RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, N.M. — Rafting and angler guides are predicting a good season for Rio Grande tourism in New Mexico thanks to strong runoff generated by a good snowmelt this year. A healthy snow patch this winter is feeding the Rio Grande with much-needed water after long dry spells stemming from drought, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports . So do anglers, who expect a good summer of fishing even though the Rio Grande is still moving too high and fast for them to start casting their lines. In addition to tourism, strong runoff is predicted to help the ecosystem around the river and its banks. University of New Mexico biology researcher Rebecca Bixby said the increased flow will help the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow lay eggs and spawn.

Source: National Post May 12, 2019 15:33 UTC