New Mexico issues 10-year plan for boosting forest health
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYANApril 13, 2021 GMT
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Restoring forests, using fire as a management tool and getting more buy-in from private land owners are among the strategies outlined in New Mexico’s latest forest action plan.
The state Forestry Division released the plan Monday. The federal government requires each state to update the plans every decade.
The latest version identifies areas that are priorities based on wildfire risks and their importance as sources for water. It also includes steps for how New Mexico can work with the federal government and other groups as part of a shared stewardship initiative.
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Apr. 11—SANTA FE, N.M. — One home has burned and others are threatened Saturday night as firefighters work to suppress two bosque fires along the Rio Chama in Abiquiu. Wendy Mason, with the state Forestry Division, said the Rio Fire is burning near U.S. 84 and the 140 Fire is burning near County Road 140. She said the fires are two miles apart, and the Rio Fire is around 5 acres, while the 140 .
(Press File Photo by Geoffrey Plant)
Forest Service personnel light the Elks Pasture prescribed burn in June 2019 in the Gila National Forest. If passed, a bill making its way through the state Legislature would enable landowners to conduct more prescribed burns on private property. “We need to use fire where we can to manage our resources and help protect communities,” said Punky Moore, fire communications specialist for the Southwestern Region of the Forest Service. “Proper coordination and communication could lead to a comprehensive approach to treat the landscape. In many places the fuel condition is similar on both sides of the fence and working with local landowners would benefit both parties.”
A small section of the Billy Creek Access Road will possibly be realigned in the near future, after the Johnson County Commission voted to approve a letter of support for the project.
Commission Chair Bill Novotny gave an overview of the issue facing the county and various other entities concerning the road.
Kelly Norris, District Forester with the Wyoming State Forestry Division, explained the scope of the proposed project, which will move a section of the road from private lands and also realign and straighten the road, moving it onto US Forest Service lands in that section.
Norris explained what the State Forestry Division is seeking from the county.