Welcome to Taos Soil & Water Conservation District
The Taos SWCD Office is located at 220 Chamisa Road in Taos, NM
Click Address above or Icon at right to open location in Maps
Hours Of Operation | Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Excluding observed legal holidays.
Regular District Board Meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month in the Taos SWCD conference room. The meetings begin at 9:00 a.m.
Taos Soil & Water Conservation District is a member of the New Mexico Acequia Association, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Conservation District Employees, Northern Rio Grande Resource Conservation & Development Council and the National Association of Conservation Districts.
TSWCD Mission Statement
Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) serves the citizens and landowners of Taos County by promoting the wise use of land, water and natural resources.
In order to accomplish this mission, the District gathers available technical, financial and educational resources and focuses or coordinates them so that they meet the needs of the local populace. Taos SWCD is committed to a productive and sustainable environment for present and future generations.
Vision
Be the conservation authority for Taos County by providing outstanding programs and services leading to the use of all natural resources in a well thought out, sustainable way.
TSWCD Annual Report
Taos Soil & Water Conservation District Board
Maureen Johnson
Maureen Johnson, B.S. in Range Science, Chair of the Taos SWCD Board and second-generation rancher, has served northern Taos County since 1996, advocating for sustainable rangeland practices and conservation.
Biography
Chair of the Taos SWCD Board and Advocate for Sustainable Rangeland Practices.
Maureen Johnson has served on the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board since 1996 and is the current Chair, representing northern Taos County from her home in Costilla, where she lives with her husband, Steve.
A second-generation rancher, she was inspired by her father, Norman Gwinn, who served on the SWCD Board for two decades. That legacy, combined with her education in Range Science at New Mexico State University and training at the Alan Savory holistic range management school, shaped her commitment to sustainable rangeland practices and conservation.
As a mother of two, Maureen values passing on stewardship to future generations. She is an active advocate for collaboration among landowners, ranchers, and conservationists, promoting holistic management and responsible grazing. With decades of leadership, she remains a respected voice for the protection of Taos County’s natural resources.
George Long
George Long, B.S. in Range and Forest Management, retired Wildlife Biologist for the Carson National Forest, focused on habitat and species protection, earning the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award and Radical Center Award.
Biography
George Long has dedicated his career to environmental and wildlife management, leaving an indelible mark through decades of service. His career culminated in retirement from the Forest Service in June 2022 after serving as a Wildlife Biologist for the Questa Ranger District on the Carson National Forest. In this role, he undertook diverse responsibilities, including serving as Acting District Forest Ranger, supervising staff, coordinating watershed restoration partnerships, and overseeing Federal grants.
He focused on implementing wildlife and watershed programs, restoring habitats for aquatic and wetland species in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, and designing mitigation measures to protect endangered species habitats from the impacts of urban, recreational, and wilderness activities.
From 2008 to 2010, Long collaborated with USDA Forest Service Regional Office staff on historic mine waste cleanup projects under CERCLA authority. He developed restoration specifications to mitigate hazardous materials and acted as Contracting Officer Representative to ensure contractor compliance. Earlier, from 1978 to 1988, he served as a Surface Reclamation Specialist with the Bureau of Land Management in Northwest Colorado, where he managed resource extraction infrastructure and designed mitigation measures for gas field and oil shale development in the Piceance Basin.
Long’s work has earned numerous accolades, including the Radical Center Award for Civil Service (2011) and the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award (1999) for his contributions to native trout habitat restoration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Range and Forest Management from Colorado State University and pursued graduate studies in Wildlife Sciences at the University of Arizona.
Greg Miller
Greg Miller, B.S. in Agriculture/Soil Science, At-Large Board member for Taos SWCD, brings 43 years of Forest Service experience and a strong personal commitment to watershed and forest conservation.
Biography
Greg Miller was appointed as an At-Large Board member in February 2025. He lives in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife, Valerie, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren amid the region’s unique cultural and natural beauty.
Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/Soil Science from the University of Arizona in 1980 and spent 43 years with the Forest Service in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon. He specialized in watershed management, post-fire resource assessments, and treatments to reduce flooding and erosion.
In Taos County, Greg collaborated on projects to improve forest health and resiliency, including riparian and wetland restoration, while addressing community and cultural needs for equitable forest access. As a Board member, Greg continues to serve the community, using his expertise and passion for sustainable solutions to help preserve Taos County’s natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.
Andy Martinez
Andy Martinez, At-Large Board member for Taos SWCD since 2013, is a rancher, and farmer from Llano Largo near Peñasco, representing southern Taos County and Mayordomo of Santa Bárbara Acequia.
