A coalition of sportsmen is sending a letter to Gov. Susana Martinez in opposition to diverting water from the Gila River.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation and numerous chapters of Trout Unlimited say proposed diversions stand to harm wildlife and threaten the state's outdoor recreation economy.
The Interstate Stream Commission is reviewing proposals to use funding from the Arizona Water Settlements Act to address water demands in southwestern New Mexico.
The groups argue that a diversion project would be costly and could end up being useless if river flows fall below certain levels. They point to forecasts that call for continued drought.
The Gila is the last main-stem river in New Mexico without a major dam or diversion. It's also home to the federally protected Gila trout.
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