My recent visit to Silver City
Dear Friend,
It is always a pleasure to visit with New Mexicans in every corner of our great state. I wanted to take a moment to let you know about my recent visit to Silver City earlier this month.
I was honored to open the second annual New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference. It was refreshing to be joined by so many leaders from across our state who are finding ways to grow the outdoor industry. Public lands fuel our thriving outdoor recreation economy in New Mexico and sustain outdoor traditions. Silver City is a shining example of a gateway community that thrives because of its access to the nation's first wilderness area, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the Gila River, and the Continental Divide Trail.
PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) celebrates the 51st anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and is presented with a Conservation Champion Award by the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance in Silver City. Pictured from left: Simon Sotelo, Tisha Broska, and Nathan Newcomer, October 2, 2019.
I also enjoyed celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act at Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. Wild & Scenic designations have protected portions of Rio Grande up in northern New Mexico, the Rio Chama, the East Fork of the Jemez, and the Pecos. Sections of the Gila and San Francisco watershed deserves similar protections. While I was in Silver City, I sat down with local community stakeholders to discuss legislation Senator Tom Udall and I are beginning to draft to permanently protect sections of the Gila.
PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) visits with Syzygy Tile owner Josh White in Silver City, October 2, 2019.
Finally, I toured a local small business, Syzygy Tile, and learned about how the company produces unique hand-crafted tiles that are both beautiful and environmentally sound. I am committed to providing resources and support to local small businesses that are the backbone of our economy and critical to job creation and sustained economic growth.
I remain committed to working hard to deliver results for all New Mexico communities. I hope you can stay in touch about issues that are important to you and your family. It is an honor and privilege to serve you in the Senate.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
