Jornada Resource Conservation & Development Council
Grants Awarded
The Turtleback Trail Network aims to boost outdoor recreation and economic opportunities in Sierra County's communities, with a focus on areas around the Rio Grande, by building a world-class trail system. The plan, approved by the City of Truth or Consequences and the Village of Williamsburg, includes constructing two footbridges over the Rio Grande, implementing a comprehensive signage system for easy navigation, and developing interpretive panels with historical and environmental context. The project will be rolled out in phases, beginning with signage installation, and will augment the region's outdoor recreation landscape over time, ultimately making the network a key part of Sierra County's offerings and a regional attraction.
The mission of the Jornada Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) is to assist rural communities with natural resource conservation and enhance economic development through tourism. This non-profit has been in place since 1992 with members serving representing local governments and other non-profits encompassing seven counties in southwestern New Mexico. Past projects include Healing Waters Trail in Truth or Consequences, serving as the lead and completion and updates of the Sierra County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, administrative lead for the statewide New Mexico Watershed and Dam Owners Coalition, hazardous fuel reduction project in Grant County New Mexico, assist Truth or Consequences MainStreet in two USDA Rural Development grants, assist Catron County Clerk in securing a records retention grant and most recently serving as the lead in the five year process to complete the Turtleback Trail Network conceptual plan. The Jornada RC&D works closely with the two Council of Government entities that function within the RC&D project area and has partnered with both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, along with State Forestry and NM Environment Department offices in the past. Jornada RC&D has secured grants, and/or managed grants for other non-profits or soil and water conservation districts since our inception, along with working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. In addition, for the past 14 years the Jornada RC&D has served as the fiscal agent for the local high school New Mexico Envirothon Team and assisted with securing funds for their training and contests.