Rio Hondo Watershed Condition Assessment Using Geographic Information Systems

NM EPSCoR RII3 is designed to enhance research competitiveness through investment in three strategic areas: (1) critical Research Infrastructure, (2) Cyberinfrastructure, and (3) Human Infrastructure. These investments will help establish NM as a laboratory for climate change research, and as a model for science‐based public policy. The multi‐disciplinary, multi‐scale effort is envisioned to transform climate change science and policymaking in NM by providing the tools required for quantitative, science‐driven discussion of difficult water policy options facing the State in the 21st Century. This document describes a study to 1) gain a basic understanding of the geography and natural resources of the Rio Hondo Watershed, 2) address issues identified by the Rio Hondo Watershed Group, 3) ascertain the overall health of the Rio Hondo Watershed, and 4) identify policy recommendations by analyzing maps and images created using a mapping software.