Kenny served as the State President of the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, as well as currently holding the position of Chairman for the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District (ERASWCD) board. He is a retired Chemist that worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory for 31 years. Kenny Salazar has been a vital push to have federal support of our surrounding acequias, helping convey their importance for our communities, at a national level. His efforts were incrementable, in that after years of work, on the new Federal Farm Bill, acequias were recognized for the first time as an entity; creating huge progress for farmers everywhere.

Ross has worked as a Supervisor on the Board of Supervisors on the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District since 2010. Worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for nearly 36 years with work divided roughly evenly between Mechanical Facilities Design, Project Management, and Line Management. Ross grew up farming in Rio Arriba County. Currently, Ross Garcia holds the position of the Region 2 chair overseeing the Regional area, bring up concerns and ideas to the state level. He also is currently serving as Supervisor on the Board of Supervisors on the East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District since 2010. Ross was instrumental in the ERASWCD new building process, gaining a facility to better serve our community.

Joseph brings his experience and knowledge to the district, belonging to three ditch associations and and active board member of a local land grant. His background includes being a financial specialist and a long-time farmer. Joseph has spent his life as an active farmer and rancher in Rio Arriba County, as well as being a retired certified public accountant. He is our newest member on the board that has contributed greatly. Joseph is an active member in New Mexico Cattleman’s Association, and belongs to the La Jarosa livestock association.

Lucas has spent 35 years as a board member for East Rio Arriba Soil and Water Conservation District. Throughout the years serving ERASWCD, Lucas has been a strong voice to identify problems and concerns in the surrounding communities, ensuring these get attention. Lucas grew up farming and raising cattle in the area, bringing a wealth of knowledge in these practices to the district.

Living among the Neuve Acequias Del Rio Grande. Gilbert graduated from New Mexico State University with an Agricultural degree. He worked for the New Mexico Land Office for 27 years. After leaving the State Land Office, he worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a civil engineer technician for the acequias, studied river morphology in Colorado and is and enthusiast of meandering rivers. Farms and ranchers in Rio Arriba County. His hobby is “Catching Those Browns!”