimously supported a Resolution to permanently protect the Rio Grande del Norte. After Councilor Peter Ives spoke glowingly in support, all of the other Councilors co-sponsored the Resolution. To view the Resolution click here »
