Objectives for creating a tourism industry that revolves around the acequia agricultural community would be to:
Other potential outcomes that may be achievable from a successful industry might include:
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When it comes to outdoor activities it is vital to understand what flows are good and safe to float through any type of river. To attract tourist in any part of a river especially the Rio Chama specifically below Abiquiu it is important to manipulate the flow to create an experience that is safe and comfortable. The average flow is best to float a river would be between 600 cfs and 1000 cfs. With this type of flow not only is the experience enjoyable but fishing is also at its high.
See more on river flows in the Alternative Flows section. Click the photo to read Garden Betty's blog post: "Kayak Camping on the Rio Chama." |
Local Competition
Potential backlash could also come from such establishments as Bode’s, the local gas station and general store in Abiquiu that provides food, gifts and other products. As of now, this is a common stop for workers, locals, passersby and the owners may look adversely at any other marketplace that could pose as competition for the store. It will be important to include the owners in the planning process to both ensure collaboration and a continued sense of community in the region. |
Potential Alternative Crops
When it comes to crop diversification, there are discussions that the legalization of marijuana in the state of New Mexico could provide a very unique opportunity for the lower Rio Chama acequias. Although this is currently a very controversial topic, the potential for industry growth cannot be ignored. There would many issues to address including the desire for locals to enter such an industry, future support from government organizations if marijuana was to be grown and sold in the region, and backlash from any previous support groups and influential loyal visitors to the region. Although there are positive economic gains to be had, such an endeavor could pose more conflict and complexities than desired. The social and economics benefits and costs of taking on marijuana as a new crop should be carefully considered. Another potential for a new cash crop in the lower Chama region is hops for beer production. There has already been examples of beer production in the area, notably Monk's Ale which is produced at the Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Although most mainstream hops variations come from Europe, there actually exists a hops sub-species, umulus lupulus var. neomexicanus, or just neomexicanus, that is native to the Rio Chama region. It has been growing wild in the area for the last million years! Currently there are commercial variants of this ancient hops being sold to breweries around the country. It may be possible for lower Rio Chama residents to use the advantages of their water rights and the allure associated with million-year-old hops to create a niche market for hops production. This may also be a great way to entice younger generations to return to their family farms in the region. Click the photo of hops to read more about the neomexicanus sub-species. Click the Benedictine Monastery of Christ in the Desert photo to learn more about Monk's Ale and Abbey Brewing Co. |
Click image above for more information on the New Mexico Department of Health's medical marijuana program. |
Vang ViengVang Vieng is a small town in Laos about a 3-hour drive north of the capitol, Vientiane. It is located next to the Nam Sang River and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a variety of natural attractions. Some highlights include a blue lagoon and a cave section with a stalagmite shaped like an elephant. There are even opportunities to take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the scenic views from the sky. What the town has become most known for though is its party scene, drug use, and a float-able river with bars to hop along the way. The tourist scene has been taken over by young backpackers looking for .
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SaraguroSaraguro is a small mountain village in the Ecuadorian Andes located about a 3-hour drive south of Cuenca. The people are most known for their traditional black attire, cheese and their strong cultural identity. Even though the town operates comfortably on old traditions, Saraguros have been well-connected with the modern world. Many have traveled and are educated professionals. For example, local Samuel Ortega had immigrated with his family to Spain, then eventually become a trained chef and opened a restaurant with his refined version of Ecuadorian cuisine right back in Saraguro. Add the countryside home-stays, traditional festivals such as Kapak Raymi, the cloud forests and the beautiful Andean mountain landscape and tourists have many reasons to experience the Saraguro way of life.
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