TUESDAY: Udall, Heinrich to Hold Press Call Announcing Legislation to Protect the Gila River

WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 9:30 a. m. MT / 11:30 a.m. ET, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will hold a press conference call to announce their newly-introduced legislation to protect the Gila River by designating portions of the river and its watershed as Wild and Scenic.

Udall and Heinrich will discuss the local and regional economic benefits of their legislation, which will be a boon to New Mexico’s outdoor economy and protect an irreplaceable natural resource for future generations. The legislation was developed taking into account the large amount of feedback provided by community members, private landowners, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, local officials, farmers and ranchers, and others.

The Greater Gila watershed, which includes the San Francisco River and other main tributaries, comprises the largest remaining network of naturally flowing river segments in the Southwestern United States. New Mexicans have cherished the Gila for generations for its spectacular scenery and wildlife habitat, shared family experiences, unique fishing and recreational opportunities, abundant cultural resources, and as a clean water source for countless traditional uses. The senators’ legislation would protect the free-flowing nature of these rivers and thereby the traditional river values, uses and unique history and habitats. As a result, the designation will also boost the Gila’s national visibility and tourism and outdoor economic potential.

TUESDAY, May 12, 2020

WHAT: Udall and Heinrich will hold a press conference call with reporters to discuss their legislation to protect the Gila River

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. MT / 11:30 a.m. ET

WHERE: Please RSVP to press@heinrich.senate.gov for the call-in information.