Gabe Vasquez: “This week, I join dozens of communities across the Nation that are celebrating the 10th annual Latino Conservation Week.…”

“This week, I join dozens of communities across the Nation that are celebrating the 10th annual Latino Conservation Week. Today, I want to take the time to honor a remarkable leader and Hispanic conservation pioneer of New Mexico, Mr. Kent Salazar. Kent has made it his life's mission to ensure those places that are so special to us in New Mexico and across the West are conserved and accessible to all. The Honorable Kent Salazar made an impact as the director of environmental health for the city of Albuquerque, serving on the New Mexico Climate Change Task Force, as president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, as chair of the National Wildlife Federation, and was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the Valles Caldera National Trust. Kent also founded Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors, or HECHO, a testament to his leadership in creating diversity in the outdoors. More importantly, Kent is a friend to all New Mexicans, a fearless champion of diversity, an accomplished hunter and outdoorsman, and one of my very good friends, someone who opened doors for me and so many others. I thank Kent for what he has done for our State and for young conservationists like myself. His work will have a lasting impact for generations. May we carry his spirit forward with the same passion and commitment that has defined his extraordinary life. ``Muchas gracias,'' ``Thank you very much.'' ____________________”