AWWA SRC57792

This paper summarizes the creation of the Paso del Norte Watershed Council whose purpose is to investigate, develop, and recommend options for watershed planning and management, and to explore how water-related resources can best be balanced to benefit the Rio Grande ecosystem and the interests of all watershed stakeholders. The Council's focus is the Paso del Norte Watershed, defined as the Rio Grande basin located between Elephant Butte Reservoir in southern New Mexico, and Fort Quitman in Hudspeth County, Texas. One of the main goals of the Council is to provide an open and inclusive forum for stakeholders who want to establish and maintain a healthy watershed. The paper discusses five specific objectives that comprise its Strategic Plan, which include: promoting watershed planning and management as well as providing recommendations; supporting restoration and enchancement projects; facilitating communication among stakeholders and within the Council; providing education and outreach to the General Public and council members; and, supporting efforts to monitor and improve water quality. The paper also discusses a coordinated database/geographic information system project.