Biography
Mr. Martinez won election to the Taos SWCD Board of Supervisors in May of 2013. He resides in Llano Largo near Penasco and represents the southern areas of Taos County (Zone 4). Andy is both a lifetime contractor and metal fabricator and was born and raised in the Penasco area.
Mr. Martinez is committed to representing southern Taos County residents on the Taos SWCD Board. Andy is both a rancher and farmer, and is an avid supporter of the Acequia Program and served as Mayordomo of the Santa Barbara Acequia for over 20 years.
Sam DesGeorges
Sam DesGeorges, B.S. in Wildlife Management from NMSU, retired BLM Field Manager, is a conservation leader in Taos County, serving on acequia and wilderness boards and managing family farms.
Biography
Sam DesGeorges, brings a lifetime of expertise and passion to his work. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from New Mexico State University, laying the foundation for a career devoted to stewardship of Taos County’s natural resources.
Sam served as Field Manager for the Taos Office of the Bureau of Land Management until his retirement in 2015. Among his accomplishments, he oversaw the designation of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, reflecting his commitment to preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
In retirement, he serves on the board of AA-CT, as President of the Taos Valley Acequia Association, President of the Acequia Madre del Rio Grande del Rancho commission, and on the board of New Mexico Wild, advocating for the protection of New Mexico’s wilderness. He also manages two family farm properties.
Mary Lane Leslie
Mrs. Leslie, Taos SWCD Board member since 2014 and retired Taos County Attorney, is a lawyer, land conservation advocate, and community leader in northern New Mexico.
Biography
Mrs. Leslie, has served on the Taos SWCD Board since 2014, and resides with her husband Doug at their home north of Taos. Raised in Lubbock, Texas, Mrs. Leslie grew up surrounded by farms and ranches that instilled in her a deep connection to the land and its stewardship. She practiced law for 46 years, including as a Taos County Attorney, and now manages her own private law practice, Leslie Law, P.C., which she currently manages full-time again. she is semi-retired as of this February of 2025. Beyond law, she has served on boards like the Taos Land Trust and Empty Bowls Project, and is developing 120 eco-friendly homes to address workforce housing needs.
She and her husband Doug live north of Taos, care for her 2 cats and a dog, and enjoy family life with stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through her legal career, community service, and conservation work, Mrs. Leslie continues to make a lasting impact in northern New Mexico.
Stephen Trujillo
Stephen Trujillo, Ranchitos native, has served on the Taos SWCD Board since 2006 (Vice-Chair), the Taos Valley Acequia Assoc. since 2007 (Treasurer), and has had a banking career since 1983.
Biography
Stephen Trujillo, has served on the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board since 2006 as Vice-Chair and at-large representative for all of Taos County.
A lifelong resident of Ranchitos near Taos, he lives with his wife, Dianna, and has built a distinguished 42-year career in banking. He has also served on the Boards of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, supporting local businesses, and the Taos Land Trust, promoting responsible land stewardship.
Since 2007, he has been an active member of the Taos Valley Acequia Association Board, serving as Treasurer for 16 years. A tireless community advocate, Stephen’s work reflects collaboration, integrity, and stewardship, shaping a sustainable and thriving future for Taos County.
Taos Soil & Water Conservation District Staff
Peter Vigil
Born and raised in Taos, New Mexico, Peter Vigil graduated from Taos High School in 1984 and earned a Physics degree from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1989. He has served as District Manager of the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District since 2000 and was honored in 2017 with the National Outstanding Conservation District Professional Award. Vigil has also led statewide and national conservation efforts, including serving on the National Conservation Employee Association Board (2005–2010) and several task forces for the National Association of Conservation Districts (2010–2015).
Biography
Born and raised in Taos, New Mexico, Peter Vigil developed a lifelong connection to the land and community. After graduating from Taos High School in 1984, he earned a Physics degree from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1989. His education, paired with certifications in natural resource conservation, has made him a respected advocate for land and water stewardship.
Peter’s roots remain firmly planted in his family’s farm between the Rio Fernando and Rio Pueblo. Dedicated to preserving local agricultural and water traditions, he served as treasurer and later president of the San Francisco de Pauda Ditch in Ranchitos. As a board member of the Taos Valley Acequia Association, he played a key role in the Abeyta adjudication settlement with Taos Pueblo, protecting water rights and acequia heritage.
For 25 years, Peter has been District Manager of the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District, championing acequia groups across Taos County. He has guided them in project design and funding, securing resources from the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission’s Acequias Construction Programs to maintain and improve vital water systems.
