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City of Santa Fe River Restoration Crew

 

In 2007, American Rivers designated the Santa Fe River America's Most Endangered River. According to the National Geographic, The Santa Fe River suffers from "chronic water extraction that leaves its bed a dry ditch for most of the year."  The river is 46 miles (74 km) long and runs throughout the center of the City. It was first dammed in 1881 and flows when water is released by the city of Santa Fe from two continuous reservoirs. Today, approximately 40% of the city's water supply comes from these reservoirs. Heavy seasonal water flows have resulted in arroyo cutting that has left the river channel deeply incised. This rapid erosion is compounded by the predominance of invasive species that have crowded out native species of vegetation which serve to protect the banks during peak flows and provide native wildlife habitat. Years of neglect have also left the riverbed littered with trash that significantly impacts both the community's perception and usage patterns for this valuable public greenbelt.

In 2007, Mayor David Coss and the Leadership at the City of Santa Fe made the revival of the Santa Fe River and the expansion of opportunities for local disconnected youth two top priorities. In an effort to address these issues together, the ¡YouthWorks! Santa Fe River Crew was launched. This program aims to implement riparian restoration, beautification, and stewardship along the Santa Fe River and its associated arroyos. Every year, a crew of 15 to 20 young people receive job training focused on environmental restoration through hands-on projects in the watershed.

To date, over 125 youth have received training through this program. Projects have included: 

  • Frenchy's Field Restoration
  • Larragoite Park Restoration
  • Acequia Madre Diversion
  • Railyard Park & Acequia Maintenance and Rehabilitation
  • Southside Library Arroyo Project
  • Preparation for the Annual Fishing Derby
  • Erosion Control along the Santa Fe River Trail
  • Invasive Species Removal and Revegation along the Santa Fe River
  • Dozens of projects with City Parks, Stormwater Management, and Streetsand Drainage Departments

 

2010 City River Crew

American Rivers, America's Most Endangered Rivers: 2007 Edition, http://www.americanrivers.org/library/reports-publications/most-endangered-rivers-2007.html

 

National Geographic News, Santa Fe Tops 2007 List of Most Endangered Rivers, 2007, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/070418-ten-rivers.html