Gila Resources Information Project

Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP) has been promoting healthy communities by protecting our environment since 1998. GRIP is a state leader in protection of the environment, natural resources and our public lands. As a partner in the Gila Conservation Coalition, we successfully led efforts to protect the Gila River, New Mexico’s last free-flowing river, from an ecologically and economically disastrous diversion project. As a partner in the Peaceful Gila Skies coalition, we successfully protected the Gila Wilderness and local communities from a proposal to expand airspace for F-16 pilot training over the Gila bioregion. We are part of the statewide coalition that advocates for funding and implementation of the Governor’s 30×30 policy and the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to protect 30% of the state’s land and water by 2030. GRIP is also the recipient of two NM Environment Department River Stewardship grants to improve water quality and riparian habitat in San Vicente Creek and two tributaries: Silva Creek and Pinos Altos Creek. The San Vicente Creek Trail System is a key element of these restoration efforts. GRIP also leads Big Ditch Park revitalization efforts with the Town of Silver City and community partners to build ecological resilience of the park’s plantings in a changing climate. Through its Silver City Watershed Keepers program, GRIP has also provided watershed-based field experiences to hundreds of students and community members in our 25-year history. We organize guided hikes, community clean-ups, stream restoration projects and water quality monitoring events that facilitate enjoyment and understanding of the San Vicente Creek and the Silver City watershed and foster stewardship of our water resources. With Outdoor Equity Fund financial support, we have organized and implemented two years of the Silver City Watershed Keepers Nature Discovery Summer Camp for rising 4th, 5th and 6th grade students, getting over 70 local youth outdoors. In partnership with the Gila Conservation Coalition, GRIP has organized the Gila River Festival, providing Gila River field trips, including birding, guided hikes, rock art and kayaking, that cultivate an understanding of the Gila’s natural and cultural history. The next Gila River Festival in 2024 will celebrate 100 years of the Gila Wilderness.