Peter’s influence extends statewide and nationally. He served on the New Mexico Acequia Infrastructure Task Force in the early 2000s, represented the Southwest region on the National Conservation Employee Association Board (2005–2010), and contributed to the Natural Resources Policy Group, Public Lands Policy Group, and Tribal Outreach and Climate Change Task Forces for the National Association of Conservation Districts (2010–2015).
In 2017, his peers honored him with the National Outstanding Conservation District Professional Award for his exceptional service and leadership.
Since 2007, Peter has been president of the New Mexico Envirothon, inspiring students to explore environmental science and conservation careers. His commitment reflects a belief in empowering future generations to protect natural resources.
Peter Vigil’s career stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to conservation, community, and culture. Through advocacy, leadership, and mentorship, he has shaped policies, supported local traditions, and fostered a sustainable future for Taos County and beyond.
Tanya Duncan
Mrs. Duncan, a native of Taos, joined the staff of the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District in November 2013. She resides in Des Montes with her husband Subra and their two children. Mrs. Duncan holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management with additional courses in GIS, Accounting, Marketing and Design. Before returning to Taos, she ran her own retail business in Burlington, Vermont. Mrs. Duncan previously worked at the for 17 years Taos Land Trust (most recently as Director of Land Conservation) where her responsibilities included managing all aspects of their land projects and GIS mapping.
Biography
Tanya Duncan was born in Taos and split her childhood between Taos and Amherst, Massachusetts. She graduated from Amherst High School and earned degrees in Business Management and Marketing from Holyoke Community College. Additionally, Tanya holds certifications in advanced GIS, website coding, Quickbooks, government procurement, contracting for construction services, human resource management and CPR. Mrs. Duncan has also taken intensive Spanish courses from Escuela de Idiomas Falcon in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Tanya’s professional journey began in Burlington, Vermont, where she operated her own retail business for four years. In 1996, she returned to Taos and spent the following 17 years at the Taos Land Trust, (most recently as Director of Land Conservation). At TLT, she specialized in negotiating and drafting conservation easements, preparing baseline documentation reports, performing annual monitoring of existing projects, and GIS projects. In 2013, she joined the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District where she currently serves as Assistant District Manager and Chief Procurement Officer (since 2015).
Residing in Des Montes with her husband Subra and their two children, Tanya balances her impactful career with an active personal life. She enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her pets. Her life reflects dedication to her community, professional growth, and a profound connection to the natural world. Tanya Duncan’s journey embodies a harmonious blend of excellence and fulfillment.
Veronice Cortez
Veronice Cortez, born in El Prado, NM, lives in Ranchos de Taos with her husband. A 2018 Taos High graduate, she joined Taos SWCD in 2024, holding three associate degrees and a wellness certificate.
Biography
Veronice Cortez was born and raised in El Prado, NM and currently lives in Ranchos de Taos with her husband Santiago. She grew up cleaning the acequia and bailing alfalfa with her father, Jeffrey Quintana and has a passion for the outdoors. With a lifelong desire for hunting, fishing, and camping, she is enthusiastic about fostering a love for nature in others and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
Mrs. Cortez is a 2018 graduate of Taos High. She holds three Associates: Integrated Studies, Liberal Arts, Pre- Health Sciences and a certificate in Health Wellness and Public Safety. She joined Taos SWCD in 2024 and brings with her an excellent skill set from the New Mexico Department of Justice and a strong desire to serve her community with her administrative experience.
Manuel Gutierrez
Mr. Gutierrez, born and raised in Taos, NM, joined Taos SWCD in 2021. A UNM graduate and former BLM Wildlife Technician, he now supports acequia projects as TSWCD Acequia Program Specialist.
Biography
Mr. Gutierrez was born and raised in Taos, NM where he first learned about Acequias helping his grandparents irrigate their small orchard off the (Acequia Abajo De La Loma).
He graduated from Taos High school in 2013. He continued his educational pursuits graduating from UNM in 2017. Shortly after he worked for the Bureau of Land Management as a Contracted Wildlife Technician gaining experience with installations of wildlife drinkers and wildlife fencing.
Mr. Gutierrez then joined the staff of Taos SWCD in April 2021 to assist cooperators in the Acequia Program with surveying, drafting, designing, and implementing acequia infrastructure projects.
Manuel’s passion is hunting and fishing, which he loves to enjoy with his family and friends. Working with Taos SWCD is not only benefiting the land it’s also benefiting his passion by Conserving water and benefiting our future!
