LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) — New Mexico lawmakers and conservation groups took to the skies for a closer look at the state's land and water this week, touring rivers, reservoirs, and forested areas to see how drought and climate are shaping the state’s future conservation priorities.

The flight, organized by the nonprofit EcoFlight, gave participants a bird’s-eye view of how changing conditions are affecting waterways and public lands.

Elephant Butte Reservoir currently sits at just over 3 percent capacity, one of its lowest levels in years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. For some lawmakers, it stood as a stark reminder of the state’s ongoing water challenges.

“This was a way for us to be able to really see the impacts of not having water management control,” said state

See Full Page