Thank you for visiting my website to learn more about my desire to continue to serve on the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) Board.
My name is Stephanie Russo Baca and I am running in the October 3, 2023 election for the At-Large Position No. 1
I’m running again because I believe I can continue to be a strong voice on the Board and offer great constiuent services. As the Chairwoman I have the opportunity of running the meetings and receiving input from all the board members and constituents in the district.
One of the many reasons New Mexico is home is because I relate to the farming heritage that is found throughout the valley. My family has a long and proud history of living close to the land, which also led me to pursue my undergraduate degree in Ag. My husband, Avelino, grew up in Bosque and we met when i was purchasing hay from my now father-in-law Martin Baca. Now my husband and I try to keep the tradition of farming alive with our kids.
I understand how important Agriculture is to the Middle Valley while also maintaining the flows in the Rio Grande for future generations of farmers. I want to ensure that farming can continue to flourish in the whole valley for generations to come.
One of my goals is to continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies on environment, wildlife and endangered species issues, because open communication is key to ensure efficient and responsible water management that protects the users in the district.
I also believe it is important to continue to provide multi-use recreational opportunities within the Middle Rio Grande Valley and to keep the infrastructure well-maintained with long-term solutions for our growing community.
I hope to earn your continued support for my election to the Conservancy Board and your vote on October 3, 2023. This is a special election so voters must own property within the MRGCD boundaries.
https://www.mrgcd.com/board-election-information/
Stephanie Russo Baca for MRGCD
PLEASE VOTE IN THE MRGCD ELECTION ON
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023
ABSENTEE VOTE AUGUST 24th- SEPTEMBER, 30 2023
EARLY VOTE SEPTEMBER 18-30, 2023
About Stephanie
I come from a family with a long and proud history of living close to the land. As a child, I raised pheasants and chickens, had my own little garden plot, and would always help out my great uncle on his farm.
My husband, Avelino Baca, grew up in Bosque and we met when I was purchasing hay from my now father-in-law Martin Baca. Now we try to keep the tradition of farming alive with our kids. We also volunteer with our kids 4-H group. I want to ensure that farming can continue to flourish for future generations of family farmers.
My early (and continued) passion in agriculture led to an academic and professional career related to farming, water, wildlife, and stewardship of the land. As a field and constituent services representative for Senator Martin Heinrich, I worked throughout New Mexico with various federal, state, tribal and local agencies that have regulatory authority over natural resources and the environment. During this time, I met with growers and heard their stories and the issues they faced. I also met and worked alongside wonderful people throughout the valley.
Today, I am a water attorney and am the Ombudsman Program Director at the Utton Transboundary Resources Center. There, I assist with the activities of the Joe M. Stell Ombudsman Program, a statewide program that educates owners of water rights about how to navigate the water rights litigation in federal and state courts. I hold both the Indian Law and Natural Resources and Environmental Law Certificates from the UNM School of Law.
I am currently the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and live on a small family farm in Los Chavez, where I raise livestock on irrigated pastured.
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