Elisa Hardy
Elisa Hardy, from Cañon City, CO, holds degrees in Outdoor Education, Recreation Leadership, and Natural Resource Management, and is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Geology and Water Resources.
Biography
Elisa Hardy is originally from Cañon City, Colorado, a small agricultural community along the Arkansas River. She holds an A.A. in Outdoor Education and an A.A. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership from Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, Colorado, as well as an A.S. in Natural Resource Management from the University of New Mexico. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Geology and Water Resources at New Mexico Highlands University.
Growing up in a river community, Elisa developed a deep appreciation for water resources from a young age. She understands that water is the lifeblood of every community and holds particular significance in regions where agricultural traditions remain strong. Elisa is committed to protecting and preserving Taos’ valuable water resources for current and future generations.
Mikhial Parison
Mikhial Parison, raised on a farm in Wakefield, NH, now lives in Taos, NM. He is pursuing a B.S. in Natural Resource Management at New Mexico Highlands University, with skills in plants and invasive species.
Biography
Mikhial Parison grew up on a small farm in Wakefield, New Hampshire, developing a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to sustainability. Now residing in Taos, New Mexico, he balances family life with his dedication to natural resource management, drawing inspiration from the region’s landscapes through activities like hiking and gardening.
Mikhial is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management at New Mexico Highlands University, building on an Associate of Science degree. His professional skills include plant cultivation, sustainable timber harvest, and invasive species management, all aimed at ecological preservation.
Mikhial is motivated by a legacy mindset, striving to leave a thriving environment for future generations. He actively promotes land stewardship and agricultural self-reliance within his community, reflecting a seamless integration of purpose, place, and principle as a dedicated steward of the land.
Grace Powell
Grace Powell, cares for a farm in Des Montes, holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon and a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University.
Biography
Grace Powell was born and raised on a farm in Oregon, where she developed a lifelong connection to land, community, and natural resources. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon and a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University. She also holds a Candidate Certified Foresters License from the Society of American Foresters.
Grace is currently involved in collaborative research with Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), focusing on ecological restoration and forest health. At Taos Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), she leads the Forest Health Program, GIS initiatives, provides program support, and coordinates the district’s student forest monitoring teams.
With a deep commitment to ecology, land stewardship, and sustaining working lands, Grace is dedicated to supporting growers and communities across northern New Mexico. Outside of work, she enjoys running mountain trails with her dog, and taking care of her small farm in Des Montes.
Angeles Ribeiro
Angeles Ribeiro, raised in Taos, NM, she’s pursuing a B.S. in Forestry Management. Gained prior experience in conservation by working through YCC at Taos Land Trust.
Biography
Raised in Taos, New Mexico, Angeles Ribeiro is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Forestry Management. She brings hands-on experience from her two years with the Taos Land Trust, where she contributed to various agriculture and land restoration projects.
Angeles’s passion for gardening and exploring the outdoors reflects her deep-rooted connection to the land. In 2024, she joined the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District as an intern, where she now offers support as a Program Associate at the district.
Bruce Trujillo
Mr. Trujillo, a Taos Pueblo native, joined Taos SWCD in February 2015. He has 20 years of experience in landscape architecture, working with multiple firms on award-winning projects and design standards.
Biography
Mr. Trujillo, a native of the Taos Pueblo Tribe, joined the staff of Taos Soil and Water Conservation District in February 2015. Mr. Trujillo has 20 years of experience in the realm of Landscape Architecture. His progression has taken him through several Architectural and Landscape Architecture Planning firms.
He has a long list of project experiences and has been a team player in many award-winning designs. He has been instrumental in creating design guidelines and CAD graphics standards, enhancing workflow and production. He is a graduate of the former Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute in Architectural Design/Technology.
Tyler Zander
Tyler Zander, grew up in North Dakota, earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University, and worked in conservation, wildfire management, and small-scale farming in the Southwest.
Biography
Tyler Zander manages the Healthy Soils and Noxious Weed Programs for the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District, helping Taos County landowners improve soil health and control invasive species.
Born and raised in North Dakota, he earned a degree in History from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. His path led him to the Southwest, where he worked with a conservation corps, fought wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service, and farmed small-scale fruit and vegetable crops building hands-on experience in land restoration and resource management.
Now living in Los Cordovas, Tyler is constructing an adobe home using traditional, sustainable methods that reflect his ecological values. His work and lifestyle both center on conservation, stewardship, and supporting communities in caring for the land that sustains them.
Taos Soil & Water Conservation District Program Contractors
J. R. Logan
J.R. Logan’s work is focused on enhancing community involvement in forest management in order to promote the cultural, economic and ecological health of the region.
