Hello Beaver Believers of New Mexico!
This was a BIG year for the New Mexico Beaver Project, partially because we’re pretty darn new, but also because we got a lot done and felt a lot of love and engagement from New Mexicans across the state.
We started the year by helping to secure $10.5 million dollars from the New Mexico legislature for the Department of Game and Fish (soon to be the Department of Wildlife) to work on species of greatest conservation need over the next 3 years. The only species listed in that appropriation? You guessed it…beavers! That’s because beavers help so many other species. And because, with your help, we advocated loudly for that investment.
At the same time, we helped push a Senate Memorial that called for the creation of a statewide beaver plan. Despite bi-partisan backing and a diverse group of people showing up to support it, the memorial ultimately did not pass because the legislature ran out of time. But, throughout the process, decision-makers heard loud and clear that New Mexico needs a statewide plan to help with beaver coexistence and restoration.
As temperatures rose, snow melted, and waterways began to flow, we got to work trying to help people coexist with beavers. We’re a pretty small crew, but with the help of some eager volunteers, we got out to a handful of sites and did our best. One of the keys to coexisting with beavers is regular check-ups and maintenance on coexistence devices once they’re installed. Beavers don’t slack and neither will we. So we anticipate helping even more New Mexicans coexist with beavers next year, but we’ll also be back to check on our work.
Later in the summer, working with the Beaver Institute and Rio Grande Return, we hosted the first-of-its-kind beaver coexistence training. Twenty New Mexicans from tribes and pueblos, agricultural communities, NGOs, and state and federal agencies took time out of their busy lives to learn the basics of installing coexistence devices. The attendees have returned to their communities and have already begun sharing their knowledge and implementing coexistence strategies.
Along the way we put together a handful of events around the state, including a packed-room conversation in Abiquiu and a very fun evening of short films and panel discussion with INDIGENOUS LED, the Beaver Institute, and a number of awesome individuals in Santa Fe.
Like beavers, we’ve quieted down a bit as winter arrived, but we’ve got huge plans in 2026.
THANK YOU for being with us in whatever capacity. We’ve received so many emails and messages from people across the state. Whether you’ve got beavers, want beavers, want to help, or are just curious, we love to hear from you. And we are hoping to be able to be more responsive next year (sorry if we haven’t gotten back to you!).
Until next time, you can find us on Instagram for eye-candy, check out our website, give us a donation, or find us on the river. And there are still a few awesome hats available for New Mexico residents – respond to this email if you need a last minute holiday gift!
Chris,
New Mexico Beaver Project