The Status and Sustainability of Acequias on the Lower Rio Chama River, New Mexico
Date of Graduation
Fall 1993
Degree
Master of Science in Geospatial Sciences
Department
Geography, Geology, and Planning
Committee Chair
Barbara Becker
Abstract
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.
Subject Categories
Earth Sciences
Copyright
© Christopher Hawkins
Recommended Citation
Hawkins, Christopher, "The Status and Sustainability of Acequias on the Lower Rio Chama River, New Mexico" (1993). MSU Graduate Theses. 729.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/729
Dissertation/Thesis