Biography
His work is focused on enhancing community involvement in forest management in order to promote the cultural, economic and ecological health of the region. J.R. has led the Taos Valley Watershed Coalition and Tres Rios Watershed Coalition since 2018, and he was instrumental in the development of community-based forestry projects in partnership with local acequias, land grants, and the Carson National Forest.
Jacob Beechler
Jacob Beechler’s primary role involves assisting landowners, farmers, and ranchers with wildlife conflicts. TSWCD cost-share with USDA so that he’s a resource available for Taos County landowners.
Biography
Mr. Beechler has worked with the USDA for 12 years as a wildlife technician, serving Taos County since April 2022. His primary role involves assisting landowners, farmers, and ranchers with wildlife conflicts. He also supports pesticide sales in the region.
Notable projects include collaboration with the Taos School District to rehabilitate sports fields damaged by prairie dogs, as well as ongoing wildlife control services across the county. Mr. Beechler holds a degree in biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a licensed pesticide salesman.
His mission is to protect property and livestock while supporting the people of Taos County with practical wildlife solutions.
Taos SWCD cost-share with USDA so that resource is available for Taos County landowners.
Jack Carpenter
Mr. Carpenter has worked with Taos SWCD on our Forest Health program since 2018. Jack advocates for a healthy forest and a sustainable approach to forest management.
Biography
Mr. Carpenter has worked with Taos SWCD on our Forest Health program since 2018.
He is a retired forester having worked in Costa Rica, northern Arizona, and on the Carson National Forest for 51 years. He retired from the Carson National Forest after nearly 33 years. He is a Certified Forester certified by the Society of American Forester of which he is a 50 plus year member.
He has experience as a consulting forester since 2018, Carpenter Forestry Consulting, LLC, in Forest Management Planning and has completed several land management plans and damage assessments for private land owners in Taos and Rio Arriba Counties. This is in addition to working with many landowners in Taos County to improve forest health and reduce wildfire hazards on private lands.
He also holds a contract with the New Mexico Department of Energy and Minerals, Forestry Division as a Contract Forest Inspector. He has been a visiting forester on the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Jack advocates for a healthy forest and a sustainable approach to forest management.
Danny Ruiz
Danny Ruiz business specialties are engineering, designing and managing from start to finish small construction projects such as acequia projects. He likes to be of service to the people of his community.
Biography
Danny Ruiz came to Taos NM in 1976. He was a Soil Conservationist Technician for NRCS for 31 years before he retired in 2006, and began contracting his services to TSWCD in 2007.
His business specialties are engineering, designing and managing from start to finish small construction projects such as acequia projects. He likes to work on group acequia projects, because then he is helping many landowners at once.
A recent project he liked working on was the Rio Costilla Ditch Association Acequia project. He values getting people together, helping them and getting water to the land. His business operates out of Taos. He has an adorable dog named Guinness.
Ray Corral
Ray Corral works with us through U.S. Forest Service?
Biography
Coca Ruiz came to Taos NM in 1976. He was a Soil Conservationist Technician for NRCS for 31 years before he retired in 2006, and began contracting his services to TSWCD in 2007.
His business specialties are engineering, designing and managing from start to finish small construction projects such as acequia projects. He likes to work on group acequia projects, because then he is helping many landowners at once.
A recent project he liked working on was the Rio Costilla Ditch Association Acequia project. He values getting people together, helping them and getting water to the land. His business operates out of Taos. He has an adorable dog named Guinness.
Taos Valley Acequia Association
Founded in 1989 as a 501(c)(3), the Taos Valley Acequia Association has a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of the traditional agricultural communities of the Taos Valley.
Biography
The Taos Valley Acequia Association (TVAA) has partnered with the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District since 1996, but officially began contract work since 2010, working together to protect and enhance the acequia traditions, agricultural sustainability, and watershed health of the Taos Valley.
Established in 1989, TVAA brings over three decades of expertise in water rights assistance, acequia governance, education, and implementation of the Taos Valley Settlement and Adjudication.
Our work includes supporting acequia commissioners and parciantes with documentation, compliance, and access to resources; delivering community education on acequia stewardship and water resilience; and advancing collaborative soil and watershed restoration efforts.
TVAA’s mission is rooted in cultural stewardship, water justice, and ecological resilience, values we share with TSWCD.
Open Positions at TSWCD
Employment Applications
Completed applications can be emailed to info@tswcd.org, faxed to (575) 751-9253 or mailed to Taos SWCD, 220 Chamisa Road, Taos, NM 87571.
Sample Position
Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 2pm
Summer Internship Positions
Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2pm