Rio Arriba County

While looking for information about some land in Rio Arriba County - I came across this written document. This clearly reflects the values and priorities that I find to be important. ~ annie

Planning Protects Traditions, Community, Quality of Life----By Patricio Garcia, Community Development Director The New Mexico sunlight sifts through the trees and mixes with the leaves scattered along the acequia to create an enduring sense of peace and place. For many of us, this walk along the water is where we find essential qualities of New Mexico, of Rio Arriba County, of community.

However, the very things that create this sense of place and create an artificial sense of seclusion and protection. Listen more closely and you can hear the cars on the highway or heavy equipment involved in nearby construction. You can almost hear the population of Rio Arriba County.

Among the most valuable assets in Rio Arriba County are its deep-rooted culture and environmental beauty. Together, they are a large part of why generation after generation has chosen to live here and why new neighbors arrive everyday. Yes, we need economic growth. Yes, development is on its way whether we like it or not. But we cannot grow at the cost of the very qualities that brought us and keep us here.

County Planning staff is working with representatives of the community on a comprehensive plan that attempts to balance the need for jobs, homes and services with the need to protect our quality of life. The county has formed study groups that are looking at growth, developement, and community needs and wants. Our population of 41,000 is expected to reach 52,000 by 2010 and we must plan for smart growth and sustainable development.

Land and water are important to the rituals of our community. When we lose our connection to the land, to our traditions, to our roots, we lose who we are. We must build our community but if we fail to maintain our strong self-identity at the same time, we invite an upsurge in social problems like substance abuse.

With every step we take forward, we must be careful to ensure that we are moving toward a future where our children can find their own path, perhaps along an acequia, and feel the sense of peace and place we do have today.