ACA Instructor of the Month - June 2020

The June 2020 Instructor of the Month is Robert Levin, the New Mexico ACA State Director!

Robert and other New Mexico ACA members and Instructors have been hard at work to help facilitate paddlesports instruction and stewardship.

Recently, Robert, Norm Guame, and the other ACA representatives have been working to protect their local resources. Norm has tirelessly worked on issues such as the Gila River and has taken a leading role on the fight over ‘Stream Access,’ both of which are state policy initiatives.

In the early fall of 2018, NM representatives identified three policy initiatives - two of which have since taken on lives of their own.

• Rio Grande del Norte in cooperation with Rio Grande Restoration
• The Gila River in cooperation with the Gila Coalition
• Privatization of streams and rivers or what is now known as ‘The Stream Access Issue’

To their surprise, ‘Stream Access’ was picked up by the media: The Guardian and Fox news. This issue has united a vast number of people and organizations and is a great example of how coalition and teamwork can help garner a larger following and bring attention to paddlers' rights.

To show the progress that has been made to help protect stream access, there now is a Writ of Mandamus before the State Supreme Court, Amicus Brief’s filed by two US Senators in support of the Mandamus action, and a vast coalition made up of American Whitewater, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, New Mexico Wild, New Mexico River Outfitters and Guides Association, and many individuals who have offered their help, expertise, donations, and support.

Robert says, “I learn new things every time I’m on or near the water.  In the instructional setting my favorite role is the demonstrator.  Whereas I love coastal boating especially when I can disappear on an expedition to Central America or the Gulf Coast, I participate in almost all forms of paddle sports, sharing that passion with others so hopefully, we are all a little safer on our journeys.”

Robert, thank you for your contribution to New Mexico as a State Director, paddlesports instructor, and stewardship initiatives!