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HECHO October Newsletter

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Hello,

It has been an incredible month for HECHO, celebrating public lands policy wins and elevating the voices and visibility of Hispanic leaders in public lands decision-making and advocacy. Our Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) members continue to grow and make a difference in their communities.

  • On September 28th through 30th, HECHO brought Hispanic leaders from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah to Washington D.C. to advocate on conservation issues, including protecting the Grand Canyon watershed from uranium mining, saving Oak Flat from a copper mine, the resilience of the Colorado River, and making communities whole after the devastating Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire. They met with members of Congress and federal agencies. Read a recap of HECHO’s first advocacy trip.
  • In fact, our advocacy trip ended with great news! The Hermits Peak Fire Assistance Act was at the top of our advocacy list. HECHO is proud of the $2.5 billion allocated for monetary compensation to the victims in Northern New Mexico affected by the Hermit’s Peak/ Calf Canyon Fire. Read our statement.
  • Once a training area by U.S. Army to prepare soldiers for combat in World Word II, the Camp Hale-Continental Divide was designated a National Monument. HECHO supports President Joe Biden’s first designation of a national monument and hopes that the next places to be considered for designation incorporate and reflect greater involvement and inclusion of those who have historically been marginalized. Read more about it.
  • Since our founding, we have held water as a critical policy priority, especially considering that water issues disproportionately affect the Hispanic/Latinx community. HECHO submitted comments to the Department of Natural Resources Colorado Water Conservation Board  in response to the Draft Colorado Water Plan for 2023.
  • HECHO’s vision supports strong, culturally-rich communities connected to nature and each other. This month we featured the incredible story of a Latino outdoor enthusiast with a deep connection to the Grand Canyon. Don’t miss his inspiring account.

Thanks,
Camilla Simon
Executive Director

HECHO’s first Advocacy Trip

HCLC making a difference in D.C.

ICYMI

Caja del Rio Hike

HECHO’s HCLC members from New Mexico participated in a hike in Caja del Rio. This magnificent, culturally-rich area needs urgent, permanent protection to safeguard sacred sites, wildlife, ancient artifacts, lands, and waters. This beautiful treasured landscape is a convergence of cultures that deserves to be preserved for generations to come, not abused and desecrated. See the photos and what one of our HCLC members said.

HECHO Team CO Retreat

The spectacular mountain scenery of Granby, Colorado, served as a perfect place for our HECHO team to come together for four days of bonding, reflection, and brainstorming as we continue to advance our public lands policies and advocacy efforts. With our team members working remotely from different states, opportunities like these are key for connecting with each other and nature. Watch video.

Resources & Opportunities

HECHO receives wonderful engagement opportunities that we’d like to share with our readers. If an opportunity speaks to you, click the link to learn more.

  •  The Caja del Rio Coalition is seeking more people to get involved, whether in hands-on matters like clean-up days, or simply spreading the word of the importance protecting the area. The point is to get involved. Click here to get more involved.
  • Also, remember, until October 24, 2022, the public can submit input on developing two target shooting ranges. Your voice is needed! Check here how you can participate.

Thanks for reading!

And thanks for being part of the HECHO community. Together we can elevate Hispanic voices in public lands policy.
 
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