SAN LUIS — The Sangre de Cristo Acequia Association (SdCAA) Congreso de Acequia will be Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Centennial School in San Luis.
Congreso de Acequias is a dynamic and vibrant gathering that celebrates the acequias as part of a way of life and livelihood.
It also celebrates the people who keep acequias flowing and the deep connection to land, family and community.
This year's theme is “Preserving Acequia Traditions” and will feature a variety of topics and speakers pertinent to acequia irrigators.
Keynote speaker Arnold Valdez will present on the Culebra Watershed ecosystem and its importance to the acequias.
Breakout sessions will include, “Understanding Aquifer Withdrawal and the Effects on Acequia Water” and a concurrent session will focus on “Watershed Health Issues.”
The afternoon will wrap up with Division 3 Engineer Craig Cotten, Water Commissioner Tom Stewart and Water Attorney Peter Nichols with a follow-up session on the Hallett Decree meeting held in September.
The event is free. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the congreso will commence promptly at 8:30 a.m.
The day will begin with the SdCAA annual report and election of new board members.
All designated acequia delegates are asked to be present to vote. Those unsure if their acequia has assigned an SdCAA delegate, please contact Executive Director Mathew Valdez at (719) 672-0810.
The SdCAA will provide a light breakfast and full lunch for all participants, along with an opportunity to win some great door prizes throughout the day.
There also will be a chance to purchase tickets for a drawing for a hunting rifle, $500 ditch cleaning and a surprise that will be announced at the congreso reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in the parish hall.
Lunch time will feature the Mariachi San Luis and an opportunity to highlight student work and to announce winners of the student scholarships.
Winners of the mini-grants will also be announced. There will be a variety of vendors to chat with and get the latest information on topics prudent to acequias.
The reception will be an opportunity to connect with other parciantes and for those acequias working on by-laws or research a first meeting with their legal team to layout plans to get their project completed.
Light refreshments will be served and like all acequia events there is no cost. The Acequia Association works to build the acequia movement by protecting land and water resources for future generations of acequia farmers and ranchers.
The event is made possible by partners and sponsors, Natural Resources Conservation Service, San Luis Valley Conservation Fund, the LOR Foundation, Costilla County Conservancy District, Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and Colorado Open Lands.
For more information, contact Mathew Valdez at (719) 672-0810 or visit www.coloradoacequias.org