The Hurley Town Council has approved resolutions authorizing applications for additional funding for a decades-long regional water project aimed at improving water security in the Mining District and throughout Grant County. Funding from the New Mexico Unit Fund would be provided as a 100 percent grant and would help complete the remaining design work for the regional system, as well as assist Hurley in completing a well using water rights donated by Freeport-McMoRan. The larger project is expected to create a secondary water source connecting communities from Hurley to Tyrone and address longstanding water challenges in communities including Hanover.
Deming High School’s FFA program continues to build a reputation as a leader in agricultural education and agri-science. The program has grown to more than 60 students between Deming High School and Red Mountain Middle School and has earned recognition for award-winning projects and student competition success. Students in the program develop skills in agricultural science, public speaking, leadership and career preparation, with opportunities to compete at the state and national levels. The program’s growth also comes as DHS agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Austin Polk was recently named New Mexico Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year.
Catron County ranchers have access to expanded financial assistance for livestock losses connected to Mexican wolf activity through the County Livestock Loss Authority. The authority, created by Catron, Sierra and Socorro counties, was established to provide more timely and complete compensation for livestock producers affected by wolf depredation and presence. The program can compensate for confirmed or probable livestock losses and also provides assistance for indirect damages and conflict-avoidance measures. For more information and to apply for assistance, visit website.
In other news:
The U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation have launched the first National Forests and Grasslands Passport, a free digital program designed to encourage visitors to explore America’s public lands. Available through the OuterSpatial mobile app, users can check in at national forests and grasslands and earn commemorative digital badges for their visits. The program includes all 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, including opportunities for visitors to the Gila National Forest to add their local adventures to the nationwide digital passport. Users can also track past visits and build a collection of badges as they explore more of the country’s public lands.
