A coalition of state and local organizations is working on a long-term plan to conserve the San Luis Valley’s water and lands while strengthening the region’s economy and communities. The San Luis Valley Conservation and Legacy Project is focused on safeguarding water in the Rio Grande and the region’s groundwater aquifers. One option under consideration would pay farmers to leave water in the river and its tributaries, supporting riverbank habitats as well as wildlife, fishing and agriculture. At a recent gathering, local and state leaders also discussed ways to support outdoor recreation and build a stronger regional identity. The effort’s goals include attracting visitors without adding pressure from wildfire risk, litter or demands on search-and-rescue teams. A report from the project’s first meeting says potential initiatives should be led locally, serve multiple purposes and sustain the existing workforce and economy through living wages, stable employment and food security. One example is rebuilding levees in ways that improve flood protection while allowing access to the river. The report also urges participants to protect existing assets at risk rather than focus only on new concepts. It cites funding and staffing constraints facing federal agencies that manage public lands and says coordination among the valley’s six counties, nonprofits, institutions and other existing organizations will be important. Possible projects include improvements to recreation hubs, feasibility studies and efforts to secure funding for repairs to critical levees. The project’s next meeting is planned for November, when participants are expected to refine how funding requests will be made and discuss possible regional effects of a state ballot measure proposing to direct some sales-tax revenue from sporting-goods sales and rentals to conservation. The planning effort links conservation with the valley’s economic future: its priorities include maintaining water and healthy river corridors while supporting agriculture, recreation and the communities that depend on them.