RESOLUTIONS 2005
Acequia Custom and Tradition
The New Mexico Acequia Association encourages all acequias to develop a common understanding of their water sharing customs and urges acequias to practice their traditions as an alternative to imposition of State Engineer administration of water rights.
Historical Significance of Acequias
The New Mexico Acequia Association will work with the Office of the State Historian and the Department of Cultural Affairs to promote greater appreciation of the history and culture of acequia communities and of acequias as a living model of governance and water management.
Acequia Tort Immunity
The New Mexico Acequia Association request that the New Mexico State Legislature clarify that acequias and their workers are immune from tort liability and also secure additional needed coverage through Risk Management.
Instituto Internacional de Acequias
The New Mexico Acequia Association shall work to establish the Instituto Internacional de las Acequias to raise awareness of the communal water traditions of the world, to educate our communities, particularly young people, about the historical and contemporary significance of acequias, and to provide community-based centers for experiential learning about acequia knowledge, agricultural practices, and food traditions.
Membership Recruitment
The New Mexico Acequia Association shall commit to a process of recruitment of acequia members to join the New Mexico Acequia Association.
Process for Conflict Resolution
The New Mexico Acequia Association shall develop a process for conflict resolution that includes documentation of local knowledge and experiences, creation of regional tribunales and a statewide consejo to resolve disputes, and develop a program for training and providing model language for bylaws and guidelines for acequias and regional associations of acequias.
In Memory of Regino Salazar
In recognition of his devoted service and advocacy for issues in association with water rights, a statement and note or recognition be provided to the family of Don Regino Gregorio Salazar who passed away on November 27, 2005. May he rest in peace.
Paul Garcia and Geoff Bryce
In recognition of their contributions to the statewide acequia community, the NMAA dedicate our Acequia Governance Handbook to the memory of Paul Garcia and Geoff Bryce.
Support Rio Hondo Acequias
The New Mexico Acequia Association will support efforts in the Upper Hondo on the Liedmacher v. Herd lawsuit by submitting an amicus brief as appropriate.
Active Water Resource Management
The New Mexico Acequia Association requests that the Office of the State Engineer honor senior water rights, adjudicated water rights court decrees and the New Mexico State Constitution in the application of Active Water Management Rules and Regulations and requests support from the New Mexico State Legislature, Attorney General, and Governor to ensure that the Office of the State Engineer honors senior water rights, adjudicated water rights court decrees and the traditions of governance and water management practiced by acequias. Furthermore, NMAA requests the State Engineer not establish a water district and water master or impose Active Water Resource Management on acequias unless requested by a majority of water right owners.
Support for Dr. Paul Gutierrez
The New Mexico Acequia Association supports the application of Dr. Paul Gutierrez for the position of Dean of the College of Agriculture.
Acequia-MDWCA Relations
The New Mexico Acequia Association through the Concilio will convene meetings of the Acequia-Domestic Water Working Group and present legislative recommendations to the Congreso.