The Status and Sustainability of Acequias on the Lower Rio Chama River, New Mexico

Acequia communities throughout northern New Mexico are threatened by the loss of water rights and land to both urban and exurban development. Planning techniques are utilized to ascertain the status of acequias on the lower Rio Chama River, New Mexico, with the data applied to developing a model plan for the sustainable development of the Abiquiu area. A comparison of water rights and land use data reveals that the acequias on the lower Rio Chama River have not been significantly affected by the loss of land and water. This research utilizes comprehensive planning techniques to develop a model plan that can sustain acequia communities while still allowing growth and development in the region. The model plan, enforced through traditional zoning, regulation and ordinance, recommends the following planning objectives to sustain acequia communities: 1) preserve the unique cultural, historical and natural character of the village; 2) keep the land in agriculture; and 3) protect the water rights.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Year

1993

Author dc:creator

• Hawkins, Christopher

Contributors dc:contributor

• Barbara Becker

• Earth Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © Christopher Hawkins

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/729

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1730