Socorro Soil and Water Conservation District focuses on private‑land stewardship, water efficiency

From helping farmers level their fields to restoring native habitat along the Rio Grande, the Socorro Soil and Water Conservation District works quietly but extensively across the county to protect its most limited resource: water.

The district’s mission is rooted in local, on‑the‑ground support, a role state Rep. Rebecca Dow said remains essential in a region where agriculture depends on every acre‑foot.

“A critical role of the Socorro Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide local, on‑the‑ground support, so farmers and ranchers can increase their yields even when using less water,” Dow said. “By improving soil health and watershed function, districts reduce wildfire, flood and erosion risks while strengthening water reliability.”

Assistant District Manager Will Kolbenschlag said nearly all of the district’s work falls into two major areas: cost‑share programs that help landowners install water‑saving improvements, and large‑scale removal of noxious, water‑consuming species such as salt cedars.

The district reimburses landowners up to 50 percent of the cost of water-saving projects, with a cap of $6,000 per year. For farmers, that can include laser leveling fields, installing concrete ditches or irrigation pipelines, replacing turnouts, or improving ranch water systems.

“We’ll come to your property, set up survey equipment, do an elevation survey and prepare all the maps a contractor needs,” Kolbenschlag said. “When the work is finished, we come back and verify it. Some people don’t want to file paperwork or take money, they just want the technical help, and we’re happy to do that too.”

The district also offers a residential program for drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and low‑flow toilet replacements. Staff will design drip systems, create materials lists and help homeowners understand how to install them.

“If you live on California Street and want to put in drip irrigation but don’t know where to start, we’ll come out, design a system and show you how it goes together,” Kolbenschlag said.

All applications for reimbursement programs can be found on their website. https://www.socorroswcd.org/

The district receives annual legislative funding to remove non‑native woody species, primarily salt cedar, Russian olive and Siberian elm, from private land. Depending on the landowner’s goals, the district may restore former agricultural fields or replant native trees, shrubs and grasses.

“In a couple of years, we can turn a salt cedar forest into an alfalfa field,” Kolbenschlag said.

The district also pursues grants for community projects. A recent $73,000 grant funded major vegetation rehabilitation at the Socorro Nature Area in Lemitar, where crews removed invasive species and planted about $35,000 worth of native vegetation. The Bureau of Land Management later installed a watering system to support the new plantings.

Soil and water conservation districts were created nationwide after the Dust Bowl, when federal officials realized local expertise was essential for long-term land stewardship. The Socorro district was established in 1944 and continues to focus primarily on private land, where most conservation needs occur.

The district is overseen by a five-member elected board. Elections are now part of the statewide local election cycle, with staggered four-year terms. Most board members must own land within the district.

Kolbenschlag and Natural Resources Specialist Daniela Rivera make up the district’s staff.

Board meetings are open to the public and held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month.

The district participates in community events, including the county fair, the Great Chile Cook‑Off, Bosque Conservation Day and Ag Explorer Day. Staff also visit schools upon request to teach students about agriculture and conservation.

“We try to encourage kids to be interested in agriculture,” Kolbenschlag said. “It’s on the decline, and we want to inspire that interest.”

Kolbenschlag said drought remains a major concern, especially with limited snowpack in northern New Mexico and ongoing storage restrictions at El Vado Reservoir, where dam issues have sharply reduced the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District’s ability to hold native water.

“Rain helps reduce our water debt to Texas, but what really helps local farmers is snowpack,” he said.

Despite those challenges, Kolbenschlag said the district’s programs continue to help farmers, ranchers and residents use water more efficiently.

“Our goal is to put our funding back into the local economy and help people conserve water,” he said. “We’re here to support anyone in the district who wants to make improvements.”