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Approving Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority for a Lawn to Desert Friendly Xeriscape Conversion Rebate Program/ NM Backyard Refuge Collaboration
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The Backyard Refuge Program is a community-based conservation initiative that encourages residents to provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and other native species. Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD) administers the NM Backyard Refuge Program.
Under the MOU, the two programs will collaborate on outreach and education, and the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) will provide a $50 reimbursement to Water Authority customers who complete both the Backyard Refuge certification and the existing xeriscape conversion rebate program. This reimbursement is intended to offset the Backyard Refuge certification fee and is tied to participation in the existing xeriscape rebate program. The CSWCD will update its plant and tree brochure for its Backyard Refuge Program to include icons identifying trees eligible for the Water Authority’s Treebate rebate. This collaboration aligns with the Water Authority’s conservation objectives and supports Policy J of Water 2120, which calls for environmentally conscious water resource development and protection of community environmental values.
The MOU does not create new regulatory obligations, capital commitments, or staffing requirements. This is intended to be a pilot program to judge efficacy of promotion of Water Authority conservation goals with assistance of NM Backyard Refuge. The proposed term of the MOU extends through December 31, 2028.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None all costs will be covered under the current Water Conservation Program rebate budget.