By Kimberly Hayes

By restoring wetlands on its pueblo and ensuring safe drinking water for its people, the Ohkay Owingeh Tribe exemplifies diverse and innovative tribal practices, according to an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Interior Department report.

The tribe is among 14 tribes recognized in the report, titled Tribal Successes: Protecting the Environment and Natural Resources. The report said that although tribes face common barriers in environmental management, they could be overcome through innovative practices, like collaboration and partnerships, education and outreach and expanding resources.

The tribe, located in New Mexico, is made up of 2,400 people. The tribe began using its traditional name in November 2005, after having gone by the Spanish name San Juan Pueblo since the 16th century. Funding is sparse for the tribal programs and there are few economic resources on the pueblo. Tribal officials look for new opportunities to create growth, like renting out spaces in its RV Park. Tsay, a tribe-owned corporation, owns and operates a casino and hotel, and the tribe raises cattle and leases farmland. They have implemented this innovative spirit in their environmental efforts as well, and received the 2004 National Award for Smart Growth from EPA for low income housing on Pueblo land.

The tribe began restoring wetlands to reverse effects associated with a channel project on the Rio Grande. The project had been conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers and intended to control flooding. The project ended up removing water from the forest, causing native vegetation and wildlife to disappear, according to the report. The wetlands act as a secondary filtration system for water and become part of groundwater system, which ultimately hurt the tribe’s drinking water.

The tribe is currently working to restore 750 acres of wetlands. A contractor guides tribal restoration, which is done mostly by volunteers and students. Officials estimate that 1,500-2,000 acres could be restored. The tribe is also working with outside communities to restore wetlands and improve overall water quality in surrounding areas. The restoration has resulted in revival of the beaver populations other species, according to the report. To preserve and continue these efforts, the Tribal Council declared that 100 feet from the Rio on either side would be forever protected.

The tribe is aggressively pursuing other environmental improvements. After working for two years to secure funding, it took only months to clean and close a 40-acre solid waste dump. The solid waste was placed in a small, contained landfill and capped with topsoil. Native vegetation covers the landfill. To replace the dump, the tribe installed a waste transfer station, which uses a unique zigzag design for the efficient movement of bins.

To enhance uses of the station, tribal environmental and sanitation officials held community meetings to focus on the importance of the station in preventing environmental and health hazards, such as solid waste contaminants seeping into well water and ground water. Tribal officials are continuing community outreach to encourage station use and compliance. The tribe also co-owns with the North Central Solid Waste Authority with nearby county and city governments, which offers solid waste services for its customers.

Info: Ohkay Owingeh Environmental Affairs, (505)852-4212. To view the full EPA/Interior report, visit: www.doioig.gov/upload/2007-G-0020.pdf.