This master plan provides a framework and recommendations for long-term management, outreach and funding for the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed. The plan addresses four areas critical to the maintenance of the watershed:

1. vegetation management and fire use;
2. water management;
3. public awareness and outreach; and
4. financial management based on Payment for Ecosystem Services.

The cost to retain the restored forest condition is estimated at $4.3 million, an average of $200,000 per year. In contrast, the avoided cost that would result from a 7,000 acre fire in the watershed is estimated at $22 million. The likelihood of such a fire is 1 in 5 in any given year.